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Stay fit in a way that works for you with inclusive access to our gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes across the UK, plus discounts on a range of other activities.
Monthly Membership
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At Better, our flexible, no-contract Student Membership provides you with inclusive access* to our gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes across England, Cardiff and Belfast.
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GLL is a Charitable Social Enterprise owned by our staff and founded on our purpose and values to provide a different, fairer and better way of doing business.
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  • Athletics
  • Climbing
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  • Diving
  • Fitness Classes
  • Football
  • Gym Workout
  • Ice Skating
  • Junior Gym
  • Outdoor Swimming
  • Swimming
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  • Watersports

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  5. Outdoor Swimming at Pools on the Park
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Outdoor Swimming at Pools on the Park

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Swim for Fitness

If you’re looking for a low-impact, full-body workout, swimming is one of the best ways to boost your fitness and overall wellbeing. Our Swim for Fitness sessions are designed for all abilities, with slow, medium and fast lanes available to match your pace and help you make the most of every swim. You’ll also find a range of swimming accessories, goggles, swimwear and training aids available to purchase from reception to support your fitness goals in the pool.

BOOK SWIM FOR FITNESS

Swim For All

No matter your age, fitness level or swimming ability, our Swim for All sessions are ideal for building confidence, improving your technique, or simply enjoying quality time in the water with family and friends. These inclusive leisure swimming sessions run during school holidays in the Outdoor Pool, where you can splash, play and relax without the restriction of lanes. Dive in and make the most of a fun, family-friendly swim experience whatever the season.

BOOK SWIM FOR ALL

Swim UK Membership

At Pools on the Park in Richmond, you can enjoy year-round swimming in both our indoor and outdoor pools, ideal for fitness, training or leisure. As part of Better – the UK’s largest swimming pool operator – your Swim UK membership gives you access to over 140 swimming pools and 9 outdoor lidos across England, Cardiff and Belfast, so you can swim wherever life takes you. At Pools on the Park, we believe everyone should feel confident and active in the water. Our Swim UK membership is perfect for all ages and abilities – whether you’re just starting out, improving your strokes or swimming to stay fit, there’s no better place to dive in.

JOIN NOW

Getting Started with Outdoor Swimming

To ensure you get the most out of your outdoor swim at Pools on the Park, here are a few tips to help you prepare for the pool:

Pre Cleanse - please help us to keep your pool clean by following our Swim Hygiene guidelines by showering and using the toilet facilities before you swim.
Respect Others - people of different standards and abilities will use the pool. Please respect their right to enjoy their swim.
Choose your speed - choose your lane using the fast, medium and slow signs and by watching those already swimming. Before pushing off at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching.
Be mindful of direction- please follow the directional signs and move across to the appropriate side of the lane for each length.
Think of space- try and leave at least 5 metres between yourself and another swimmer and if it’s possible to see a pace clock, then a 5 second gap is just as good.
Pick your strokes - wide stokes such as butterfly and breaststroke should be avoided when the lanes become busy. If you change to a slower stroke as part of your session, think about moving lanes.
Use equipment – fitness swimming training equipment, such as fins and hand paddles, is permitted at the discretion of the lifeguard and based on capacity. Snorkels can be used in conjunction with conventional swimming goggles.
Take time to rest - whether stopping for a rest or catching your breath after completing your swim, please be mindful that others using the lane will want to keep on swimming without stopping

Swim Safely Rules

  • Under 8’s and non swimmers 11-17 must be accompanied in the water by a competent adult swimmer
  • No more than two under 8’s or non swimmers 11-17 to each competent adult swimmer
  • The competent adult swimmer must actively supervise under 8’s and non swimmers 11-17
  • Under 8’s and all non swimmers must remain in shallow water
  • We strongly recommend under 8’s and all non swimmers use armbands and/or an appropriate buoyancy aid
FULL SWIM SAFELY RULES
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What We Offer keyboard_arrow_down
  • Leisure Centres
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About Us keyboard_arrow_down
  • Our Story
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What We Offer keyboard_arrow_down
  • Leisure Centres
  • Lessons and Courses
  • Libraries
  • Spa Experience
  • Venue Hire
  • Children's Centres
Contact & Support keyboard_arrow_down
  • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
  • Media Enquiries
  • Terms and Policies
  • Sitemap
About Us keyboard_arrow_down
  • Our Story
  • Being a Charitable Social Enterprise
  • News
  • Careers
  • GLL Corporate Website
  • GLL Sport Foundation

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

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