Based at the Unicorn Pool in the heart of Middlesbrough, Borocuda Swim School teaches children of all ages and abilities to swim. Set up in 2013 to bring engaging and supportive lessons to families across Teesside, it is a family-run business that has since taught thousands of children through its own tried and tested programme.

Lessons range from baby and preschool classes through to group lessons and competitive swimming, along with specialised sessions for children with additional needs and a school swimming programme. Swim schools like this one are a good place for young ones to build water confidence and learn safely at their own pace.

For all abilities

Baby and preschool classes

SEND lessons

Competitive swimming

School swimming programme

Family run since 2013

Borocuda Swim School in Middlesbrough offers children's swimming lessons for all ages and abilities at the Unicorn Pool.

Borocuda Swim School

Angelfish Swimmers

For anyone in Bournemouth drawn to open water, At Dawn Swim offers a way to get into the sea and connect with others who enjoy early swims along the coast.

Outdoor and sea swimming can be a refreshing way to start the day, build confidence in the water and meet like minded people. Whether you are new to open water or already a regular, it is worth checking directly for details on how sessions run and what to bring.

At Dawn Swim is an open water and sea swimming group based in Bournemouth.

At Dawn Swim

Bluefish Swim School | Winterbourne Earls | Salisbury

Chase Swimming Club

Neptune Aquatics (Social Enterprise)

Set alongside Southsea Common in Portsmouth, Southsea Splash Pool is an enclosed paddling and play area designed for young children aged eight and under. It brings together two paddling pools and plenty of play equipment, including a mini trampoline and a seesaw, with grass to sit out on nearby.

The water is chlorinated and regularly tested to keep it clean. A spot like this is well suited to families with little ones looking for a relaxed way to cool off and play close to the seafront during warmer weather.

For young children

Two paddling pools

Play equipment

Clean water

Beside Southsea Common

Southsea Splash Pool is an enclosed paddling and play area for young children beside Southsea Common in Portsmouth.

Southsea Splash Pool

Based in Norwich, Norfolk, Tri-Swimming focuses on open water swimming for people who want to build confidence and move more efficiently in the water. Alongside coaching for open water and the pool, it covers key skills such as sighting, drafting, mass starts and buoy turns, whether you are training for an event or simply want to feel more relaxed while swimming.

The offering extends beyond swimming to group classes, yoga for sport, core and conditioning, HIIT sessions and personal training for general fitness and wellbeing. A swimming coaching service like this suits those wanting structured guidance to improve technique and fitness at their own level.

Open water focus

Pool and open water coaching

Group classes

Personal training

Event preparation

Tri-Swimming offers open water and pool swimming coaching, group classes and personal training in Norwich, Norfolk.

Tri-Swimming

Private Pool Hire Corby

Located in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire, Mypool offers a private swimming and hydrotherapy pool available for exclusive hire. The Bathing Pool is one of a network of private pools that MyPool lists across the UK, giving swimmers a quiet space to themselves rather than a busy public setting.

Private pool hire like this suits families with young children, anyone wanting a calmer swim, and those looking for warm water for hydrotherapy or gentle exercise. Because sessions are booked exclusively, you have the space to yourself for the duration of your slot.

Exclusive private hire

Hydrotherapy pool

Family friendly

Part of a UK network

Mypool offers private swimming and hydrotherapy pool hire at The Bathing Pool in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire.

Mypool

Aquathlete Ltd

Based in Nottingham, Rushcliffe Swimming Club offers swimming lessons for children from school reception age upwards. Sessions take place at Rushcliffe Arena in West Bridgford, with a focus on a relaxed and enjoyable environment for young swimmers.

A community swimming club like this is a good option for families wanting to help children build water confidence and learn to swim through regular, structured lessons. The club also welcomes volunteers and offers teaching opportunities for those keen to get involved.

Children's lessons

Relaxed atmosphere

Rushcliffe Arena venue

Volunteering opportunities

Rushcliffe Swimming Club in Nottingham offers relaxed swimming lessons for children from reception age at Rushcliffe Arena.

Rushcliffe Swimming Club

Based at Stokewood Leisure Centre in Bournemouth, this is a small, friendly swimming club that also runs water polo. Swimmers of any age are welcome, with the one requirement being that you can swim a length of any stroke unassisted. Alongside training, the club takes part in competitions, including junior and senior Hampshire league events.

A swimming club like this is a good way to build strength, stamina and fitness while working towards personal goals. Coached sessions and regular competition can also help develop discipline, and swimming often opens the door to related disciplines such as water polo.

Swimming and water polo

All ages welcome

Swim a length to join

Coached sessions

League competition

Stokewood venue

Bournemouth Swimming and Water Polo Club, a small friendly club at Stokewood Leisure Centre in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth Swimming and Water polo Club

Located within Eton College in Windsor, Berkshire, this swimming pool forms part of the school's wider sports provision, where sport has long been part of the curriculum. It sits alongside the college's other athletic and co-curricular facilities.

Swimming venues like this one are generally suited to lane swimming and building fitness, as well as developing technique in the water. Facilities attached to schools and colleges are sometimes available for hire, so it is worth checking arrangements directly before visiting.

Part of Eton College

Sport at the college

Eton College Swimming Pool is a swimming venue in Windsor, Berkshire, part of the college's sports provision.

Eton College Swimming Pool

Shepshed Swimming Club

Baby Squids Yeovil and West Dorset

Swim Now

Based in Liverpool, Merseyside, Crosby Swimming Club offers a place for local swimmers to train and develop in the water. It caters to people looking to build their swimming ability within a club setting.

A swimming club like this is generally a good fit for those wanting structured time in the pool, whether they are working on technique, fitness or preparing for events. Sessions tend to bring together swimmers of varying ages and abilities in a supportive environment.

Crosby Swimming Club is a swimming club in Liverpool, Merseyside, offering pool training in a club setting.

Crosby Swimming Club

Based in Nottingham, Arnold Swimming Club is a competitive swimming club with a friendly and inclusive approach. It supports members in developing their technique, endurance and skills to a competitive standard, with opportunities to swim as part of a team and to compete at County, Regional and National levels.

The club will reach its centenary in 2026, marking a long history in the local area. A competitive swimming club like this generally suits swimmers who want structured training and the chance to compete, with squads organised by level and progress.

Competitive squads

Inclusive club

Trial available

Centenary in 2026

Team competition

Arnold Swimming Club is a friendly, competitive and inclusive swimming club in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.

Arnold Swimming Club

Based at Rossington Hall in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Super Swimmers runs swimming lessons for those looking to build confidence and technique in the water. The club also operates a venue in Dinnington and offers pool parties alongside its regular lessons.

Swimming lessons like these are a good way to learn the basics safely, work on stroke technique and grow more comfortable in the pool over time, whether you are just starting out or returning to the water.

Swimming lessons

Two venues

Free first month

Pool parties

Super Swimmers at Rossington Hall offers swimming lessons and pool parties in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Super Swimmers at Rossington Hall

Based at the Dalrod Sports Ground on Bretton Gate, City of Peterborough Sports Club is a large multi sports members club serving Peterborough. It brings together five clubs under one roof, covering bowls, cricket, hockey, squash and racketball, and tennis, with more than 800 members. As a family friendly club, it welcomes anyone who wants to join.

A venue like this suits people looking to take up a sport in a social setting, whether they are new to the game or returning after a break. There is a licensed bar and a refurbished lounge area for a post-match drink or a special occasion, and the space can also be hired for events.

Five sports on offer

Family friendly club

Bar and lounge

Bretton Gate venue

Venue hire available

Community sports club

City of Peterborough Sports Club is a large multi sports members club at Bretton Gate, Peterborough, offering five sports.

City of Peterborough Sports Club

Bradford Swimming Club

Based in Woodhouse, this branch of the DS Swim Learn to Swim Academy offers swimming lessons in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Sessions are taught by ASA qualified teachers, with small groups of up to six swimmers per class.

Learn to swim academies are a good choice for building water confidence and technique at a steady pace, with lessons grouped by ability. The academy also runs venues elsewhere in the region, including Chesterfield, Bakewell and Nottingham.

Small class sizes

Qualified teachers

Online booking

Multiple venues

DS Swim Learn to Swim Academy in Woodhouse, Sheffield, offering small group swimming lessons with qualified teachers.

Swimming clubs