Find a Swimming Pool Near Me

Why Swim?

Swimming is a great all-round exercise that everyone can enjoy. No matter your age or ability, swimming works almost every muscle in your body without putting stress on your joints, so it’s perfect if you want to be more active and stay healthy.

With Better, you’ll have access to pools across the UK where you’ll find a range of activities on offer from swimming lessons and family fun sessions to Swim for Fitness. Whatever you’d like to try, we offer everything you need to dive in, build confidence and develop lifelong skills while having fun in the water.

To keep everyone safe, please read through our swim safely rules before your swim with Better.

Diabetes Challenge Swim22

Take on your Swim22 challenge in support of Diabetes UK and get a four-month complimentary Better Flex Membership.

What is the Swim22 challenge?
Swim the length of the English Channel, yes, that's 22 miles, in 12 weeks at your local Better swimming pool to support Diabetes UK who are committed to empowering everyone to become more confident and boost their mood by swimming regularly. 

How do I get a four-month complimentary Better Flex Membership?
To help you complete this challenge, we're offering you a Better Flex Membership lasting four months. First, you'll need to register for the challenge at Diabetes UK Swim22, then you will be sent to a page to sign up for a four-month complimentary Better Flex Membership. 

Remind me, what is the Better Flex Membership?
It's our most flexible membership yet. As well as up to 30% off the gym, pool and fitness classes at Better centres nationwide*, you'll also receive a number of benefits including one free activity booking (gym, swim or fitness class) a month and more. See Better Flex Membership for more details.  

Register for the Diabetes Swim22 challenge

Kids swim for £1

Throughout the holidays under 16s can  swim for just £1 before 10am (accompanying adults' usual admission applies). Simply sign up for participating Swim for All sessions before 10am to get this offer. Bookings are recommended to guarantee admission. 

Full terms and conditions available at better.org.uk/offer-terms.

Book your swim now

Swimming Pools Near Me

With over 140 indoor swimming pools - including the famous Manchester Aquatic Centre - and 10 outdoor lidos and lakes, you can take the plunge at a local pool in your area.

Pool facilities include:

  • Training and Childrens pools
  • Leisure pools
  • Teaching pools
  • Lane swimming pools
  • 9 lidos, heated and unheated 
  • Flumes, slides and Aqua Play
  • Diving pools and boards

Disability access and Poolpod lifts at many of our pools (please check)

Check facilities at your local pool

At Better, we have a variety of pools, from 25-metre pools for getting some laps in to learner pools for beginners, so you can find what you need. Some of our pools are even equipped with springboards and diving boards for those wanting to learn a new skill.  

If you have access needs, Poolpod lifts are available at many of our pools, as well as accessible changing rooms. Our friendly staff are also always on hand to help so you can feel supported throughout your swim.

Our Swimming Activities

From lane swimming to family-friendly sessions, discover our range of swimming sessions:

Swim for All

Best for: Casual swimmers

If you're looking to build your confidence, work on your strokes, float away any stress, or want to enjoy a swim with your family and friends, try Swim for All. These casual sessions so you can choose how you spend your time in the pool.

Swim for All sessions are included in Better memberships.

Book now

Swim for Fitness

Best for: A full body workout

For those wanting a low-impact activity to help them stay healthy, Swim for Fitness could be the perfect choice. These sessions take place in slow, medium and fast lanes, so you can take things at your own pace.

Swim for Fitness sessions are included in your Better membership.

Book now

Family swimming sessions

Best for: Family fun at the pool

At Better, we believe that swimming should be fun and exciting for all the family. With sessions like Family Fun Swim, Aqua Splash, Toddler Splash, Swim for under 5s, Aqua Play and Swim for Families, there’s something for  kids of all ages – and parents and carers too – to enjoy.

Family sessions are not included with a Better membership and come with an additional cost. ‘Family Fun Swim’ sessions are included as part of memberships in Cornwall only.

Book now

Swimming lessons

Best for: Beginners and improvers

We are the largest provider of swimming lessons in the UK, helping thousands of babies, children and adults learn to love the water and keep active, by becoming capable and confident swimmers. Our trained instructors take all abilities and access needs into consideration, ensuring everyone can learn this valuable life skill.

Available at a discounted price with a Better UK membership.

Find out more

Diving

Best for: Confident swimmers

Whether you want to learn something new or hone your technique, our diving lessons are a great way for more experience swimmers to perfect their skills in the pool. Our Tom Daley Diving Academy is for adults and children so everyone can take part in this exhilarating activity.

Book now

Open Water Swimming

Best for: Something different

If you’re looking for a swimming activity with a difference, why not try open water swimming? Spend time in the great outdoors as you swim away your stress. This activity is ideal for swimmers who are over 14 years and are fairly comfortable in the water. 

Available at West Reservoir Centre, Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre, and Lee Valley White Water Centre

Book now

The Benefits Of Swimming

As well as being a fun way to spend your time, swimming has a range of benefits. Through swimming you can:

Improve your wellbeing

Swimming is a great, low-impact form of exercise that works muscles throughout your body. From improving your strength to boosting your cardiovascular health, swimming has a wide range of physical benefits. Spending time in the water can also be great for your mental health, providing some time to relax and relieve stress.

Learn from experienced instructors

All our teachers are trained professions who are passionate about helping people learn to swim in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. No matter what level you’re starting at, our instructors have a range of skills and accreditations, such as STA award qualifications, so you’re in safe hands.

Become part of a community

Swimming at Better means you’re coming to a friendly and supportive environment, full of like-minded people. As a Better member, you’ll get to know people in your community as you attend lessons or simply make regular visits to your local pool.

How To Safely Make The Most Of Your Swim

We want everyone to be able to enjoy our facilities. That’s why we’ve got some basic dos and don’ts for when you visit your local pool. Make sure to also take a look at our Swim Safety Rules so you can find out how to enjoy swimming in a safe way.

Do

  • Shower thoroughly with soap before entering the pool
  • Use the toilet facilities before your swim and remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap
  • Make sure babies and toddlers are wearing tight-fitting waterproof baby trunks while swimming rather than nappies

Don’t

  • Swim if you’ve eaten a meal within the last two hours
  • Swim if you’ve consumed alcohol or are under the influence of drugs
  • Swim if you’re suffering from a cold or flu

Swim if you have suffered from food poisoning or diarrhoea in the last 14 days

What to wear

Hear From Our Swimmers

Ready to dive in? Hear how members of our community enjoy their local pool:

“I think swimming is the most important thing for my mental health because it is the one place that I feel that no one can get to me. You're in the water, who cares if the phone rings, if you get an email - you're in the water, you feel safe, you feel supported and you're focusing on one thing only, that swim. Yes, it’s definitely my time.” – Sarah, a Better member

Read Sarah’s story

“The swimming community is very embracing and very kind. It's a sport that welcomes people of all abilities, all shapes, and sizes, it's not a fashion industry. Everybody's in a collective mindset, everyone wants to do the same thing.” – Jessica and Nicola, ‘The Lido Ladies’

Read the Lido Ladies’ story

Read our community stories to find out more about how people make the most of Better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a place for swimming near me?

To find your nearest Better swimming pool, use our Centre Locator tool. Simply put in your postcode or a centre name and find a pool near you. With over 100 pools across the UK, you’re sure to find a centre in your local area.

What other facilities are at local pools near me?

From cafes to saunas, we offer a range of facilities at our pools. Facilities will vary so please check with your local centre to find out what’s available.

Are Better swimming pools accessible?

Many of our pools have Poolpod lifts and accessible changing rooms so everyone can enjoy swimming. Our teachers are trained to deliver lessons for people with disabilities and our centre staff are also always on hand to help if you have access needs.

Our Inclusive UK membership – which includes access to our pools - also provides access for carers and personal assistants so you have the support you need.

Please check with your local centre to find out about what accessibility features are in place and how our staff can help.

 

Have we answered your question? Take a look at our Help Centre for more information.

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Children’s Swimming Lessons

Whether they’re a complete beginners or need to build up their confidence in the water, our children’s swimming lessons are designed to help kids of all ages and abilities learn this vital life skill.

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Activities for Kids

Help your children stay active and have fun while doing it with our range of kids activities. Keep your little ones entertained over the school holidays or learn about the benefits of fitness with activities like climbing, ice skating and more!

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