Penarth Leisure Centre
BEST FOR
Ages 0-16
ENTRY
from £2.70
WHERE
Penarth
What it’s like
Public swims with a slide, softplay for under-fives and inflatable pool sessions for the older ones, all under one roof.
The pool's the main event here, and it's split by age in a sensible way. Under-fives get their own softplay session for £2.70, babies under three swim free, and there's a slide in the public swim that the 8 to 15s get an inflatable session built around. If you've got a toddler who wants proper structured splashing rather than a free-for-all, there are baby and toddler swimming lessons too, plus lessons for older kids.
A general swim is £4.50, or £3 if anyone in your party gets the concession rate, which is a fair price for a couple of hours out of the house. Softplay at £2.70 for the 0 to 5s is the sort of price you don't think twice about. Opening hours run 6am to 9pm on weekdays and a shorter 8 to 5 at weekends, so a weekend morning session is your best bet if you want to beat the crowds.
Beyond the pool there's a gym, fitness classes, a health suite and racket sports, all priced separately and cheaper off peak, which is worth knowing if you're bringing older kids along to something like pickleball at £4 a go. Parking is free with 126 spaces, including 6 accessible bays and 3 parent and child spaces right by the door, which takes one bit of hassle out of the visit. There's no booking link listed, so it looks like this is a turn-up-and-pay sort of place rather than one you need to plan weeks ahead for.
Party rooms and group bookings are on offer too, so a swimming pool birthday party is doable without much extra faff. The building's wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet and a hearing loop, and it's reachable by bus if you're not driving.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 0 to 15, with softplay for the little ones and inflatables for older kids
- Parking
- Free car park with 126 spaces including 6 accessible and 3 parent & child spaces
- Getting there by bus or train
- Accessible by bus
- Weekend hours are shorter, 8am to 5pm, versus 6am to 9pm on weekdays
- Off-peak gym and health suite rates are noticeably cheaper than peak
- Pickleball is £4 a session if you fancy a go with older kids
- Parent and child parking spaces are right by the entrance
Plan your visit
How much does a swim cost?
£4.50 for a standard swim, £3 on the concession rate for students, benefits claimants or seniors. Babies aged 3 and under go free.
Is there anything for under-fives?
Yes, a softplay session for the 0 to 5s at £2.70, plus baby and toddler swimming lessons.
What about older kids?
There are inflatable pool sessions for ages 8 to 15, alongside general swimming lessons and the public swim with a slide.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's no booking link listed, so it seems to run on a turn-up basis rather than needing advance booking.
What are the opening hours?
6am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 5pm on weekends.
Is there parking?
Free parking with 126 spaces, including 6 accessible bays and 3 parent and child spaces.
Can we get there without a car?
The site is accessible by bus.
Is it accessible for wheelchair users?
The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet and a hearing loop.
Can we book a birthday party there?
Party rooms and group bookings are available for birthday parties.
Is there anything for adults while the kids swim?
There's a gym, fitness classes, a health suite and racket sports, all priced separately with cheaper off-peak rates.
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