Places to Stay With a Pool in Brighton

What's on offer

BritStays currently lists six places to stay with a swimming pool in the Brighton area. All six are also described as near a train station, which helps if you'd rather leave the car at home or want easy day trips. Beyond the pool, the facilities vary:

• Four of the six have WiFi, a gym and a restaurant.
• Three have a spa, three have parking and three have disabled access.
• The mix is three hotels, two camping options and one caravanning stay.

A pool doesn't always mean the same kind of holiday. A spa hotel, a campsite and a caravan stay all suit different trips, so it's worth deciding what kind of break you want before comparing individual listings.

Brighton, Crawley or Uckfield?

The six stays sit in three places. Brighton has three, Crawley has two and Uckfield has one.

Brighton is the choice if you want the seaside city itself, with Brighton Palace Pier and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum on your doorstep. It also has the widest range of stays. Harbour Hotel offers a pool, gym and spa. Beach Park has a pool, gym and restaurant. Bluebell Camp Site keeps things simpler, with a pool, cafe and toilets.

Crawley has two hotels with Gatwick in their names: Europa Gatwick Hotel, with a pool, gym and spa, and Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel, with a pool, gym and bar. They're a practical option if you're flying, or if you want a base for the gardens and houses to the north, such as NT Nymans Gardens and Standen.

Uckfield has Wowo Campsite, the most countryside-feeling option in this set. It lists a pool, spa and evening entertainment.

Matching the stay to your trip

Families may like Wowo Campsite. Its evening entertainment gives you something beyond the pool once the day's outings are done. Bluebell Camp Site in Brighton is another relaxed, outdoor-style choice, and its on-site cafe is handy with children in tow.

Couples looking for a quieter break will probably lean towards the stays with a spa: Harbour Hotel in Brighton, Europa Gatwick Hotel in Crawley or Wowo Campsite if you'd prefer the countryside to the city.

Dog owners should note that none of the six listings here show dog-friendly facilities. That doesn't necessarily mean dogs are turned away, but you'll need to contact the stay directly and get any permission confirmed in writing before you book.

Accessibility matters too. Only three of the six list disabled access, so check each listing carefully. Ask about the pool area specifically, as well as rooms and entrances.

What to do once you're there

For heritage, Lewes Castle is a good half-day out. There are also several stately homes in the area, including Newtimber Place, Swanborough Manor and Plumpton Place.

If you like literary and artistic history, pair Monk's House (National Trust) with Charleston House.

Garden lovers have NT Nymans Gardens and Standen. Both work well for a morning before a swim back at your base.

Back in Brighton, the Palace Pier and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum are easy wins with children.

Some of the attractions on BritStays' nearby list are further afield. Bognor Regis Museum, Haslemere Educational Museum and Cowdray Model Farm are listed under Chichester, and Guildford Lido is in Surrey. Plan travel time before promising anyone a lido day.

When and how to book

With only six pool stays in the area, choice is limited. The three Brighton options will likely go first around school holidays and summer weekends, so book early if your dates are fixed.

Before you pay, check a few things directly with the stay:

• That the pool will be open on your dates. Pools at campsites and caravan parks in particular may not open year-round.
• Whether the pool has set family or adult-only sessions.
• Whether spa or gym use is included or charged separately.
• Whether parking is available. Only three of the six list it.

Because every stay here is described as near a train station, coming by rail is a realistic option. Even so, confirm the station walk or taxi arrangements, especially if you're carrying camping gear.