Swimming Pools in Merseyside

Twelve pools across Merseyside, six in Liverpool itself, and the split is less about location than about what kind of swim your children want. Two sites have 50m pools: Liverpool Aquatics Centre Lifestyle and Wavertree Sports Park, both with free parking, and both better suited to school-age children who can already swim lengths. Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson in Speke goes 10 feet deep, which reviewers value for diving practice, though some Sunday sessions have been cancelled, so phone first.

For slides and water play, Lifestyles Garston is the budget option, with a separate toddler splash zone and, according to the Liverpool Echo, no timed sessions, so children stay as long as they like. Reviewers repeatedly mention cold water, so pack warm towels. Europa Pools Leisure Centre in Birkenhead is a two-minute walk from Conway Park station, but its fun pool is permanently closed, so children expecting waves will be disappointed.

Toddlers and beginners do better at the smaller sites. Lifestyles Park Road runs pre-booked toddler sessions that reviewers describe as autism-friendly, with staff-led singing at the end. Lifestyles Ellergreen has a separate children's pool and quieter weekday mornings. Lifestyles Alsop Fitness Centre in Walton and Lifestyles Everton Park are the cheapest routes to regular swimming; Everton Park lets children swim free but caps sessions at one hour. Village Gym Liverpool in Whiston pairs well-reviewed kids' lessons with sauna and steam access for parents. Crosby Leisure Centre, the most reviewed on the list, suits children who cope with busy pools.

The one outdoor option is Liverpool Watersports Centre at Queen's Dock, which the Liverpool Echo and Secret Liverpool both single out, and reviewers praise staff for settling nervous children rather than pushing them. Call ahead to check which activities are running.