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The Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Birmingham, England

The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre
The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre | © Aston University

Swimming is one of the most beneficial things you can do to your body, and these family-friendly indoor swimming pools in Birmingham are easily accessible from most parts of the city. Read on to find out where to head next, because sometimes there’s nothing better than a relaxing swim!

University of Birmingham’s Olympic length pool

Proudly the city’s only Olympic size pool, the University of Birmingham swimming pool should be the first stop for any swimming enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned amateur or a fully fledged professional, they cater for all in their brand new Selly Oak complex which opened in 2017.

University of Birmingham, Bristol Road, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK, +44 121 414 4117

University of Birmingham swimming

Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre

Another new development in the city is just a short drive away in Harborne. Pushing swimming to the fore of their interests, Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre encourages swimmers of all abilities to get involved, with a gym and plenty of fun classes on offer too.

Lordswood Rd, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 428 6820

Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre

Perfect for a family day out, Cocks Moors Woods is synonymous with swimming in Birmingham. This sports centre is the largest of its kind in south Birmingham and boasts a 25m pool with four lanes, a wave machine, slides and so much more to keep the kids entertained – while gym classes, badminton and football should keep the adults occupied.

Alcester Rd S, Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 516 5641

Cocks Moors Woods

Fox Hollies Leisure Centre

While swimming may be most people’s reason for visiting Fox Hollies, there’s so much more here than just a pool. While more experienced swimmers can take on its larger pool, there’s a smaller induction pool for young children – and the centre regularly hosts fun play and splash sessions too. Done with swimming? Fox Hollies also welcomes you to its 120-station gym, badminton, squash and racquetball courts, floodlit 3g pitches, 400m running track and and indoor cycle studio.

Shirley Rd, Acocks Green, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 796 2330

Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre

Named after the former chairman of Aston Villa Football Club, this sports centre at Aston University bears an impressive history. Its period 1902 pool is particularly impressive; it’s one of the oldest in the city and as a result, one of the most popular. Knowing you’re in such a historic setting makes swimming a dream.

Aston University Woodcock St, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 204 4623

The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre

Stechford Leisure Centre

Stechford Leisure Centre is a child-friendly centre. Recently refurbished, the leisure centre is equipped with a 25 meter pool, a separate dedicated teaching pool, sports hall and gym. This is one of the most popular swimming pools in east Birmingham.

Station Rd, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 796 2331

The Edgbaston Priory Club

This private members sports club in the leafy suburb of Edgbaston is sure to be your key to tranquility. Edgbaston Priory Club houses both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools that are open all around, alongside a steam room, sauna and an outside spa pool. Alongside this, the Priory Club excels in racquet sports.

Sir Harrys Rd, Birmingham, UK, +44 121 440 2492

Edgbaston Priory

About the author

Proudly born and bred in Birmingham, UK, Richard is passionate about all things travel and music. Having founded the regional online music magazine Counteract in early 2010, Richard has enjoyed a versatile writing career and writes for a number of publications, including The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Metro and others. If he's not travelling around Europe, you'll often find him supporting his football team, Aston Villa.

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