Yorkshire Hospitality Outlook: Hot Tub Holidays Trending for Winter 2025/26

The Winter Hot Tub Revolution
The appeal of hot tub holidays has surged dramatically since the pandemic, with winter 2025/26 bookings already showing record demand across Yorkshire's hospitality sector.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that overseas residents made an estimated 42.6 million visits to the UK in 2024, spending around £32.5 billion. However, what's more telling is the domestic tourism boom, with Britons increasingly opting for staycations over foreign travel during the winter months. Source
According to Mintel's UK Holiday Centres and Parks Market Report 2025, there's a growing demand for premium experiences, with affluent consumers seeking luxury accommodation, wellness offerings, and pet-friendly services. The report highlights that "key consumer trends driving engagement include increased interest from younger demographics, solo and adult-only visits, a demand for premium and eco-friendly experiences, and a focus on luxury staycations." Source
Why Hot Tubs in Winter?
The appeal of winter hot tub breaks goes beyond simple luxury. Here's why they've become the fastest-growing segment in Yorkshire's hospitality sector:
Post-Pandemic Privacy Preference
Since the pandemic, travellers have developed a lasting preference for private, self-contained experiences. Hot tub lodges offer the perfect balance—luxury accommodation with minimal shared facilities and maximum personal space.
Will Barker, owner of Kiplin Lodge Park in Richmond, Yorkshire, explains: "Our guests tell us they love the privacy our lodges provide. They can enjoy all the comforts of home plus the added luxury of their own private hot tub, without worrying about sharing facilities with strangers."
Nature Immersion Without Compromise
Modern travellers want to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Winter hot tub breaks deliver this perfect balance—allowing guests to experience Yorkshire's stunning winter landscapes from the comfort of warm, bubbling waters.
"There's something magical about sitting in a hot tub while snowflakes fall around you," says Barker. "You're immersed in nature but completely comfortable. It's an experience you can't replicate at home."
Wellness and Mental Health Benefits
The wellness tourism sector has exploded post-pandemic, with more travellers seeking holidays that benefit their mental and physical health.
Hot tubs offer proven health benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and muscle relaxation—making them particularly appealing during the winter months when seasonal affective disorder impacts many Britons.
Kiplin Lodge Park: Meeting the Demand
Nestled in 17 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Kiplin Lodge Park has positioned itself perfectly to meet this growing demand for winter hot tub breaks.
With 11 luxury lodges, each featuring private hot tubs, the park offers the ideal setting for winter escapes. The family-owned business has seen winter bookings increase by 45% year-on-year, with the 2025/26 winter season already showing strong bookings.
"We've noticed a significant shift in booking patterns," notes Barker. "Five years ago, winter was our quietest season. Now it's almost as busy as summer, with Christmas and New Year breaks often booking out a year in advance."
What sets Kiplin Lodge Park apart is its commitment to creating immersive nature experiences without compromising on comfort:
- Private hot tubs maintained at 38-40°C regardless of outside temperature
- Fully-equipped kitchens for self-catering convenience
- Pet-friendly accommodation options
- Year-round opening, including Christmas and New Year
- Spacious 17-acre setting providing privacy between lodges
The park's location between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks makes it an ideal base for exploring some of Britain's most stunning winter landscapes. Guests can return to the comfort of their warm lodge and hot tub after a day of adventure.
The Broader Industry Trend
Kiplin Lodge Park isn't alone in seeing this trend. Across Yorkshire, holiday parks and lodges with hot tubs are reporting similar increases in winter bookings.
According to YouGov's UK travel trends report, more than half of Britons anticipate taking between two to four trips annually, with domestic holidays remaining popular. Nearly half of Britons typically enjoy city breaks (48%) and trips that combine sightseeing and relaxing (47%). Source
The hot tub holiday trend is powerful among:
- Couples seeking romantic winter breaks
- Families looking for all-weather holiday options
- Groups of friends celebrating special occasions
- Solo travellers seeking wellness retreats
Looking Ahead: Winter 2025/26 Forecast
Industry experts predict the winter hot tub holiday trend will continue to grow throughout 2025/26, with several factors driving this growth:
- Rising energy costs are making home hot tubs less economical
- Increasing awareness of the mental health benefits of nature immersion
- Growing preference for multiple shorter UK breaks over fewer longer overseas holidays
- Continued desire for private, self-contained accommodation options
For Yorkshire's hospitality sector, this trend represents a significant opportunity to extend the traditional tourism season and create year-round demand.
"Winter used to be survival mode for many Yorkshire hospitality businesses," explains Barker. "Now it's becoming a genuine second high season, especially for properties with hot tubs. We're seeing guests who specifically book for winter because they want that magical experience of being in a hot tub while surrounded by frost or snow."
The Bottom Line
As we look toward winter 2025/26, the hot tub holiday trend shows no signs of cooling down. For Yorkshire's hospitality sector, properties like Kiplin Lodge Park, which offer this perfect blend of natural immersion and luxury comfort, are well-positioned to thrive.
The post-pandemic shift toward prioritising privacy, wellness, and nature connection has led to lasting changes in holiday preferences. By meeting these evolving needs, Yorkshire's hot tub holiday providers are not just surviving the winter months—they're turning them into a highlight of the tourism calendar.
For travellers planning their winter 2025/26 escapes, the message is clear: book early to secure your slice of steamy Yorkshire paradise.
Fact check before publishing: Verify all statistics and quotes with primary sources. Confirm current pricing and availability with Kiplin Lodge Park directly. Update any seasonal information closer to the publication date.
