There are so many brilliant water parks and swimming pools across Wales that are well worth the drive. And the good thing is you can enjoy them whatever the weather. An indoor (or heated) swimming pool is a perfect option for entertaining couples and families, especially when it's raining (as is often the case in Wales, of course).
So when it's pouring down outside, forget sitting at home sulking and head to one of these places to enjoy a swim or just a splash about with friends. Plenty of pools and water parks can be found a short drive (or short bus journey) from Cardiff, Swansea and everywhere in between so why not take your family or friends out for the day?
Whether you're after a proper swim, a relaxing jacuzzi or the thrills of some waterslides, there's something for everyone. Meanwhile, you can read about other great things to do when it's raining in Wales by clicking here. To get the latest What's On newsletters from WalesOnline, click here
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1. LC Swansea
Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST
Wales' biggest indoor water park features an awesome wave pool, relaxing lazy river and a series of fun water slides perfect for big kids, not to mention the Boardrider indoor surf simulator which offers you a chance to try your hand at surfing on a never-ending wave. There's also a fun "Volcano Bay" area at LC Swansea with slides and interactive activities for young ones and a lagoon and interactive pool aimed at families with babies or toddlers. The leisure complex also houses a beautiful spa with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, aromatherapy room, hot stone beds and monsoon showers, a good-sized gym, a climbing wall, a children's play area and a cafe - perfect for when you've worked up an appetite after a session in the waterpark.
When is it open?
You can enjoy a "General Splash" at the waterpark in LC Swansea site from 12pm to 4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, whilst a "full feature session" in the waterpark is available Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 8pm during term-time and from 10am to 6.30pm during school holidays. Aqua tots for under 3s, held in the lagoon and interactive pool, is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm, whilst the Boardrider indoor surf simulator is available weekends and school holidays from 11am to 6.20pm.
How much is it?
For a "full feature" session, a child ticket (age 1 to 3) is £2.60, a junior ticket (children aged 4+) is £6.50 and an adult (aged 16+) is £8. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £26, and it's £5.25 for the over-65s. You can read more on the prices, and book your slot, here.
Where can I park?
The best place to park for a trip to LC Swansea is St Davids Car Park on Oystermouth Road, just opposite the water park. If it's full, there's no need to panic as there are several other car parks in the city centre within walking distance of LC Swansea.
2. Cardiff International Pool
Olympian Drive, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF11 0JS
Cardiff International Pool complex offers a brilliant leisure pool with the added features of a lazy river, space-bowl attraction and flumes. There's also a mini slide fort youngsters and a toddlers' play area. There's also inflatable sessions available at certain times. There's also a 50m swimming pool, and a health suite with sauna, steam room and spa bath, if you fancy something a bit fancier.
When is it open?
During the school holidays, the leisure pool with all its slides and feature sis open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 11.30am to 5pm on weekends. During term-time, opening hours vary per day and per activity. You can view the latest opening times here.
How much is it?
An inflatable session at the pool complex is £4 for an adult, £2/60 for a senior and £2.30 for a junior (free for under-3s). Whilst a swimming session for an adult is £7.50 and it's £5.90 for a child aged 4+. For more information on pricing, visit the website here.
Where can I park?
There's free parking at Cardiff International Pool.
3. Bristol Lido
OK, not strictly indoors but the water at Bristol Lido is heated and there is so much more to do there that is indoors that we've included it. The lido is a remarkable place that's as well-known for its restaurant and indoor bar as it is for its water. The menus have a "strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue", with dishes like charcoal-grilled Cornish hake for £28. You can also get a massage and packages which incorporate swimming, massaging and eating in whichever combination you fancy.
When is it open?
You can pre-book a two-hour session (swim, sauna, steam and hot tub) for £25 starting from 10am, booking slots are open every hour until 3pm (max of 4 people per time slot). Children’s access is restricted to the 2-4pm slot and each child must be accompanied by an adult. The restaurant is open from 9am to 9.30pm across breakfast, lunch and dinner.
How much is it?
You can pre-book a two-hour session (swim, sauna, steam and hot tub) for £25. Packages taking in swimming and food start from £40.
4. Wales National Pool
Swansea Bay Sports Park (previously known as 'Swansea University Sports Village'), Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QG
Wales National Pool offers a state-of-the-art 50m pool, often divided into two pools to offer two different depths for swimming. There's also a four-lane 25m training pool, with seating for spectators, and a range of sport services and a cafe. Wales National Pool also offers a range of swimming lessons and aquatic classes that cater to people of all ages and abilities and there's a free "splash and play" session for under 16s on certain days.
When is it open?
Wales National Pool is open for recreational swimming at set times in the week. To see the latest opening hours, visit the website here.
How much is it?
Pricing depends on the various membership options available. Visit the website here for more information.
Where can I park?
There's parking available right outside Wales National Pool, at the Swansea Bay Sports Park car park.
5. Afan Valley Swimming Pool
School Road, Cymmer, Neath Port Talbot SA13 3EL.
Afan Valley Swimming Pool offers a variety of swimming activities including lane swimming at different speeds, aqua fit classes, Scuba Diving courses, pool parties and family swimming sessions, to name a few.
When is it open?
Opening hours vary, visit the website here for details.
How much is it?
An adult swim session is £3.70, a junio swim is £2.65 and it's £2.65 for concessions too. A family swim for two adults and two children is £10 and an aqua fitness class is £4.20 or £3.10 concessions.
Where can I park?
There's a small private car park outside the swimming pool complex.
6. Bridgend Life Centre
Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4AH
Affectionately known by locals as "The Rec," Bridgend Life Centre offers a gym, racket sports, exercise classes, indoor climbing, gymnastics and trampolining, soft play - and a good-sized swimming pool.
When is it open?
You can view the timetable for the weekly swim, gym and group exercise classes online here.
How much is it?
Bridgend Life Centre is operated by Halo Fitness, which offers a range of membership options. Alternatively, it's £4.20 for a standard ticket '"pay as you go'" for a swim session or £2.30 for young people and concessions. A "Swim and Spa Package" for Bridgend Life Centre and Maesteg Swimming Pool is £6.70 standard price, or £4.45 for concessions, £3.90 for young people.
Where can I park?
There's a car park right outside Bridgend Life Centre.
7. Maesteg Swimming Pool
Alfred Street, Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 9YW
Maesteg Swimming Pool offers a gym, health suite, exercise classes and a good-sized swimming pool.
When is it open?
You can view the timetable for the weekly swim, gym and group exercise classes online here.
How much is it?
Maesteg Swimming Pool i s operated by Halo Fitness, which offers a range of membership options. Alternatively, it's £4.20 for a standard ticket '"pay as you go'" for a swim session or £2.30 for young people and concessions. A "Swim and Spa Package" for Bridgend Life Centre and Maesteg Swimming Pool is £6.70 standard price, or £4.45 for concessions, £3.90 for young people.
Where can I park?
There's free parking available on site.
8. Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre
Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre caters for everyone from fitness fanatics to those who just want to splash around in the pool.
The centre offers a 100-station fitness gym, a sports hall, cycling studio, dance studio, soft play area, 25-metre swimming pool and a cafe.
The swimming pool runs regular lane swimming slots and children's swimming lessons.
When is it open?
From Monday to Friday, the leisure centre is open from 6.15am to 9.15pm and on weekends the centre is open from 8am to 7.45pm.
How much is it?
Different activities cost different amounts, to check out how much your chosen activity (and timeslot) would cost, sign up to the website here.
Where can I park?
There's parking right outside the Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre.
9. Blue Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Bluestone Resort, Canaston Wood, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8DE
Blue Lagoon is a "subtropical indoor water park" with a range of attractions set among relaxing surroundings. It offers a wave pool, heated outdoor spa pool, lazy river, and four flumes: The Falls, The Torpedo, The Caves, and The Cannon, as well as a poolside snack bar and cafe.
When is it open?
Blue Lagoon is located inside Bluestone Resort holiday park. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is currently closed to day visitors - but management hope to reopen the site to the public very soon. You can read more about this on the waterpark's website here.
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the Bluestone Resort site.
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