The Pools Swimming and Health Centre

Just a few minutes walk from Carlisle train station, The Pools Swimming and Health Centre is easily accessible for visitors to Cumbria’s county city. A leisure facility has been in operation at this site for well over 100 years, and today you can experience relaxation Victorian style, in the Victorian Health Suite. Dating back to 1874, this unique suite features a range of spa facilities. You will also find a gym here, and as the name “The Pools” implies, not just one swimming pool, but three of varying sizes.

Gym

The gym at The Pools is small, but is popular with local residents as it provides a place to work out for a low membership cost of just £12 per month, with a one off visit costing £6. It has 30 equipment stations, with a range of cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills and steppers.

There are resistance machines, and a free weights area, as well as mats and other fitness aids. Audio visual equipment is also available to keep you entertained and motivated.

Swimming Pools

The Pools is primarily a swimming facility, with three different pools available. Chose from one of the following:

33m Swimming Pool

Technically, despite its name, the main pool is not 33m long, as it has been permanently divided into 25m long pool and a 7m shallow tank. There are five lanes, and this pool is primarily used for general public swimming during most of the week in the daytime. In the evenings, the pool tends to be used by the local swim club, and there are occasionally other sessions held in this pool, such as Junior Splash time that features a range of floating devices and inflatables.

20m Swimming Pool

This pool is largely used by both local schools and the Better Swim School. However, there are sessions that are open to the public held in this pool. These sessions include Water Workout classes, which is an aerobics class that takes place in the water, resulting in less impact on the joints of the participant. The class is open to everyone and is suitable for beginners, but you do need to book your place in advance.

During evenings when the swim club has the use of the 33m pool, the 20m pool is open for general swimming. At weekends, the pool has family friendly sessions with floats, toys, and inflatables, and is also available to hire for birthday parties.

10m Swimming Pool

This pool has shallow stepped access, so is ideal for young children and those who are less confident in the water. Family swim sessions are held here, as are lessons for very young children. This pool also has slots available at weekends for birthday parties.

The Victorian Health Suite

Once you have finished your workout in the gym or the pool, consider unwinding in the Victorian Health Suite. Providing a relaxation space for over 100 years, the suite is home to a sauna, steam room, cold plunge plunge pool, showers, and individual booths for lounging all housed within an ornate tiled tepidarium. The suite has set days for men only, women only, and mixed gender sessions, so do check in advance of your visit. A visit costs around £6.

Map