Swim & Stay sessions at Pools on the Park
Looking for the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and cool off in the pool? Our Swim & Stay sessions give you access to both the outdoor pool and the surrounding grounds, so you can swim, relax and make the most of your visit.
Before you visit
Swim & Stay sessions are made available based on weather forecasts and expected demand. Session availability is published up to 72 hours in advance and can be booked through the Better UK app, by phone or at the centre.
Please note that admission may close if the outdoor pool or grounds reach capacity.
What's included?
Your Swim & Stay booking includes access to:
- The outdoor pool
- The outdoor grounds
- Outdoor changing rooms and toilets
- Accessible facilities within the main centre
A wristband will be issued on arrival and must be worn throughout your visit.
Session times
Swim & Stay operates in two separate sessions each day.
If you'd like to spend the whole day with us, you'll need to book both sessions. Between sessions, customers are asked to leave the grounds while the area is prepared for the next session. Customers with bookings for both sessions can wait in a designated café area before collecting a new wristband and re-entering.
Children and family swimming
Children are welcome to use the outdoor pool when accompanied by a responsible adult and the appropriate swimming supervision ratios are maintained.
Food, picnics and relaxing outdoors
You're welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds during your visit. There is also a café available on site.
To help keep everyone safe:
- Glass containers are not permitted.
- Knives and other sharp items are not permitted.
- Sunbathing is only permitted on the grassed areas.
- Deckchairs and umbrellas may only be used on the grassed areas and not around the poolside.
Pool temperature
We aim to maintain the outdoor pool at a minimum temperature of 25°C, although temperatures may rise during warmer weather.
Weather and outdoor swimming
Swim & Stay sessions will usually go ahead in wet weather.
For your safety, sessions may be suspended or the outdoor pool temporarily closed during thunder and lightning.
Please note that refunds are not available where facilities are closed due to adverse weather conditions.
What can't I bring?
The following items are not permitted:
- Alcohol
- Illegal substances
- Glass items or bottles
- Knives or other sharp objects
- Disposable barbecues
- Candles
- Balls, inflatables or water pistols
All bags may be subject to search on arrival. Entry may be refused if a bag search is declined.
Activities not permitted
To help everyone enjoy a safe and relaxing environment, the following are not permitted:
- Photography or filming
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping
- Racquet sports, cricket or ball games
- Full-face masks, snorkels, fins or hard hand paddles during public swimming sessions
- Dogs, except registered assistance dogs
- Aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour towards staff or other customers
Anyone displaying inappropriate behaviour may be asked to leave the site.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child use the outdoor pool?
Yes. Children can use the outdoor pool when accompanied by a responsible adult and the appropriate swimming supervision ratios are followed.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes. Picnics are welcome, but glass containers and knives are not permitted.
Can I bring a deckchair or umbrella?
Yes. Deckchairs and umbrellas can be used on the grassed areas but must not be taken onto the poolside.
Can I hire a towel?
No, towel hire is not available.
Can I stay all day?
Yes, but you'll need to book both Swim & Stay sessions.
What happens if it rains?
Sessions will usually continue in the rain. Only adverse weather conditions, such as thunder and lightning, are likely to affect the session.
Do you offer women-only or gender-specific sessions?
No, Swim & Stay sessions are open to all customers and we do not currently offer gender-specific sessions.
Is re-entry allowed?
No. Once you leave the site, re-entry is not permitted unless you have booked a separate session and obtained the correct wristband.
Terms and Conditions
By booking and attending a Swim & Stay session, you agree to the following conditions:
- Entry is valid only for the session booked.
- Wristbands must be worn and visible throughout your visit.
- Admission may be refused or restricted if the outdoor pool or grounds have reached capacity.
- There is no re-admission once you have left the site.
- All bags may be subject to search on arrival. Refusal to comply may result in admission being denied.
- Customers must follow all pool safety rules and lifeguard instructions at all times.
- Appropriate swimwear must be worn when using the pool.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is not permitted anywhere on site.
- Photography and filming are not permitted within the outdoor pool and grounds.
- Alcohol, illegal substances, glass items, knives, disposable barbecues, candles, balls, inflatables and water pistols are not permitted.
- Full-face masks, snorkels, fins and hard hand paddles are not permitted during public Swim & Stay sessions.
- Dogs are not permitted, except registered assistance dogs.
- Aggressive, abusive, threatening or unsafe behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the site.
- Swim & Stay sessions operate in most weather conditions. Sessions may be suspended or cancelled where weather conditions present a safety risk, including thunder and lightning.
- Refunds are not available for non-attendance, breaches of these conditions, or weather-related closures undertaken for safety reasons.
- Better is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings brought onto the site.
For full terms and conditions, please speak to a member of staff before your visit.
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