Indoor Swimming Pools

Indoor Swimming Pools

Swimming is a great activity for the whole family. It can keep us fit, strengthen our muscles, and is a life saving skill. In Cumbria, the lakes and sea are generally too cold for most people to take a swim (though that doesn’t stop hardy swimmers) and so indoor swimming pools offer the next best thing.

Below we take a look at all of the indoor swimming pools you'll find in the Lake District with a short summary of the amenities each provides, as well as the pricing for a one-off visit.

About Swimming Pools

Unlike hotel pools or private gyms, the pools featured here are open to the public and membership is not required. However, it is worth checking in advance of your visit, as you may find that the pool has set times for certain activities, such as adult only swimming and toddler swimming, etc., so pre-booking may be necessary. Cumbria benefits from a number of swimming pool facilities with many featuring additional services, such as gyms, climbing walls, and fitness classes.

Benefits of Swimming Pools

Swimming is a great way of getting exercise out of the wind and the rain. It is also a life-saving skill. Many of the centres listed here offer swimming lessons for all ages, in addition to leisure swimming sessions. Furthermore, some centres have facilities that will particularly appeal to children, such as water slides or paddling pools.

Where to Find Swimming Pools in the Lake District

In Cumbria, almost all of the larger towns have swimming facilities. Some are better suited to children than others, as we have detailed below.

APPLEBY LEISURE CENTRE

Located on the eastern edge of Cumbria, Appleby Leisure Centre has a 25m four-lane pool, along with an additional learner pool. The centre is also home to a gym.

For more information about the Appleby Leisure Centre, click here.

Arkleby Leisure Ltd.

Unlike many of the other pools we feature here, Arkleby Pool is available for private hire only. However, sessions are available most days and the hire includes the use of the sauna and Jacuzzi, as well as the pool for one hour. If you are staying nearby with family and want a private swimming session then this is certainly worth considering. There are baby changing facilities and vending machines supplying snacks. Pre-booking is required.

Cockermouth Leisure Centre

Cockermouth Leisure Centre is conveniently located close to the centre of the small town. It’s worth noting that the pool is not ideal for younger children due to the temperature of the water. The centre also has a gym, spinning studio, and climbing wall.

For more information about the Cockermouth Leisure Centre, click here.

Copeland Pool & Fitness Centre

Copeland Pool is located in Whitehaven on the western edge of the Lake District. In addition to the main pool, there is a smaller learning pool where regular sessions with inflatable toys are held for children. There is also a gym and fitness studio.

For more information about the Copeland Pool & Fitness Centre, click here.

Dalton Leisure Centre

Close to the South Lakes Safari Zoo this pool is great for children, featuring a “splash zone” with play panels, spraying features and a slide. In addition to a gym and fitness centre, Dalton Leisure Centre also has an outdoor play area.

For more information about the Dalton Leisure Centre, click here.

Kendal Leisure Centre

The only venue in Cumbria that currently provides Changing Places accessible toilets, Kendal Leisure Centre has something for everyone. With a 25m pool and an additional large learner pool, the centre is a great place to come for a swim, and is conveniently located close to the centre of Kendal. There is also a gym, fitness studio and an indoor sports hall that is available for bookings.

For more information about the Kendal Leisure Centre, click here.

Keswick Leisure Pool

This swimming pool, just a short walk from Keswick town centre, is perfect for children. Featuring a beach entry, the pool has a toddler friendly slide in the shallowest section, as well as a 40m water slide. There are interactive play boards and a wave machine. There are also plenty of baby changing facilities, and you can purchase swim nappies and child swimwear at reception. The centre includes a gym and café and is adjacent to Fitz park where there is a large play area.

For more information about the Keswick Leisure Pool, click here.

Morton Pool & Fitness Centre

Housed within a secondary school in Carlisle, Morton Pool & Fitness Centre features a 20m long pool with a moving floor, making it more accessible, and therefore popular with those with mobility problems. Regular sessions aimed at children are held with inflatable toys.

For more information about the Morton Pool & Fitness Centre, click here.

Penrith Leisure Centre

This huge leisure centre is packed with facilities, ensuring the whole family will find something they enjoy. There are two pools, with regular child friendly sessions held each week. In addition, the centre is home to Jungle Jack’s soft play for under 10s, plus a climbing wall, gym, fitness studio and café. Outside, adjacent to the centre, there is a large skate park.

For more information about the Penrith Leisure Centre, click here.

The Park Leisure Centre

Children will love the facilities available at the Park Leisure Centre in Barrow-In-Furness. There are two pools here: A 25m pool for lane swimming and a free form leisure pool complete with a pirate themed play area, wave machine, and slide. In addition, this large centre is home to a soft play area, youth gym, adult gym, sports hall, and climbing wall.

For more information about the Park Leisure Centre, click here.

The Pools Swimming & Health Centre

This centre, just a short walk from Carlisle train station, has three pools with the two smaller pools being suitable for children, and regular child friendly sessions are held throughout the week. In addition, the centre is home to a Victorian spa, with many original features still in situ.

For more information about the Pools Swimming & Health Centre, click here.

Wigton Baths

Wigton Baths is a small pool in the town of Wigton operated by a community trust. In addition to general swim sessions, there are regular sessions for families and parent and baby aquacise sessions.

For more information about the Wigton Baths, click here.

Workington Leisure Centre

Opened in 2016, this large leisure centre, close to the centre of Workington, has a 25m long 8 lane pool, and a smaller teaching pool with a moveable floor – ideal for children. In addition, the centre boasts of a sauna, steam room, climbing wall, studios, gym, and sports hall.

For more information about the Workington Leisure Centre, click here.

Trinity Leisure Centre

Situated close to Carlisle city centre, Trinity is a small leisure centre with a unique L-shaped pool that is open for general family friendly swimming each weekend. The centre also has a gym and a sports hall.

For more information about the Trinity Leisure Centre, click here.