🏊♀️ FAMILY SWIMMING VENUES🏊♂️
- FamilyFunDarloMum
- Mar 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
I’ve put together this list below as I see many people asking for swimming venues for families as one of the top questions.
These are just my own recommendations based on where I’ve been. Please check with the venues directly for any updates. Information correct at the time of publishing (last updated April 2026)
The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, DL1 5RP
POOL INFO- The main swimming pool has undergone a complete refurbishment in 2024, followed by the toddler pool with lots of new splash play equipment. They have extra family swim sessions on during school holidays and they also run toddler sessions during term time. They also have diving boards and a training pool. They offer swimming lessons here too.
CHANGING FACILITIES - They have a mixed ‘changing village’ with 57 cubicles including families sized cubicles. There’s also a secure changing places toilet (fob required)
ACCESSIBILITY -More info here
PARKING-Not any onsite. There are council run car parks within the town centre where this leisure centre is located. The nearest is Feethams Multi-storey around a 5 minute walk. Or the closest disabled parking is at the town hall a couple of minutes walk but limited spaces. Check out rates and info here
BOOKING- No need to pre-book for swimming. Check out their swim timetables here
OTHER ACTIVITIES- Other activities in the Leisure Centre include ‘DC Bowl’ Ten Pin Bowling , ‘Under the sea’ Softplay (for up to age 8), table tennis, badminton and basketball. Call 01325 406000 to enquire about these.
They also have an onsite restaurant with kids meal options as well as a full menu in the softplay too.
Firtree Swimming Retreat, near Sedgefield, TS21 2EW
POOL INFO- Private swimming in a heated pool up to 32 degrees C and for up to 10 people.
This pool is 11.5m x 5.3m and has a shallow end of 0.8m for a good proportion of it so it’s ideal with young kids. The deep end is 1.5m. Long enough for swimming lengths too. There is also an Alexa to connect to your music on your phone whilst in the pool.
CHANGING FACILITIES- These are private just for your group with three seperate cubicles inside, a toilet and showers. There are two sets of these so the new group arriving can get changed in the other set whilst you are getting changed to leave. You get 15 minutes before and after your booking slot to change.
ACCESSIBILITY -Wheelchair accessible to the pool area and changing rooms, but with a few steps to get into the actual pool (see image).
COST-1 hour swim £40-£100 | 2 hour swim £75-£165
Cost dependent on number of people swimming from 2-4 up to 10 people (checked April 2026)
PARKING- Free onsite parking
OPENING HOURS-Open 9am until 9pm most days.
BOOKING- Book here
Ashgrove Lodge and Swim Spa, Middlesbrough
POOL INFO- A private heated pool which you can hire out for family swims. They also offer various spa sessions and treatments too (they have a sauna and hot tub in a tropical themed garden-not available as part of the family swims- booked seperate ). There is also some seating just next to the pool for family wanting to come along to watch. They also offer 1 on 1 swimming lessons here.
CHANGING FACILITIES-There’s a private bathroom to get changed in with a shower and toilet
ACCESSIBILITY- I would advise that this pool isn’t suitable for mobility impaired, as it’s up some quite steep steps to get in the pool and the pool is built up from the floor
COST- Current costs unknown, back in 2021 it was £25 family of four for a family swim
PARKING-On street parking, it’s in a residential street but street parking is permitted.
BOOKING-Follow their page Ashgrove Lodge & Swim Spa where they often list availability and message them if interested in any swim slots available.
POOL INFO-Perfect for young families who don’t need slides. The pool is heated at a minimum of 32 degrees C. The pool is 10 metres long and 6 metres wide. It is 1.2 metres deep. It has a lovely relaxed feel to it with lots of natural light coming through. They also have their own swim school for children’s swimming lessons.
CHANGING FACILITIES-The changing rooms are fully catered for babies with baby changing tables in each cubicle. There’s also a disabled changing area with shower, changing bed and toilet within the swimming pool changing room. They have a double wear nappy system in place to help keep the pool clean.
PARKING: Free onsite parking including disabled spaces
ACCESSIBILITY: Disabled changing room, level access building, steps to get into the pool (no hoist)
BOOKING: You can book for a swim and other activities here
OTHER ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES -Other activities here include a sensory room for babies and toddlers, and an adventure play room for children up to 8 years old which you can pay to book a session in either of these before or after your swimming or even just on its own.
There’s also an onsite cafe selling some lunch and snack options catering well for vegan and gluten free and there’s a free small play corner in the cafe too along with some books for little ones to enjoy when purchasing food/drink from the cafe.
Northallerton Leisure Centre
POOL INFO -This is a good choice for active kids. They have a 25 metre pool with a wave machine, water slide, water jets, cannons and bubbles. There’s also a shallow baby toddler area too with tipping buckets. Look out for the Fun Swim sessions on the timetable for the sessions that have these turned on. They also provide casual family swim, SEND and accessible swim sessions. Swim lessons are also available here.
CHANGING FACILITIES-A family friendly mixed changing village with private cubicles as well as changing places approved facilities.
PARKING-Free Onsite Parking
ACCESSIBILITY-Accessible changing area, changing places toilet and disabled parking.
BOOKING- More info and booking here
OTHER ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES - Various sports such as basketball, gymnastics and football.
Spennymoor Leisure Centre
POOL INFO- Refurbished in Summer 2024. This pool has a wave machine, slide, seaside splash area for toddlers and a gradual slope to get in the pool as well as a spectator area. They have various session types including Splashability (for those with additional needs/disabilities), Seaside wave and slide sessions, splash tots and more.
CHANGING FACILITIES-Seperate male and female changing cubicles as well as mixed cubicles. There’s also a dedicated changing places facility.
ACCESSIBILITY-Accessible shower and changing facilities and gradual slope for getting into the pool with handrails. Changing places changing room and pool hoist. The building is fully accessible.
PARKING-Free Onsite parking available including disabled spaces.
BOOKING- Sign up for a free thrive membership to book. Check timetables, sign up and book online here
OTHER ACTIVITIES/ FACILITIES- They also have a soft-play on site, gymnasium offering open play sessions and a sensory room.
The following are ones that have been recommended by others but I’ve not personally been to them with my kids. These include👇
Splash Stockton provided by Tees Active has 2 slides, a wave machine, water jets and a seperate toddler pool. Check out their big splash sessions on the timetable for these facilities to be in use. MORE INFO HERE
Billingham Forum, Thornaby Pool and Ingleby Barwick Leisure provided by Tees Active all have giant inflatables in the pools during their family sessions. (I have been to Thornaby Pool and I personally didn’t like it. The pool was very cold and didn’t look clean. Kamron wanted to get out after 10 minutes. Work has begun to build a new swimming pool at current Thornaby Pavilion Leisure Complex. Expected to complete in Summer 2027)
📸Credit; Tees Active (Rapid Racer Inflatable at Billingham Forum)
💦The Dinkie Den, Trimdon Grange A swimming lesson venue that also offers adhoc private hire use. Currently priced at £35 for 1 hour for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Additional swimmers available at extra cost. A small heated pool perfect for first swims with little ones or for private sessions with little kids. ENQUIRE VIA THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE
Available for private hire with a heated pool, sauna and sun loungers as well as a tennis court. Works out around £10-£15 a head depending on numbers. BOOK HERE
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog write up. If you would like more family ideas for places or events to visit please follow my Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/familyfundarlomum
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If you are a local business offering family activities or events and you are interested in collaborating with me to help promote your venue, please complete this enquiry form and I'll be in touch HERE👇
Charlotte (familyfundarlomum)
-Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-9 and Leo-3 (
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