Pools On The Park

I am a member of Move GB, and this is one of the locations you can use the passes at. When I introduced myself at the desk and said that it was the first time I was visiting, the lady on reception was so friendly and helpful, gave me a tour of the facilities, explained that the pools are public and the health club side is members-​only, but that through Move GB I could choose which side to use.
As I was only there to swim I gave the sauna and steam room a miss this time and went on through to the pool side. Only the main pool was open (it was around 7.30pm on a Thursday), but it is a good sized pool. There is also a teaching pool and I think there are outdoor pools too for summer!
There were a few different lessons happening, and the two remaining lanes for lane swimming were a bit confusing and not very well patrolled in regards to the direction of swimming, and the whole pool was quite busy. This was probably worsened when half of one of those lanes was cordoned off for an aqua aerobics class, but it didn’t bother me as I took part in the class! And it was great exercise!
The changing rooms are mixed/​family ones, a good size with plenty of lockers that take tokens, which you can get for £1 from reception.
Overall a welcoming place, and probably better when it is not quite so busy!

This is an excellent swimming pool — I can’t comment on the fitness centre as I’ve never used it. The teaching pool is warm and available for family use at weekends and at certain other times (check before you go though). The main pool feels a bit chilly in the summer, but warmer in the winter (thank goodness) and learners/​kids can use the bottom quarter or so of the pool. The lanes are divided between lap swimming and other — so check you’re in the right lane. During the day schools quite often take over one of the lanes, but there’s still plenty of room. An intriguing out door pool and paddling pool are available in the warmer months — don’t fancy that myself though brrrrr. Car parking costs 50p with the refund system in place.

This leisure center is really good for families. The location is ideal, only a few minutes walk from Richmond train and tube station and in the middle of beautiful green parkland near the Thames. There is a large indoor and a large outdoor pool as well as a smaller, warmer children’s pool. Swimming lessons are offered. There are also lots of grass tennis courts and a nice playground with an adventure course. Something very much in favour of this club is that the rates are very reasonable and it is very child friendly. The facilities are certainly not the most luxurious but the pool is huge and therefore very much fulfills its purpose. The outdoor pool is also very pleasant in summer as there is a large grass area surrounding it, ideal for some sunbathing. Another great thing is that you do not have to be a member to use these facilities, you merely pay a marginally higher fee for using them. Adult entry is £3.80 and with a Leisure card £3.10. There is also a separate gym above the pool area.