Best Hotels in Cambridge with a Pool
A comprehensive guide to Cambridge Hotels with a pool.
Looking for a hotel in Cambridge with a pool? For a popular international city that sees over 7.6 million visitors a year, it can be surprisingly hard to find hotels in Cambridge with a pool. As a Cambridge resident for over 30 years, I’ve put together this guide to save you time and make your search easier.
Included are eight hotels with a swimming pool, all of which would be a great option for a stay in historic Cambridge.
Ready to find the best hotels in Cambridge with a pool? Let’s get straight to it so you can get on with booking one of these great four star hotels in Cambridge.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
Short on Time? 2 Top Picks for Hotels in Cambridge with a Pool
In a hurry with no time to read the whole article? Here are two of the best hotels in Cambridge with a swimming pool, based on budget.
#1 Best Cambridge hotel with a pool: luxury
The Graduate is a wonderful four-star hotel in Cambridge, with boutique décor, a focus on luxury and an enviable location right on the banks of the glistening River Cam.
Enjoy a meal in the tranquil riverside garden then take a dip in the hotel pool. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Cambridge with a pool. All this gorgeousness does come at a price though, so if you’re watching the budget, the Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa is a better choice.
#2 Best Cambridge hotel with a pool: budget
With prices from £75 per night, the Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa is a great option if you want a hotel with a pool but price is important to you. It’s one of the cheapest hotels in Cambridge with a pool. Situated a little outside of Cambridge, the lower price makes up for the extra distance.
Map of Cambridge Hotels with a Pool
I’ve created a map that shows all the hotels listed in this guide to hotels in Cambridge with a pool. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the name of each hotel.
8 Best Hotels in Cambridge with a Swimming Pool
Cambridge is a small city and makes for a great long weekend away. Indulge in wanderings around the beautiful Cambridge colleges and charming streets, visit fascinating museums and take a classic punting tour.
Picking a hotel with a pool can add an extra layer of luxury to your trip, provide an opportunity to exercise, entertain the family or give you some much needed time out. Whatever your reasons for seeking a hotel in Cambridge with a pool, you’ve come to the right place, so let’s dive right in.
Graduate Cambridge Hotel – ££
Address: Granta Place Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RT
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
Location, location, location is the prime feature of the four-star Graduate Cambridge hotel. And what a location it is. Nestled in a stunning part of Cambridge on the banks of the river, this hotel is perfect for people watching as the punts (traditional Cambridge boats) sail by. While away the hours in the blissful surroundings of the hotel garden or take a swim in the immaculate pool. If you really want to push the boat out, book the sumptuous junior suite, which comes with its own balcony, with views over the river, and a separate seating area.
The pool at the Graduate is 10 metres and has views out on to the River Cam. As well as the swimming pool, there’s also a hot tub, sauna and steam room. For fitness fans there’s an onsite gym. The hotel offers kid-friendly swimming hours daily from 10 am to 6 pm and adults only swimming daily from 6.30 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 9.30 pm.
Rooms all come with air conditioning, a desk and TV, plus Wi-Fi as standard. Guests can use the complimentary bikes and dine in the delightful on site Garden House restaurant. The Graduate is also one of the few hotels in Cambridge with parking (for a fee).
Amazing location right on the river and so close to the historic city centre. Really good facilities, pool, garden / terrace, free bikes and lovely bar. Very comfy bed too!
– Fay (read more reviews)
On the opposite side of the river from the hotel there’s a beautiful spot for a picnic, or you can step outside the hotel and rent a punt from the Scudamore’s punt station next door. One of Cambridge’s most famous sights, the Mathematical Bridge, is only a couple of minutes away and don’t miss a walk down the nearby picturesque Little St Mary’s Lane to head to Peterhouse, the oldest college in Cambridge.
Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa – £
Address: Back Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6BW
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The Belfry is located further out from Cambridge than some other options in this guide to the best hotels in Cambridge with a pool. However, the four star Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa offers a more economical accommodation option than many central Cambridge hotels. A 15 minute drive, or 30 minute bus journey, will get you in to the centre of Cambridge.
The pool at the Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa is a decent size, at 12 metres, and the sauna and steam room are a great way to unwind at the end of the day. The pool is open Monday to Friday, 6.30 am to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 7 pm. Swim times for children are Monday to Friday, 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8.30 am to 10.30 am and 2 pm to 5 pm. As the pool is part of the leisure club it can get busy at times.
There’s also a Jacuzzi and full-service spa, with massages and treatments available to book (for an additional fee). If you’re keen to keep up with your own training regime, the hotel has a gym for you to use.
The room was so comfortable and quiet. The pool, gym and facilities were brilliant.
– Emma (read more reviews)
Although the Belfry is situated outside of the city centre, is has views across a lake and an outdoor terrace. There’s also an onsite restaurant offering main meals as well as afternoon tea so there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Cambridge Country Cottages – £££
Address: Eye Hall, Clayhithe Road, Horningsea, Cambridge, CB25 9JD
View on Booking.com
Rated an impressive 9+ on Booking.com, Cambridge Country Cottages offers a more intimate alternative to a large hotel with a pool. The rooms at this adults-only hotel are consistently ranked as exceptional by guests. With features like four poster beds, underfloor heating and wood burning stoves, it’s easy to see why. This is one of the best boutique hotels in Cambridge.
Whilst the heated outdoor pool at Cambridge Country Cottages is only open seasonally (and needs to be reserved), if you’re here at the right time this is a lovely choice. Even if the pool isn’t in season, you can book a charming room with a hot tub at any time of the year. Breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi are included as standard.
Amazing few nights stay, everything was exceptionally clean and beautifully designed ….and the best part …the bed! It was one of the best beds I have ever slept in . We didn’t want to leave.
– Matt (read more reviews)
Set in acres of peaceful countryside in Horningsea, this luxury accommodation is only a few miles from Cambridge centre. The four cottages have been lovingly restored, making this a great option to celebrate a romantic special occasion in Cambridge.
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection By Hilton – ££
Address: 33a Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1UZ
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
As one of the newer hotels in Cambridge with a pool, the Fellows House is a good choice if service and cleanliness are top of your priorities. It’s a Hilton hotel, so you know you can expect Hilton level service and attention to detail. Studio rooms and one-bedroom apartments with kitchens are available to book, making this a good option for longer stays.
The indoor heated pool is a long thin stretch of turquoise tranquillity, complemented by a sauna and steam room. There’s also a full fitness studio available for guest to use. Note that children using the pool must be supervised by adults. The pool and gym are exclusively for hotel guests and the pool is open every day from 6 am to 10 pm.
Scandi-style influences can be seen throughout the hotel’s design, providing an overall ambience of calm, in-keeping with the hotel’s emphasis on wellness.
spacious room, very well-designed for a family stay. extremely comfortable beds, total silence and darkness, great pool and wellness area
– Elisa (read more reviews)
Take advantage of the four hours of free cycle hire included with your stay to visit some of the many free things to do in Cambridge, like the Polar Museum, Christ’s College and the Fitzwilliam Museum. After all that effort you’ll need some sustenance, so dine in the on-site restaurant or pick up a coffee at the café.
Novotel Cambridge North – £
Address: 2 Cambridge Square, Cambridge, CB4 0AE
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
The highly rated Novotel hotel is at the more affordable end of the scale if you’re looking for cheap hotels in Cambridge with a pool. It’s also conveniently located right next to Cambridge South train station, making it a good option for those who travel by public transport.
In addition to a reasonably sized pool, the hotel as a sauna and Jacuzzi. There’s also a gym for you to work up a sweat in. Rooms come with a rainfall shower as standard, a 55-inch TV and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Being next to the station does mean that the hotel is a short walk from the most central sights in Cambridge. Although, at only a 40-minute walk along the beautiful river, you can enjoy watching Cambridge rowers as you head into town. Alternatively, take one of the frequent buses or rent a Voi e-scooter or e-bike from the train station. Use my link to get £5 credit when you sign up.
The breakfast was amazing, lots of choice and plentiful. The decor of the hotel and the rooms was gorgeous and tasteful. The swimming pool area was really clean and we had the entire pool to ourselves on one occasion. Really impressed, I highly recommend this hotel
– Patrizia (read more reviews)
If the in-house restaurant doesn’t appeal, the Green Dragon pub is a good local option for delicious Greek food or take a 20-minute stroll over to the Plough at Fen Ditton, one of the best pubs in Cambridge for riverside views. For football fans the Cambridge United stadium is near to the hotel.
Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge – £
Address: Church Rd, Cambridge, CB25 9AF
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
Situated a little along the A14 from Cambridge, the Quy Mill Hotel and Spa is out of the centre but still only a 10 minute drive away and is one of the best spa hotels near Cambridge. However, if you don’t have your own transport, the Novotel or Holiday Inn Cambridge would be better options as they are well served by public transport and in a similar price range.
The Quy Mill pool is larger than many other hotel pools in Cambridge so it’s great for keen swimmers. If relaxing is more your thing though, the sauna, hot tub, steam room and Jacuzzi will keep you entertained. Or you could book one of their body treatments, massages or aromatherapy (additional cost). The Quy is a good choice if you want to indulge in some luxury pampering at a reasonable price. The mud baths are particularly good. I you really must take a break from all the relaxing, there’s also a gym on site.
Spa was fantastic, had a lovely swim and sauna to relax!!
– Smoo (read more reviews)
The hotel is a grade II listed former watermill and has an award-winning restaurant and bar. Along with the spa and a good size pool, one of the top benefits of a stay at Quy Mill hotel are the beautiful gardens. It’s a great romantic hotel in Cambridge.
Holiday Inn Cambridge – £
Address: Lakeview, Bridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9PH
Stars: 4 | View on Booking.com
A stay at the Holiday Inn Cambridge actually means staying slightly outside of the city centre, on the outskirts of the village of Impington. Although it’s still easy to head in to see the sights, as regular buses stop on nearby Cambridge Road (approximately 7 minutes’ walk) and you can be in the city in 10 minutes if going by car. It’s also a good location for the nearby Science Parks.
The 15-metre swimming pool at the Holiday Inn Cambridge is part of the hotel’s leisure club and is open from 6.30 am to 9 pm. Access is included for guests of the hotel, along with access to a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. If you’re in need of some additional pampering, you can also book one of the beauty treatments at the health club (for a fee).
Rooms are clean and smart in the lodge-like Holiday Inn. The communal areas are modern and spacious, with an outdoor terrace to enjoy in the warmer months. The building is set back from the main road and is surrounded by pleasant woodland and a lake.
Definitely a flagship Holiday Inn love the large variety at breakfast quality meals in the evening brilliant gym sauna and pool
– Funkymicheal (read more reviews)
As well as visiting Cambridge centre, if you’ve got time, take a 20-minute walk or a short drive to the Histon village duckpond to see a quintessentially English village green, complete with whitewashed thatched cottages and a picturesque wooden bridge over the water. Stop at the Histon Smokehouse on the green for some great American dinner style chicken wings. Check out the live music if you’re there at a Sunday lunch time.
Girton College – £
Address: Huntingdon Rd, Girton, Cambridge, CB3 0JG
For accommodation in Cambridge with a pool with a difference you could stay at one of the prestigious Cambridge colleges, Girton College. Sure, it’s a little further out from town and the rooms are on the basic side but a stay in a Cambridge college is all about enjoying a typically Cambridge experience. Established in 1869, Girton was the first college in Cambridge that offered university education for women. These days its open to all.
The indoor heated pool at Girton is lovely and peaceful and provides an oasis of calm after a busy day. You must swim with one other person, as the pool doesn’t have a lifeguard. Unfortunately, there’s no spa or Jacuzzi on site but you can make use of the tennis and squash courts or one of the three gyms.
After a swim, take a wander around the expansive grounds, complete with woodland walks and a cricket pitch. If this all sounds blissful, be aware that the only downside to a stay at Girton is that rooms are usually only available outside of term in the summer. To book, contact the Girton College conferencing office.
Cambridge Travel Resources
Ready for more Cambridge inspiration and information? Read and favourite my posts below, so you have them to hand when you’re in Cambridge.
37 Things to Do in Cambridge for Free
Hotels Close to Jesus Green Cambridge Outdoor Swimming Pool
As there isn’t a huge range of hotels in Cambridge with a pool, you might prefer to stay close to one of the best Cambridge swimming pools instead. Jesus Green Lido is one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in Europe. The unheated pool is an oasis of refreshing water in Cambridge city centre on sizzling summer days. Here are some great hotels within five minutes’ walk of Cambridge’s Jesus Green swimming pool.
- Varsity Hotel & Spa – £££
- Arundel House Hotel – ££
- West Court, Jesus College – £
- The Waterman – £
Have you booked your traditional Cambridge punting trip yet? Check the price and availability of this great value shared punting tour that takes you past 8 of the historic Cambridge colleges.
Best Spa Hotels in Cambridge
Whilst a swimming pool is a great addition to a hotel’s amenities, sometimes what really makes a stay special is spending time relaxing in a spa at the end of the day. There are some lovely hotels in Cambridge with a spa, here are some of the best.
- Gonville Hotel – £££
- University Arms – £££
- Varsity Hotel & Spa – £££
Cambridge Hotels with Pool: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cambridge from London?
To get from London to Cambridge on the train takes only 50 minutes on the express train from London Kings Cross. If you’re driving, Cambridge is around 1.5 hours from central London (depending on traffic).
Does Cambridge Have a Swimming Pool?
There are several public pools in Cambridge UK. There is the marvelous outdoor public pool at Jesus Green and the popular Parkside indoor pool next to Parkers Piece, near to the Gonville Hotel in Cambridge.
Additionally, there are also public swimming pools in Cambridge at the Abbey Leisure Complex, close to Cambridge United Football Club, and a little further out at ELA Impington.
Which Cambridge College has a Swimming Pool?
Whilst there are a few colleges with a pool, Girton College is the only Cambridge college with a swimming pool that you can stay at and use the pool.
Is Cambridge a beautiful city?
Cambridge is a beautiful city, which although small in size, has an abundance of historic buildings and charming streets to explore. In fact, Cambridge is so beautiful that the Times newspaper named it one of the top 10 most beautiful places in England and the Independent named it one of the best UK holiday destinations for a staycation in 2023. To make the most of the beauty of Cambridge, book on to an iconic punting tour to see the famous colleges as you sail along the glorious River Cam.
Does Cambridge Have a Lido?
Yes Cambridge does have a lido (an outdoor pool). The iconic Jesus Green Lido is situated right in the centre of Cambridge, on the banks of the River Cam. It’s a popular place for locals to hang out and catch the sun in summer.
Is Cambridge Lido Heated?
The water at Cambridge’s Jesus Green Lido is unheated so brace yourself if you’re planning on taking a dip. It’s delightfully refreshing though once you’ve got over the initial shock.
Does Cambridge have a beach?
Unfortunately Cambridge UK does not have a beach. However, there are plenty of beautiful beaches near Cambridge on the East Anglian coast, where you can spend a wonderful day watching the seals in Norfolk.
Other beaches near Cambridge include Hunstanton, 1.5 hours drive north of Cambridge, and Clacton, 1.5 hours drive south of Cambridge.
Best Hotels in Cambridge with a Pool: Summary
A visit to Cambridge is a great choice, there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge for free and the 31 Cambridge colleges will give you loads of photo inspiration.
Of course, you have to go punting when in Cambridge, it’s such an iconic activity. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes and some great quirky Cambridge museums, you won’t get bored in Cambridge. After all that sightseeing, your hotel swimming pool will be just what you need to unwind at the end of a busy day.
More Cambridge Resources
37 Things To Do In Cambridge For Free
A Cambridge Day Trip Itinerary: Top Sights And Local Secrets
Cambridge At Christmas: A Guide
Cambridge Spa Day: 15 of the Best
Grantchester Village: A Day Out From Cambridge
Museums In Cambridge: 5 Of The Best