logo
The UK hotels that have ‘dip and dine' daytime packages – with free pool access and dinner from just £16 each

The UK hotels that have ‘dip and dine' daytime packages – with free pool access and dinner from just £16 each

The Sun3 days ago
AS A child, I always look forward to one thing during the summer holidays - heading to my local 'dip and dine' experience.
'Dip and Dine' is essentially a swimming and eating deal many hotels offer across the UK.
6
While some are designed for families, there are some more luxury options for adults with spa experiences included.
Here's a round up of the top 'dip and dine' experiences across the country.
Merton Hotel, Jersey
Located on Jersey, the Merton Hotel offers two different 'dip and dine' options.
Visitors can opt to head to the hotel for either Friday dinner or Sunday lunch and enjoy time in the venue's subtropical Aquadome.
Both the Friday and Sunday food options entail a three-course buffet in the hotel's Belvedere Restaurant.
For a Sunday lunch booking, it costs £30 for adults and £16 for children.
The Aztec, Torquay in Devon
At The Aztec in the English Riviera town of Torquay, dip and dine is available any day of the week and no booking is required.
Guests can swim in one of the venue's indoor pools, that have a fun Aztec theme.
Then they can head off and enjoy some food after.
The way the Aztec works is that you pay for dip and dine, and get money redeemable on food.
I went to France to visit the world's best waterpark
For example, for adults and children over 12 years old, it costs £18 each with £10 redeemable on food.
For children over three-years-old, it would cost £10, with £6.50 redeemable on food.
The bistro menu boasts many different options, many of which are under £10 including baguettes and jacket potatoes.
Alternatively, if you fancy something larger like a burger and chips - you can essentially use what is redeemable from your dip and dine, as a voucher.
For example, if you wanted a burger and chips costing £14.95, you would only needed to pay £4.95 additionally.
The hotel also has an Aztec-themed soft play for children aged 10 and under.
6
Whitewater Hotel and Leisure Club, Cumbria
At the Whitewater Hotel and Leisure Club in Newby Bridge, Cumbria a dip and dine experience allows guests to have access to the Cascade Spa.
Families can enjoy a leisurely swim, followed by a moment in the sauna or in the steam room.
Then between 12pm and 5pm you can enjoy an afternoon tea, with pastries and sandwiches.
If you want something more substantial though, you can do - just for an extra fee of £5.
It costs £25.95 per adult and £22.95 per child.
6
Cofton Holidays, Dawlish Warren in Devon
Another spot in Devon with a 'dip and dine' option is Crofton Holidays park in the sunny seaside town of Dawlish Warren.
Have a dip in their indoor pool before heading off for some food.
Here prices work the same as the Aztec in Torquay, with it costing £16 per adult with £12 towards food and £11 per child, with £8 towards food.
You can even go super early if you wish and enjoy a full English breakfast after your swim.
Or you could opt for a Sunday roast.
The only downside of this offer is that all of the dishes on the main menu are at least an addition £3 on top of the price you have paid for the experience.
The Headland, Newquay in Cornwall
The Headland hotel in Newquay doesn't offer just one 'dip and dine' experience, but five.
For early risers, you could opt for a sunrise swim followed by a three-course breakfast in The Deck.
6
You would arrive for your swim from 8am and then have a table for breakfast between 10am and 10:45am.
This experience costs £35 per person, Monday to Thursday or £55 per person Friday to Sunday.
Not an early riser? Well then you can opt for the 'Laze and Lunch' option, which allow guests to experience six AquaClub pools from 11am before having a one-course lunch meal.
This option costs £45 per person, Monday to Thursday or £65 per person, Friday to Sunday.
As for a classic 'dip and dine' experience, The Headland has that too.
Guests can swim under the stars and then enjoy a two course meal for £55 each, Monday to Thursday or £75 each, Friday to Sunday.
Other options include the 'Swim and Tea Retreat', with an afternoon tea or 'Relax & RenMor', which includes food in the RenMor restaurant and a tipple.
The Thames Lido, Reading
Whilst not a hotel, the Thames Lido is a great option for people living in the capital.
Located in Reading, Thames Lido has an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and ice bucket.
6
For when the sun is beaming and you want to lap up some rays, this is a great option.
The lido's 'Swim and Dine' package allows guests to use the pool and spa facilities, followed by a two-course meal.
There are three different time slots, starting at 4:30pm and the final slot at 6:30pm and it costs £40 per person.
Harbour Hotel & Spa, various locations
There are a number of Harbour Hotel and Spas across the country that offer 'dip and dine' experiences.
At each hotel, guests can have a dip, relax in the sauna and steam room and then have a meal at HarBar.
This is an adults-only 'dip and dine' experience and each person gets £30 dinner credit, on food only.
The different locations and prices include:
Southampton, £44 per person
Brighton, £55 per person
Bristol, £45 per person
Richmond, £55 per person
Salcombe, £45 per person
Guildford, £45 per person
St Ives, £45 per person
Christchurch, £55 per person
Sidmouth, £45 per person
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
"If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard."
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: "Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
"It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life".
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: ' Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
' Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in."
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: "Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
"And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
' Waterparks are often very busy places and it's easy to lose sight of a child in a split second."
Center Parcs has also announced major change s to its swimming pools – and guests are divided.
Plus, the holiday park with indoor pool and nearby beach that mums are saying is the best in the UK – kids 'never get bored'.
6
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Simply magical' holiday destination named as 'UK's best summer escape'
'Simply magical' holiday destination named as 'UK's best summer escape'

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

'Simply magical' holiday destination named as 'UK's best summer escape'

The Lake District has been named the UK's best destination for a summer escape, but it matters when you visit. That said, one travel expert has shared her insight into when exactly to visit and how to prepare. It's no secret the Lake District boasts stunning landscapes, warm weather, and a wide range of outdoor activities. But Plates Express spoke to travel expert Katie Willis, founder of UK-based travel agency, to get an expert's intel. 'Summer is definitely peak season, so [the Lake District] is busier – especially during the school holidays, " says Katie. 'But the trade-off is well worth it. You get the full Lake District experience, from swimming in the lakes to ice cream in Ambleside.' Important to note considering a new heatwave forecast with maps reveals the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK. July and August are the Lake District's warmest months, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C. The summer months also have the longest daylight hours, which is important if you're planning long days of hiking and boat excursions. 'The Lake District is simply magical in the summer. The scenery is alive with colour, the lakes are calm and clear, and the longer days give visitors more time to explore,' according to Katie. 'It's the perfect mix of nature, charm and adventure, all just a drive away for most people in the UK.' 'This mad holiday activity combines near-death experiences with cheese and wine' UK's most remote and underrated train station that rivals Hogwarts Express line Popular summer activities include hiking scenic trails like Friars Crag or the Old Man of Coniston or boating on Derwentwater or Ullswater. The villages of Grasmere, Hawkshead, and Keswick are also worth exploring. If you are keen to avoid the densest tourist crowds, Katie suggests planning your trip for the end of May or early September instead. The weather during these periods is still very pleasant and some hotels and B&Bs also offer lower rates during these off-peak weeks. No matter when you set off for the Lake District, you should prepare your vehicle for the long drive. Even navigating the country roads themselves can be tricky for those without experience driving on the narrow roads with sharp bends. 'Always check your car thoroughly the day before your trip, not on the morning you leave,' says a spokesperson from Plates Express. 'This gives you time to sort any issues. They continue: 'Check your lights, fluid levels, tyres, and number plates – and plan your route in advance. Mobile signal can be weak in parts of the Lake District, so download your maps if needed.' Prior to hitting the road you should double-check the tread and inflation of your tires–as they can wear down quicker during warm weather and on country roads like those of the Lake District. Be sure to top up your coolant, check your oil and - though it's tempting for long drives - do not overload your boot. That said, you should have plenty of water on hand for long summer drives.

5 of the best UK waterfront spots to visit this summer
5 of the best UK waterfront spots to visit this summer

Times

time5 hours ago

  • Times

5 of the best UK waterfront spots to visit this summer

Summer evenings by the canal underpass anyone? Yes, from Leeds to Leith the country's towpaths, wharfs and riversides have become a breeding ground for cult cafés and buzzy bars. Read on for our five top waterfront spots. On Edinburgh's northern edge sits the historic port of Leith, a once industrial heartland turned culinary mecca, with the highest concentration of Michelin stars in Scotland. The jewel in this gastronomic crown is Heron, with its smart dining room and farm-to-table philosophy (think hand-dived Orkney scallops and Speyside lamb). It even made history back in 2023, when its chef patron, Sam Yorke, then 25, became the youngest chef in Scotland to earn a Michelin star. The Kitchin is another standout (also starred) with its surprise tasting menus — an upscale take on lucky-dip dining. The grandaddy of them all is Martin Wishart — which opened in 1999, winning its own Michelin star two years later — recognised for putting Leith on the foodie map. Newest to the scene is Barry Fish with a menu of just six main courses. Still scratching your head? The lemon sole with sauce vermouth comes highly recommended. If there's one place where you're guaranteed to find the off-duty fashion pack on a sunny Sunday, it's the Towpath. This seemingly unassuming café has a crowd of feverish devotees (famous fans include Keira Knightley and Alexa Chung), all flocking to nibble away on its small plates, served up on mismatched crockery. Towpath sits beside the Regent's Canal in east London, and is joined by a host of other stylish outposts, such as Route Haggerston, a café popular with freelance graphic designers, and Arepa & Co, which serves up Venezuelan brunch plates including toston avo (avocado mash on a plantain crostini). Take a left and you're at Kingsland Basin, home to the Hackney mums' favourite Toconoco, a Japanese café with a kids-first MO, including a designated play space. But if people watching is your top priority, grab an oat flat white to go from the local bottle shop and vegan café Helma, and park up on a bench. Set among the railway arches leading into Leeds station, Granary Wharf offers buzzy late-licence pubs, bars and restaurants that will take you from an afternoon tipple to dancing into the wee hours, plus panoramic views of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Locals kick things off with a bite at Livin'Italy, where Nonna's meatballs and fresh crab meat pici are popular. If the sun's out, Water Lane Boathouse is the place to be. Just move quickly — it may be one of the city's largest beer gardens but canal-view benches are a hot commodity. NoNo Wine Bar is a new addition to the fold, with more than 50 wines sold by the glass. Ale more your speed? Then try Salt, where the locally brewed stuff is on tap until 1am. Afterwards, head to the Canal Club for a boogie. And if you wake up with a sore head, the best morning-after destination is the cult café Bake, which has divine laminated pastries. Built in the 1810s on the Sheffield Canal, these former coal yards are now attracting the city's young arty crowd. Yorkshire Artspace is housed in the brutalist Persistence Works and art deco Exchange Place (top), providing studio spaces for more than 160 local artists including ceramicists, sculptors and jewellers — much of their work is on display at the city's Millennium Gallery. Residents to note include the leather worker Jonathan Hyde of Hyde Wares and the artist Ashley Holmes, who last year was a recipient of a Serpentine fellowship. During the day find these new-gen makers at the canal-front bar and pizzeria True Loves; then in the evenings at Plot 22, a nearby music venue and studio space hosting underground gigs. Once a month the entire waterfront is transformed into a bustling street food market and makers fair where you can, ahem, eat your art out. If it's views you're after, nowhere does it like Llangollen, a picture-postcard-perfect outpost tucked away in Denbighshire, Wales. On the banks of the River Dee, this small town is perfect for outdoor types who fancy a spot of walking, cycling, rafting or canoeing the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, a Unesco world heritage site. Chill out afterwards in the pretty Corn Mill with glorious views over the Dee's white waters, or head to the sun-drenched RiverBanc café, which has a brunch menu of dreams, including a slow-cooked beef brisket wrap. Fancy staying the night? Stick with the great outdoors and book Hydra ( an Instagram-worthy off-grid two-person hut five minutes' drive out of town with nothing but the Welsh hills and a couple of board games for company.

Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters
Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters

The Sun

time7 hours ago

  • The Sun

Four-star migrant hotel hides Hilton signs after asylum seekers arrive in apparent bid to hide use from protesters

A FOUR-star hotel given over to asylum seekers has taken down its Hilton signs — in an apparent bid to hide it from anti-migrant protesters. It was converted for all-male arrivals in November despite concerns from locals that it is near several schools. 10 10 10 Now bosses at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Cranford, West London — a few miles from Heathrow — have removed all trace of its old identity, covering up the fact it ever hosted tourists and business travellers. Pictures show a large beige tarpaulin spread over a logo across the top of the building. Others have gone or been covered up from the entrance and car park area. Rooms at nearby DoubleTree hotels still open to the public cost between £91 and £260 a night. And snaps from the Cranford hotel last August show off its comfy rooms along with a gym and restaurant, though it is unclear if either of those are available to asylum seekers. Its website simply tells guests trying to book that no rooms are available 'for those dates'. Handing the hotel to migrants without warning has been criticised by a host of locals, including many of Asian heritage. Umme Khanzada, who runs a local environment group, told The Sun on Sunday: 'The hotel has totally changed the community. 'We are not against people coming to the UK or immigration, but the way this hotel has been opened is wrong.' The mum, 49, added: 'My daughter tells me they stare at her. I don't feel safe walking through the streets. I went out to the park and one of the migrants told me, 'This is our park. It's not your park anymore'. 'I think they have covered the signs up to protect DoubleTree and Hilton's reputation.' Emails between residents and Hounslow Council show locals being told: 'This decision was made by the Home Office without prior consultation with the local authority, stakeholders, or residents. 'We understand the frustration and uncertainty this has caused.' Last night ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke fumed: 'What the Government are doing quite frankly represents their utter failure on immigration. And the management of Hilton are taking the King's shilling from the Government, but they're not willing to let the public know that.' The DoubleTree is leased by the Home Office through Clearsprings Ready Homes. Its boss Graham King, dubbed the 'Asylum King', has a reported net worth of £750million. 10 Hilton were approached for comment. In London, a coach full of asylum seekers arrived at a controversial four-star Canary Wharf migrant hotel in the middle of the night. The Britannia International Hotel was closed to paying customers and converted into taxpayer-funded 'surge' accommodation for illegal arrivals last month. When open to the public, a standard room cost up to £425 — though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'This is one of the most luxurious hotels people can only dream of staying in, right in the heart of London's financial centre. This is an insult to law-abiding citizens.' The Government said: 'Since taking office, we have removed 35,000 people with no right to be here — up 28 per cent on the previous year. From 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9million a day, there are now less than 210. We want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' ROOMS at the DoubleTree in Cranford come with massive double beds and TVs, the hotel's snaps show. Some also have lounge chairs and tables where residents can sit and work, as well as grand dressing tables and mirrors. 10 10 ARRESTS AT DEMO CLASHES 10 10 PROTESTERS clashed with police yesterday in demonstrations across the UK outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Nine arrests were made after pro and anti-migrant groups scuffled at the Thistle City Barbican in Islington, North London. Similar scenes played out at the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle. In Manchester, far-right group Britain First held a march calling for mass deportations.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store