Where to Swim in Leeds

Looking for the perfect place to make a splash in Leeds? You’re in luck! Whether you’re chasing Olympic dreams, need a gentle therapeutic swim, or just want to cool off with the family, Leeds has got you covered with some absolutely brilliant swimming spots.

Here’s the inside scoop on where to find your perfect pool match in our fantastic city!

For Budget-Conscious Swimmers: Active Leeds is Your Best Friend

Let’s start with the wallet-friendly winner – Active Leeds runs incredible facilities across the city, and here’s the brilliant bit: adult swims are just £6.30, kids swim for £3.00, and under-3s join in completely free!

No booking headaches either – just turn up and jump in.

John Charles Centre for Sport

Middleton Grove, LS11 5DJ

Ready to feel like an Olympian? This place is absolutely jaw-dropping! We’re talking a proper 50-metre Olympic pool with 8 lanes – the same size where world records are broken. Plus there’s a diving pool with platforms up to 10-metres high (yes, really!). A great place for swimming in Leeds.

Why you’ll love it:

• Free parking for 3-hours (33 disabled spaces available)
• Water stays a toasty 28-29°C year-round
• Those clever floating floors can adjust depth for different activities
• Special quiet sessions for sensory-sensitive swimmers

Perfect for: Serious swimmers, diving enthusiasts, anyone wanting that Olympic experience

Holt Park Active

Holtdale Approach, LS16 7RX

This gem offers something really special – a hydrotherapy pool that’s perfect for gentle exercise and recovery. The village-style changing rooms give you proper privacy with individual cubicles, and the accessibility features are top-notch.

Perfect for: Gentle exercise, rehabilitation, families wanting a relaxed environment

Armley Leisure Centre

Carr Crofts, LS12 3HB

Here’s where Leeds really shows off! This place has pool hoists on all three pools and Changing Places standard facilities. It’s genuinely designed for everyone to enjoy swimming, and the on-site café serves up decent food at reasonable prices.

Perfect for: Anyone with mobility needs, extended family visits, post-swim refreshments

Kippax Leisure Centre

Mill Lane, Kippax, LS25 7LH

Get ready for something completely different! Kippax boasts Leeds’ deepest swimming pool at 4 metres – perfect for diving practice and advanced swimming techniques. This six-lane beauty maintains gorgeous solar-heated temperatures of 29-30°C year-round. The sharp depth transition from 1m to 4m makes it unique in Leeds!

Why it’s special:

• Leeds’ only 4-metre deep public pool
• Solar-heated for consistent warmth
• Six lanes for serious lane swimming
• Free parking (though spaces fill up after 5pm)

Perfect for: Diving enthusiasts, advanced swimmers, anyone wanting a proper deep-water experience

Wetherby Leisure Centre

Lodge Lane, Wetherby, LS22 5LQ

This place sets the gold standard for inclusive swimming! Wetherby combines a 25m main pool with a dedicated learner pool, but it’s the accessibility features that truly shine – direct poolside accessible changing, induction loop systems, and shower chairs. Plus, the riverside location gives you a lovely calm atmosphere away from city bustle.

What makes it brilliant:

• Superior disability access features
• Dual-pool setup for all abilities
• Parent-baby sessions from just 6 weeks old
• Peaceful riverside setting with free parking

Perfect for: Anyone with accessibility needs, families with mixed abilities, parents with babies

Learning to Swim?

Swimming is not only is a lifesaving skill but also provides lots of joy throughout life; it’s also one of the most kindest forms of exercise on your body – plenty of reasons to brush up on your swimming skills. Whether you’re looking to begin from scratch or improve your technique, these providers have got you covered.

Active Leeds

One of the biggest learn to swim programmes in Leeds, particularly for juniors and young people, with over 10,000 attending a lesson across the 12 leisure centre pools each week.

The junior programme is based on the assessed Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway covering 7 ability categories. It’s a thorough progression that doesn’t sacrifice the fun along the way. For children and young people with SEN needs, a disability adjustment programme can be created following a child assessment on joining.

Learning to swim is not only limited to juniors. Active Leeds swimming lessons range from 6-weeks to adulthood. All swim instructors are STA approved and trained to a minimum of a level-2 qualification.

The cost of a learn to swim monthly membership is £31.50, with a £15 joining fee at the start. This includes 1 weekly swim session all year round.

Bramley Baths

You’re in beautiful surroundings when learning to swim at Bramley Baths. The skylight and Edwardian architecture are stand outs.

Classes are led by experienced teachers – STA and ASA trained – who follow the Dolphin programme. Classes run 7-days-a-week for children aged 4-years and upwards. There is a less frequent baby and parent group (6-months starting) that keep it fun. And all changing rooms include baby changing.

Adults lessons are facilitated in a large intergenerational group of mixed ages. Learners are complimentary on the 121 approach that is managed by the instructors, allowing you to learn with others at your own pace.

There is plenty of space to stand in the pool with multiple step access entry and exit points; making it a comfortable and stress-free pool to learn to swim in.

A solo swim class membership costs £32 a month; there is no joining fee and the first month is free if you get a years membership upfront.

For Central Location Lovers: Right in the Heart of Leeds

Nuffield Health at The Light

Unit 21, The Light, The Headrow, LS1 8TL

Fancy a swim right in the city centre? This pool never gets too crowded (according to members!), and you can combine it with shopping at The Light. Day passes are £14.99 through Hussle, and they offer brilliant discounts – students get 15% off, emergency workers get 25%, and some get up to 50% off!

Insider tip: Pop in after work for a swim, then grab dinner at one of The Light’s restaurants. Perfect city evening sorted!

The Edge

Willow Terrace Road, LS2 9JT

Students and locals alike rave about this 8-lane, 25-metre beauty. At £38.50/month for public membership, it’s great value, especially with that NHS discount (25% off – result!). Free parking after 4pm and all weekend is the cherry on top.

Perfect for: Students, university staff, anyone wanting reliable quality

David Lloyd Leeds

Tongue Lane, Moortown, LS6 4QW

Want to swim like you’re on holiday? David Lloyd offers both indoor AND outdoor pools! The outdoor 25-metre pool with sun terrace and bar is legendary during summer. They’ve just refurbished everything in 2024 with posh Elemis products in the changing rooms.

The splurge factor: Membership ranges from £134-254/month, but if you can swing it, you’re getting the full resort experience right here in Leeds.

Bannatyne Kirkstall

Cardigan Fields Development, Kirkstall Road, LS4 2DG

Here’s where families hit the jackpot! Bannatyne has completely transformed since taking over from Virgin Active, and the £1 million makeover shows. You’re getting not just one pool, but two pools designed specifically with families in mind – a 25-metre main pool for serious swimming and a separate children’s pool that runs extended hours. Also has free parking right outside the door.

Perfect for: Families with mixed swimming abilities, parents wanting spa time, anyone who values convenience and comprehensive facilities

Quick-Fire Options for Every Situation

Bramley Baths

Broad Lane, Bramley, LS13 3DF

Packed full of character and heritage. Bramley Baths is an Edwardian era bathhouse (the last in Leeds) that’s recent renovation has brought this 120 year facility gloriously back into use. Swimming isn’t the only thing you can do here. They’ve added a state of the art gym and a schedule of fitness classes to make it an all round winner.

Surroundings: you’re getting a swimming and fitness experience in a beautiful environment. Ditch the modern uniformity and enjoy the standout character of the baths. Swimming under the skylight at sunset and sunrise has to be up there!

Village Gym Locations

• Leeds North (Headingley): 25-metre pool with whirlpool and sauna, plus 4-hours free parking
• Leeds South (Morley): Lane swimming confirmed, plus they’ve added a cold plunge bath for the brave!
• Day passes: £20 through Hussle if you want to test the waters first

More Active Leeds Gems:

• Kirkstall: Traditional 25-metre pool with free parking
• Morley: Boasts the largest gym (132 stations) if you want to combine workouts
• Fearnville: Excellent accessibility with ramped access and electric doors
• Rothwell: Freshly refurbished in 2024 with dual-pool setup and modern LED lighting – feels brand new!
• John Smeaton: Leeds’ strongest disability swimming program with Saturday sessions that get rave reviews
• Pudsey: Unique sensory swimming sessions (Wed 6:30-8pm, Sun 1-2:30pm) perfect for neurodivergent swimmers

Ready to Make Your Choice?

Whether you’re after Olympic-sized ambitions, gentle hydrotherapy, or luxury spa vibes, Leeds delivers in spades! The hardest part? Choosing which pool to try first.

Our top recommendations:

• First-time visitors: Start with John Charles Centre – that Olympic pool experience is unforgettable
• Families: Holt Park Active offers the perfect relaxed environment
• Budget-conscious: Any Active Leeds facility gives incredible value
• Luxury seekers: David Lloyd’s outdoor pool experience is worth every penny
• City centre convenience: Nuffield at The Light can’t be beaten for location