Swimming pool

The University swimming pool has six lanes and a moveable bulkhead, creating a competition-length main pool, alongside a comfortable teaching pool for lessons. The pool is available to students, staff and the community for lane and casual swimming, or lessons, on a membership or pay-as-you-go basis.

From 22 April to 20 July 2025. Lane and casual swim sessions are available 7 days a week.

About the pool

The University of Bristol swimming pool is 32 metres long at full length. The pool has a moveable bulkhead which enables us to create two distinct area for activity; a larger area is a 25-metre competition length swimming pool, and a smaller teaching pool for lessons and casual swimming.

During lane swimming sessions, the main pool is split into six lanes. Casual swim sessions will feaure one narrow lane in the main pool, and swimmers in this session will also have access to the smaller teaching pool.

The depth of the pool ranges from 1.2 metres at its most shallow point to 3.8 metres at the deep end.

Accessibility

There is no car park available at the Swimming Pool. However, there is metered on-street parking all around the facility and there is a multistorey car park just a short walk away. If you are a blue badge holder, there is disabled car parking spaces behind the Richmond Building.

Changing rooms

Our changing facilities are equipped with lockers, showers, hairdryers and costume drying facilities. Our lockers require a padlock (these are available to purchase from reception). There is a female changing room and a male changing room. The disabled changing facility is also a gender neutral changing space. If accompanied by a parent/guardian, a child under the age of 8 years can use any of our designated changing facilities.

Swimming lessons and courses

We offer a range of swimming lessons and courses which follow the Swim England swim stages, including adult swimming lessons. We also offer various aquatic sport activities for juniors and teens. If you are bringing a child to the pool for a lesson or course, please read our guidance for parents and guardians.

Prices

You can access the pool for casual or lane swimming sessions with one of our flexible membership options or on a pay-as-you-go basis.

University of Bristol students and staff non-members benefit from discounted pay-as-you-go prices.

Mission Inflatable

Take on the Mission Inflatable for the ultimate children’s pool activity. Have fun, play and race each other on the inflatable course during one of our bookable sessions.

Free swimming during pregnancy

University of Bristol students and staff are eligible for free swimming during their pregnancy.

Download and return our application form to sports-members-admin@bristol.ac.uk along with a scanned copy of your NHS prescription exemption card as proof of eligibility. No membership is required.

Hire the pool

The pool is available to sports clubs and community groups for commercial hire. Contact our bookings team for availability.

Health and Safety guidelines

All participants must be able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Please ensure a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio for children under 4 years.
Please ensure a 1:2 adult-to-child ratio for children age 5 to 7 years.
Babies must wear leak-proof swim pants.
All swimmers must shower thoroughly before entering the pool.
We recommend not swimming within 48-hours of having any sickness.
Please inform lifeguards of any medical conditions before entering the pool.
Speak to a member of staff if you have any concerns.

The swimming pool toilets are having a refresh. This means there will be limited toilets available while the work takes place from 1 July for 4 weeks.
Temporary pool entrances will also be in use, so we recommend wearing flip flops and a towel/robe to access the pool. Changing rooms are open as normal.

Thank you for your patience while we make improvements to our facilities.