Uk destinations with really good pools for toddlers

[MJBmummy]

I was thinking of taking my 3 year old abroad for the first time next year, only short haul and all inclusive as a bit of a taster to see how he gets on (he is autistic and change in routine and travelling can be extremely hard work). So many hotels had pools and splash areas aimed at toddlers and younger kids and I thought he would love this. We’ve now had to shelve the idea of going abroad as don’t think he’s quite ready based on the reactions when talking to him about it. When looking at uk destinations I just can’t seem to find anything with a pool area that I think toddlers would find ‘exciting’. I know foreign hotels are geared up for warmer weather but I’d like to find something close to the facilities I’d been looking at abroad. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’m not planning the whole holiday around a swimming pool but for a 3 year old it’s one of the main attractions!

Center Parcs! Not everyone’s cup of tea but great for young kids

Try the Merton hotel in Jersey

It's not specifically for toddlers, but it has a lovely water park on site.

Lots of other toddler friendly things to do there as well - great beaches, castles, Gerald Durrell's zoo, a little train ride either round St Helier or from St Helier to St Aubin, and the aMaizin Maze (play park with lots of toddler suitable stuff)

Merton Hotel - The Jersey 3 star resort hotel that has it all (seymourhotels.com)

Experience the subtropical paradise of the Aquadome at the Merton (seymourhotels.com)

(edited to add second link)

Woolacombe Bay hotel has a nice outdoor pool.

Butlins, center parcs, caravan parks look at hoseasons and use their filters to search for water parks

Centre parcs have great pools

Bluestone in Wales is a cheaper alternative to Centre Parks and has the benefit of being close to fabulous beaches. Nice play areas under cover if you get bad weather. Haven at Exmouth Devon Cliffs has a big pool with toddler friendly stuff. Butlins Minehead has caravans to hire on site that are good value and nicer than the cheaper Butlins accommodation.

I was also going to suggest Bluestone. It has a toddler splash area in the pool complex. It’s indoors and nice and warm.

Longleat centre parcs swimming pool was amazing when my 2 were toddlers. We spent whole days there.

Center parcs is samey in each park, so for child with asd that is very useful, as you can vary location but know what to expect. Plus likely a short journey .

Butlins Minehead has a great pool for younger children, will tick the 'exciting' box for sure.

We have stayed in the apartments at Watermouth Castle, that only has a small private pool but has a theme park as well which you have access too.

We also stayed at TLH Derwent hotel which has swimming pools, 3, beach nearby, bowling, onsite entertainment and does meals - its a bit tacky but good fun and lots in that area for that aged children.