1 / 2The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre
📍 Birmingham, West Midlands
University sports centre on Aston University campus with a historic 1902 swimming pool at 1.8m depth, modern gym, sauna, steam room, and racket sports courts. Memberships available through Sport Aston.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best suited to families seeking affordable access to a clean historic pool with gym and sauna facilities alongside swimming. The 1.8-metre pool depth requires close supervision for children — this is not a shallow learner pool. Staff are consistently praised for helpfulness and the facilities are well-maintained.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →396 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Sienna Jaclyn
a year ago
“I have been going to this leisure center for a few months now and i love it! I am able to go to the gym which is rarely crowded, go for a swim in the lovely clean pool, and end my day with a lovely sauna. The staff are always lovely and welcoming and I would definitely recommend this gym. Makes working out a pleasure here, also is always very clean in the gym!”
Kazi
5 months ago
“Very good gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room facilities. Gym membership is great value for money. Only issue is parking however you can buy a parking permit for the year and park at the near by car park.”
Ilyaz Beck
2 years ago
“Pool built in 1902 so far so good, kept original architecture that makes it historical, helpful staff and 5 star for steam rooms. Pool depth 1.8 meters, lifeguard observe. Single entrance for adult 5£.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
The Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre on Aston University campus has operated its swimming pool since 1902, preserving the original pool architecture. The 25-metre pool runs at 1.8 metres depth with lifeguard supervision. Alongside the pool, the centre offers a gym, sauna, steam room, yoga studios, and courts for racket sports. Sport Aston memberships cover swimming and gym access. A nearby car park is accessible via an annual permit to reduce daily costs.
