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Splash into serenity at the best swimming pools in Leeds!

Leeds isn’t short of swimming pools; that’s for sure. Whether you’re after a relaxing soak or a sweaty session to shed pounds, there’s a pool in town for your mood and mission.

Even better, there are spots where the kids can splash around without you having to chase them down. And if you’re primed to show off your strokes, Olympic-sized pools here can help you flex and stretch.

Below, we spill the deets on these spots!

Kirkstall Leisure Centre

From kirkstall_lc

Address: Kirkstall Ln

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 7 am to 10 pm
  • Fri – 7 am to 9:30 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 3:30 pm
  • Sun – 9 am to 5 pm

Website

A quick 11-minute zip from downtown Leeds gets you to Kirkstall Leisure Centre, where most laps take place in a 25-metre pool. Just a few inches from it, you’ll also find a toddler pool for little ones still finding their flippers.

Sure, the changing rooms are a bit lived-in, but the sessions kind of make up for the slight wear and tear. Aqua aerobics pulls in fitness enthusiasts, while family swims, ladies-only slots, and disability-friendly sessions keep things inclusive.

Tip: Get familiar with their timetables here.

Armley Leisure Centre

From armleyleisure

Address: Carr Crofts, Armley

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 7:15 am to 10:30 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 6:30 pm
  • Sun – 8 am to 8:30 pm

Website

Armley Leisure Centre ticks all the boxes. For smashing laps, there’s a 25-metre, 5-lane pool, while those still easing their way into the waters can opt for the 10-metre learner one. 

We’ll be honest, though; it’s the hydrotherapy pool that keeps us booking return trips. A quick dip into its warm, muscle-soothing waters and we’re good as new—all for a steal at £5.70.

Tip: Not the strongest swimmer? Sign up for their lessons!

John Smeaton Leisure Centre

From johnsmeatonlc

Address: Smeaton Approach, Barwick Rd

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6 am to 10 pm
  • Sat – 8 am to 6 pm
  • Sun – 8 am to 7 pm

Website

If it’s family fun you’re gunning for, John Smeaton Leisure Centre’s pool is where it’s at. The 25-metre pool usually teems with inflatables, especially during those family sessions or aqua aerobics classes.

During a regular swim, you can hit the lanes for laps, all for £5.70. The floodlit outdoor area also gets bonus points for its prime astroturf, perfect for a pre- or post-swim game of badminton.

Tip: The best time to visit is early morning or around noon when it’s at its quietest.

The Edge

From thomasoliver_photography

Address: University Of Leeds, University of Leeds, Willow Terrace Road, Willow Terrace Rd

Contact Details: 0113 343 5095

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6:30 am to 10:30 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 7:30 am to 9 pm

Website

Most of our crew learned to swim at The Edge’s 25-metre pool; no shocker. The adjustable floor is a game-changer, as you can add extra metres for the seasoned swimmers or raise it for those just dipping their toes in.

Another reason this place gets our vote? The swish features, like underfloor heating in the changing rooms! Praise also goes to their sauna and steam room, which we always linger in for quite some time.

Tip: If you’re looking for a ladies-only swim, drop by on Tuesdays from 10:15 am to 11:45 am or Fridays from 9:15 pm to 10:15 pm.

Forum Leisure Centre

From forumleisure

Address: Quarry House, Quarry Hill

Contact Details: 0300 091 7394

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6:45 am to 9 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 8 am to 4 pm

Website

Forum Leisure Centre is just a stone’s throw from the CBD, making it our go-to for post-work swims. Lane swimming is what we typically go for, with the speedsters diving into the fast lane while the intermediate swimmers stay in the slow or medium ones.

Our little ones love it here too, especially with the 10 x 6-metre learner pool to splash around in. Plus, with Swim England on board, the swimming lessons are high quality, ticking off seven levels for all ages.

Tip: They often offer discounts on membership plans, so make sure to keep an eye on the website!

Oulton Hall Hotel

From oultonhallspa

Address: Oulton Hall, 2 Rothwell Ln, Oulton

Contact Details: 0113 282 1000

Check-in: 3 pm

Check-out: 11 am

Website

Oulton Hall is relaxation done right. The 13-metre indoor pool next to the gym is ace for a chill sesh, though you can still squeeze in a workout thanks to its roomy 8-metre width. Just don’t expect lane markers to guide your laps.

The real edge? That posh Jacuzzi parked right by the pool! Also, true to this spot’s 4-star status, the changing rooms are prim. They’ll even sort you with essentials like robes, which others on this list don’t.

Tip: You can snag the best spa voucher deals during holidays.

Rothwell Leisure Centre

From gavin_phoenix_

Address: Wakefield Rd, Oulton

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Fri – 6:30 am to 9 pm
  • Sat -7:15 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sun – 8:30 am to 6 pm

Website

Fresh off a 2024 makeover, Rothwell Leisure Centre is making waves again. The 25-metre pool is back in action, and gone are the days of grim decor and dodgy flooring.

Little ones aren’t left out either. The learner pool now boasts shiny new linings and a smooth, resurfaced poolside. Even better, the prices haven’t budged, as adults can still swim for £5.70 and kids at just £2.70.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to check in at reception before your session. Sessions aren’t bookable, so getting here early ensures you don’t miss out!

LivingWell Leeds

From livingwell_leeds

Address: Neville St

Contact Details: 0113 244 5443

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6 am to 10 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 7:30 am to 8 pm

Website

If freezing your toes off while doing laps sounds absolutely mare, LivingWell Leeds is a no-brainer. Their 15-metre heated pool delivers a warm dip every time, and the best part? You’ll rarely fight for space.

You can also smash a full-body workout here, especially if you join one of their group classes for a more intense sesh. Little ones can learn too, but their classes are naturally more chill, focusing on swimming fundamentals.

Tip: Think about signing up for membership to enjoy perks like free VIP passes for your mates and fam.

John Charles Centre for Sport

From swimengland

Address: South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, Belle Isle

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 7 am to 10 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 8 am to 4 pm

Website

Serious swimmers and John Charles Centre for Sport—name a more iconic duo. Here, you can really test the waters with a 10-lane, Olympic-sized pool stretching a whopping 50 metres.

In addition, there are 3- to 10-metre diving platforms if somersaults are your thing. But if you’re not game for acrobatics or Michael Phelps-level laps, the trusty 25-metre pool is always a comfy backup.

Tip: Feel free to drive over. There’s ample free all-day parking (parking leeds) right across the street.

Village Gym Leeds North

From villagegym

Address: 186 Otley Rd, Weetwood

Contact Details: 0113 323 6150

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 5 am to 10 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 8 am to 9 pm

Website

Village Gym’s pool has the best of both worlds. You can stretch out in the 25-metre heated pool or unwind in the sauna and steam room! And as you swim, you can soak in the venue’s natural light and serenity.

The pool is also open to everyone—toddlers, solo swimmers, or those getting their groove on in aqua aerobics. To top it off, there’s a spa room for catching your breath when you’re all tuckered out.

Tip: Familiarise yourself with the benefits of being a member here. There’s quite a lot, but note that this place doesn’t cost peanuts.

Bannatyne Health Club and Spa Cookridge Hall

From bannatynecookridge

Address: Cookridge Ln

Contact Details: 0113 203 0000

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6 am to 10 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 8 am to 8 pm

Website

When we hit up Bannatyne last October and November 2024, we almost didn’t leave. The pool might not be the widest or longest, but it’s heated and usually pretty empty (we had it all to ourselves the last 2 times).

Our team enjoyed the wetside perks as well. There’s a well-kept sauna and steam room that was included in our entry, though we spent more time in the bubbling spa pools.

Tip: You can split the cost into three interest-free chunks with Klarna.

Pudsey Leisure Centre

From pudseyleisure

Address: Market Pl, Pudsey

Contact Details: 0113 376 0398

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Thu – 6:45 am to 9:30 pm
  • Fri – 6:45 am to 9 pm
  • Sat – 8:15 am to 5 pm
  • Sun – 8:45 am to 6:30 pm

Website

Whenever urges for focused swims sink into our minds, we leg it to Pudsey Leisure Centre. Intense laps are perfect here, thanks to the 25-metre pool with a deep end reaching 3.5 metres.

Speaking of the deep end, it’s a diver’s dream. Springboards kick off at a metre, but you can take it up a notch at the 10-metre platform. On the downside, there’s no learner pool, so you have to at least learn the basics before dipping in.

Tip: Stay in the loop of price changes or closing updates by downloading the Active Leeds app on the App Store or Google Play.

Ilkley Pool and Lido

From ilkleylido

Address: Denton Rd, Ilkley

Contact Details: 01274 436201

Website

Ilkley Pool and Lido’s outdoor pool is where we have our swim and sunshine. It’s a popular summer activity (things to do in Leeds in summer), and it’s surrounded by greens and a cafe to boot!

Don’t sleep on the indoor pool though. It’s heated so weather won’t be a factor for your laps, and the 25 x 11-metre dimension means it has room for big groups.

Tip: Bring the little ones under 3. They get in free of charge!

Bramley Baths

– From bramleybaths

Address: Broad Ln, Bramley

Contact Details: 0113 256 0949

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 6:30 am to 9 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 7 am to 4 pm

Website

In our book, the Edwardian-era Bramley Baths is one of Leeds’ most head-turning pools. The stained glass and period decor prove our point.

Don’t get it twisted; it’s not just a pretty face for the ‘Gram. Despite the facility’s age, the 22-metre pool remains in tip-top condition and buzzes with activities, like lane swims and family fun sessions.

Tip: Promo codes and schedules of special programs like baby swim lessons are posted on their Instagram.

Carnegie Sports Centre

From gareth_w1979

Address: Headingley Campus

Contact Details: 0113 812 3160

Operating Hours:

  • Mon to Fri – 7:15 am to 10 pm
  • Sat to Sun – 8:15 am to 6 pm

Website

Carnegie Sports Centre is up there with Leeds’ highest-rated, and it’s no wonder why. The 21-metre, 4-lane pool stays in top shape all year, and swimming lessons for all levels of swimmers are offered.

Another bonus is safety; lifeguards are always watching—plus a manually operated hoist is available throughout your swim. There’s plenty of on-site parking space too, so you don’t have to spend minutes looking for a spot that’s kilometres away.

Tip: Don’t worry about pram storage; there’s one in the changing area.

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