Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post which was published in February 2024. Prices and info were last checked in February 2024 and will change over time so please check with venues direct (we have added their links) for up-to-date timetables, prices and policies before heading out. Over to Bethanie........
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In doing so we discovered some new swimming pools and soon found which ones were our favourites and why.
For example, were they warm enough and did they have good changing room facilities? We have been to pools before that have been so cold the kids lips have gone blue! Now we are a family of five with children ranging in age from 3 to 10, it is more important than ever, that we find a brilliant swimming pool that will keep everyone happy.
In this post, I will share a round up of 10 of the best swimming pools in the north east. Each one will include a list of facilities provided, cost and location.
My children have had swimming lessons with Active Northumberland at the Willowburn pool and we also enjoy visiting the new leisure centre in Morpeth, mostly because everything is still new so it feels quite a nice place to swim.
However, I have tried to make this list as varied as possible to cover as much of the north east as possible. Perhaps you might find a new favourite too?
10 of the Best Swimming Pools in North East England
Prudhoe Waterworld
At Prudhoe Waterworld you can expect lane swimming, a waterslide, fountains and wave pool. They also have an outdoor play park and onsite HIVE Cafe. Prudhoe Waterworld is part of the Places Leisure group so members can take advantage of their membership at this leisure centre. There is also onsite parking and assisted pool access.
At the time of writing this post, the soft play is closed for maintenance with no indication how long this is for.
It is still best to book in advance via the Places Leisure app. You will need to set up an account for this. I sometimes use the app to check availability and if there are plenty of spaces we turn up because I haven't worked out how to add the free children if they have swimming lessons yet!
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 7am - 9.45pm
Friday 7am - 8.45pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 6pm
The “Fun For All” swim sessions seem to just be on at weekends:
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 3.40pm
While lane swimming is on throughout the week, all day.
As ever though, best to check online or via the app before your visit.
Cost:
£5.50 adult (16+)
£3.65 5-15 yrs
Under 4s free
Address:
Front Street, Prudhoe, NE42 5DQ
Booking: via their website or on the app.
“An hour-long swimming session with my two young children, 2 and 5. The 5 year old loves the waves. Can often be quite cold in the water here but recently it has not been too bad. Great value for money.”
You can read our review of Prudhoe Waterworld here: Prudhoe Waterworld Review.
PaddlePod
There are three venues for the PaddlePod and I have actually recently recommended one to friends who have just had a baby. The pool and changing areas are so baby and toddler friendly.
The thing that stands out the most for me is how warm it is, not just in the pool but in the changing rooms as well. It makes getting changed a lot easier and the pool is like stepping into a bath.
PaddlePod offers swimming lessons (delivered via Nemo Swimming and SwimNE), open swim sessions, family swim sessions, prenatal swim sessions and pool parties.
You will also find onsite cafes, soft play and role play areas and a sensory room for babies aged 0-12 months at Shiremoor and Killingworth.
Opening times:
Swim times vary depending on day and location, so you are best visiting the website to view the detailed timetable.
Cost:
Pay As You Go swim: from £3.50 pp (toys and floats in the pool included) - they also run baby and pre-school swims for the same price.
Sensory sessions: £3.50 pp. These sessions see the lights dimmed and they only let in a limited number of people into the pool.
Lessons Nemo Swim or SwimNE lessons start from £12.50
Address for the three locations:
PaddlePod - Whitley Bay
Marden Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2JW
PaddlePod - Shiremoor
New York Road, Shiremoor, NE27 0NB
PaddlePod - Killingworth
Silverbirch Drive, Camperdown, NE12 5AB
Booking:
Online: https://paddlepod.co.uk
“Staff are very friendly and helpful. The changing rooms have always been clean as has the swimming pool.”
You can read our review of the Shiremoor PaddlePod here: Shiremoor PaddlePod Review
Concordia Leisure Centre
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Concordia leisure centre is in Cramlington and is a great swimming pool for more of a fun swim session. You can still do lengths here and going mid-week is definitely the best time to visit for this.
However if you are going with the kids they will love having a splash in the tropical themed pool. There's also lots to do in the centre itself with clip n climb, bowling, HIVE cafe, soft play and more.
My only gripe with Concordia is the parking. While there are plenty of spaces in Manor Walks, I think it would work well if they had their own parking space for users of the leisure centre as it can get busy on weekends.
Opening times:
Monday - Friday: 6.15am to 9pm
Saturday: 8.15am to 7pm
Sunday: 8.15am - 6pm
Swim For All is on weekdays from 3.20pm and on weekends at various times.
Check the website or Places Leisure app before visiting.
Cost:
From £5.50 for adults.
From £2.75 for ages 5-15 years
Under 5's go free.
Address:
Forum Way, Cramlington, NE23 6YB
Booking:
Book online or via the Places Leisure app.
“Really love coming here with the kids. Friendly and helpful staff all round, nice place to come. Love the swimming.”
You can read our review of the Concordia here: Concordia Review
Berwick Leisure Centre
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I was so excited to visit here when it opened back in 2022. The splash area is fab and the slide looks good fun too.
They don’t allow adults on sadly, so I have to trust the kids on this one but they love it.
There is a lane pool, splash zone and training pool. As well as this you will find a soft play (quite small so suitable for very young children), the HIVE cafe, gym and spa. There is also a large sports hall here, which is good for parties or classes etc.
Opening times:
Monday - Friday: 6.15am - 9.30pm
Saturday: 8am - 6pm
Sunday: 8am - 6pm
Swim For All is on various times throughout the week and from 10.30am on weekends.
Cost:
They seem to have raised their prices slightly since our last visit and there seems to be a grey area between under 5’s going free and under 4’s. I noticed on the app it says 4 and under whereas the website says under 5’s…
From £5.50 for adults.
From £2.75 for ages 5-15 years
Under 5's go free. (According to the website)
Address: Northumberland Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2AS
“Well worth a visit, very clean and the facilities were great. Fantastic shower cubicles that you can fit your little ones in with you. Great that they have a dedicated swimming lane even during a public swim.”
Booking: Personally I think it is best booking via the Places Laisure app, as some of the times weren’t available on the website. It also shows you on the app how many spaces are left during each session.
You can read our review of Berwick Leisure Centre here: Berwick Leisure Centre Review
Consett Leisure Centre
At Consett Leisure Centre you can expect to find two pools: a 25 metre and 20 metre pool. There is also a fun slide and interactive water toys.
I love it when a pool has the toys provided so it is one less thing to pack in the swim bag! You can also expect to find a gym, sports hall, hire for parties and they also seem to run a host of clubs for children from netball to holiday camps.
Opening times:
A general swim is on throughout the day from 9am at weekends, but if you are looking for the “Fun Sessions” where they get out the inflatables and open the slide, this is on from 12pm - 4pm on a Saturday only.
The leisure centre opening times are:
Monday - Friday: 6.30am to 9.30pm
Saturday: 7.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: 7.00am to 5.00pm
They are closed on bank holidays.
Cost:
If you are a Thrive card holder your swim will cost £4, otherwise an adult swim for non-card holders is: £4.40.
Child/concession: £3
Under 1’s: £1
You can also book a family swim (a group of 4) for £12
If you would like to add on the addition of the steam room/sauna, this is an extra £1.50pp.
Address: Medomsley Rd, Consett DH8 5HU There is a bus stop right outside the front door and a large car park.
Booking:
You will find the website for Consett Leisure Centre here and they also have a Facebook page.
“Nice pools and slide. Lifeguards are attentive which makes you feel safe.
Both pools have moveable floors so the depth is adjustable.”
You can read our review of Consett Leisure Centre here: 5 Rainy Day Ideas In Consett
Waves Whitley Bay
Credit : Waves
Ahh, I have so many memories of coming here when I was little, while we were visiting my grandparents in Whitley Bay. It has since been refurbished but is still a brilliant pool if you are looking for slides and a wave machine.
Located on Whitley Bay seafront, it is in a lovely spot overlooking the sea. There is a separate aquatic play area for smaller children in the form of a pirate ship, as well as a soft play and cafe. Does anyone else miss that huge diving pool?
As well as being a great pool for slides and waves, they also do swimming lessons and there is a learner pool. Spectators can sit in the cafe or there is a small seating area next to the small pool. You can also book children’s parties at Waves.
Opening times:
The leisure centre is open:
Monday to Thursday: 6.30am-9.30pm
Friday: 6.30am-7.30pm
Saturday: 8am-6pm
Sunday: 8am-5pm
Here you will find the pool timetable as there are many different types of sessions running including lessons and lane swimming.
Cost:
The website isn’t very clear with prices but if you have an ease card (these again vary in price depending if you are a resident or non-resident) the prices are as follows:
Adult - £4.50
Senior - £3.20
Junior - £2.70
Under 5’s - 0.70p
And for non-ease card members:
Adults - £6.90
Senior - £4.70
Junior- £4.70
Under 5’s - £1.60
Address: The Links, Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ
Booking:
This link will take you to the North Tyneside website where you can find all the information about Waves including their swim policy for young children. They also have a Facebook page. You can just turn up for your swim, no need to book ahead. You can also call: 0191 643 2600 if you need any more information.
“Fantastic local pool, many happy memories here. Staff are polite, friendly and helpful. There’s something for everyone. Recommended.”
Haven Point South Shields
Credit : South Tyneside Council
Haven Point is located on South Shields seafront. This leisure facility has three pools (one 25 metre and the smaller one is 18 metres), both with adjustable floors, and Leisure Waters.
Here you can also enjoy slides, water play, bubble spa and sprays. For the grown ups there is a sauna and steam room, as well as a gym and dance studios. Like most of the other pools in this round-up, there is also a cafe.
In the splash areas, the water is very shallow so great for little ones.
Opening times:
The times vary depending on which pool you are wanting to use and when.
Find the main pool timetable here.
Leisure Waters is open Mon-Fri: 10am until 8pm, Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm and Sunday: 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Cost:
Adult - £6.30 or £4.90 with a Get Active discount card.
Junior 5 - 18 year/OAP - £4.50 or £3 with the Get Active card.
Under 5’s - £1.40 or 60p with the Get Active card.
Address:
Pier Parade, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2JS. South Shields Metro station is a ten minute walk away. There is nearby parking at Pier Parade and Harbour Drive South.
Booking:
You no longer need to book ahead for swimming at Haven Point, you can just turn up. If you would like to see more information, you can do so via the South Tyneside website.
“Great swimming baths. Lots of changing rooms. The pools are separated. 1 main pool, 1 fun zone, and 1 baby pool. Showers aren't great, the water isn't very powerful. They have hairdryers available free to use.”
Atlantis Adventure Mega Inflatables at Sunderland Aquatic Centre
Credit: Sunderland Aquatic
The below information is sharing the Atlantis Adventure Mega Inflatables sessions and not a general lane swim at the Aquatic Centre. For more information on lane swimming at Sunderland Aquatic Centre, visit their website.
They also offer party bookings on the inflatables which I think is a brilliant idea for a kids party.
The Mega Inflatables sessions are suitable for children and adults aged 6 years and above (6&7 year olds must be accompanied within the water at all times with an adult), you must be able to swim 25 metres (with a buoyancy aid) and be comfortable in deep water (2m).
Opening times:
Open on Sundays at the following booking times:
1pm - 2pm
2pm - 3pm
3pm - 4pm
It is advised that you arrive 15 minutes before your session starts to be fitted by a buoyancy aid.
They also run more sessions during the summer holidays:
Every Monday & Thursday-
11.30am to 12.30pm & 12.30pm to 1.30pm but always best to ring ahead and check the time slots.
Cost:
£7 per person.
Address:
Sunderland Aquatic Centre, Stadium Park, SR5 1SU
Booking:
You can make an enquiry via the website but I think it would be best to call 0191 514 4300.
The Fish Tank Newton Aycliffe
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| Credit : The Fish Tank |
This is a gorgeous, small pool dedicated to swimming for little ones. Set up by Paul and Penny, it opened in January 2020.
As well as swimming lessons and a general family swim, you can also hire the pool for parties or book family group bookings.
There is also an interactive indoor play and immersive sensory room that is also bookable. On site there is a cafe offering hot food and I love that you can reserve a table and order your food when you book your swim online!
Opening times:
There are a mix of family swims, baby and toddler swims, lessons and a therapeutic swim. You can view the full timetable here.
Cost:
There are four different options when it comes to the cost of a general swim.
An adult and child ticket costs from £13.75
A family swim (2 adults, 2 children) is from £27.50 (for families like ours with more than two children, you can add extra children on at the time of booking).
Adult swim from £11
And exclusive pool hire is £165.
Address:
Cumbie Way, Aycliffe Business Park, DL5 6YA
Booking:
Swim bookings can be made via The Fish Tank website. You must book ahead of your visit.
“Lovely warm pool and changing rooms. Pool area is clean and well lit. Baby changing in each cubicle is fantastic and spacious cubicle showers too.”
Stockton Splash
Credit Stockton Splash
We are finishing off our round-up with a brilliant pool for families. Stockton Splash has a wave machine, two flume slides, floats, water jets, a 25 metre pool and a toddler pool. Of course you can also expect to find the usual gym, cafe, activity hall and workout studios. You get one hour free car parking.
Opening times:
There is a super busy programme of different swim classes at Stockton Splash, so for this one you are better off checking out their timetable online.
The centre is open:
Monday - Thursday: 6am – 10pm
Friday: 6.30am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 8.30pm
Sunday 9am – 7.30pm
Cost:
Public session and “fun floats”:
Adults £5.60
Junior £3.65
Under 3’s are free.
Public session with inflatables:
Adults £6.05
Junior £4.05
Under 3’s are free.
There are options for membership prices see here.
Address:
Church Road, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1TY
Booking:
Visit the website for Stockton Splash to find out more and to make a booking.
“Lovely swimming facilities for all the members of the family, old or young.”
Hopefully this post has been helpful and maybe you are going to try a new pool next time you take the kids swimming. I must admit, my own children love the ones with slides and inflatables, whereas I would quite happily do the lane swimming. So these pools have a mix of everything to keep everyone in the family happy!
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