Barrow Park Leisure Centre, Barrow-in-Furness

Illustration of Barrow Park Leisure Centre

Barrow Park Leisure Centre has two pools, and the one you want with children is the free-form leisure pool, which has a wave machine, a water slide and Pirate Cove, an interactive water play zone. The six-lane, 25m main pool next to it handles lane swimming and lessons.

You do not need to be a member. A family swim is £18.50, or it is £6.50 for an adult and £4 for a child aged 3 to 15. Reception sells goggles, armbands and padlocks for the lockers when someone inevitably forgets. With Barrow Park on the doorstep, a swim followed by the playground is an easy wet-then-dry day.

What it costs: Pay as you go: adult £6.50, child (3 to 15) £4, family swim £18.50. Swim-only membership £30 a month.

Know before you go

Check the swimming timetable on the centre's website before you set off; the leisure pool is also used for lessons and pool parties.
The centre sits on the edge of Barrow Park, so the playground and the Sunday miniature railway are a short walk away.
Under-8s must have a responsible person aged 16 or over, who can swim 25m, in the water with them.

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