A hot tub makes the most sense when it’s cold outside. Steam rising off the water, frost on the deck, stars overhead and a warm cottage a few steps away: that’s why winter is the busiest time of year for hot tub breaks in the UK. Here’s how to plan one well.
Why winter suits a hot tub
The contrast. Sitting in 38°C water with cold air on your face is the whole appeal, and it works best between November and March.
Dark skies. Long nights mean stargazing from the tub before dinner. Quiet places away from towns, like the western Lake District or Bodmin Moor, are best on clear nights.
Quieter places. Outside Christmas and New Year, the Lake District, Cornwall and the countryside are much calmer than in summer, and prices for many cottages and huts drop.
Where to go
- The Lake District. Snow on the fells, open fires in the pubs and a long list of hot tub stays in the Lake District, from Bowness hotels with tubs on the balcony to huts near Wasdale.
- Cornwall. Mild, stormy and dramatic in winter, with big seas on the north coast. See hot tub breaks in Cornwall.
- Essex. Easy to reach from London for a short winter break, with country cottages and shepherd’s huts. See hot tub breaks in Essex.
- Somewhere with a view. A tub looking over the sea or the fells is at its best on a crisp morning. Browse hot tubs with a view.
Booking Christmas and New Year
- Book early. Places for two with their own tub go first, often months ahead. Lodges and big houses for New Year go even earlier.
- Expect minimum stays. Many cottages and lodges only take three- or four-night bookings over Christmas and New Year, and some set fixed arrival days.
- Check what’s open. Village pubs and shops may close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so plan food and stock up before you arrive.
- Ask about the tub in a freeze. Most hot tubs run all winter, but a few owners drain them in a hard frost. A quick message before you book saves disappointment.
Wood-fired tubs in winter
A wood-fired hot tub takes longer to heat when it’s cold, sometimes three hours or more. Light it early in the afternoon, keep the lid on while it warms and feed the stove while you’re in. Ask whether logs are included: at Kilden Hut near Truro a basket comes with the stay, while at Gin and Toffee Carriage near Thaxted the tub isn’t lit before you arrive.
Staying comfortable and safe
- Keep the lid on between soaks so the water stays hot.
- Mind the deck. Decking and steps get slippery with frost. Wear sliders between the door and the tub.
- Keep a dressing gown and towel within reach so you’re not walking back in the cold.
- Drink water and go easy on alcohol: hot water and cold air together can leave you dizzy.
- Get out if you feel faint, and limit soaks to around 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Find a winter hot tub break
For a romantic winter break where nobody else uses the tub, start with hot tub breaks for couples. For a log-cabin feel, try lodges with hot tubs, or for a hotel with dinner and a tub in the room, see hotels with a hot tub in the room. Every stay is stamped private or shared, so you know who else might be in the water.