Looking for brilliant family swimming in London without the hefty price tag? The Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich is one of South East London’s best-kept secrets for a proper splashy day out with the kids!
Tucked right on Woolwich High Street (SE18 6DL), this Better-run leisure centre packs in two pools, a wave machine, water slides, a bubble pool, and a whole host of family swim sessions to suit every age group. Whether you’ve got tiny water babies or older kids who want to dive-bomb off the boards, there really is something for everyone here.
TL;DR: Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich has two pools, a leisure pool with slides and a wave machine, and multiple family swim sessions from just £3.05 for kids. Open Monday to Friday from 06:30 and weekends from 08:00. Nearest station is Woolwich Arsenal (DLR/National Rail), a 10-minute walk away.
We’ve pulled together everything you need to know before you visit, from the best sessions to book and what it’ll cost, to getting there and what to bring. Let’s make a splash!
What’s Inside: The Pools and Facilities
The Waterfront Leisure Centre is a proper full-service leisure centre with a seriously impressive aquatics setup. It’s not just a single pool and a changing room. There are two pools on site, plus a whole range of extras that make it well worth the trip across London.
The Main 25m Pool
The main pool is a 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool with a shallow end of 1m and a deep end of 1.5m. It’s ideal for lane swimming, lessons, and structured aquatic sessions. The Swim England Learn to Swim Programme is delivered here, making it a brilliant choice for kids who are learning the ropes.
Supervision rules to know:
- Children aged 8 and over can swim unaccompanied
- Children under 8 must have an adult (aged 16+) in the water at all times
- One adult can supervise a maximum of two children under 8
The Leisure Pool (the fun one!)
This is where the real excitement happens! The leisure pool measures 28m x 13m and is the heart of the family swimming experience at Waterfront. It’s packed with:
- Water slides for thrills and repeat rides
- A wave machine to bob and float in
- A waterfall feature to splash under
- Inflatables and swim toys during Wet n Wild sessions
- Dive boards for the braver swimmers
- A bubble pool to relax and unwind in
The shallow end starts at 0m, so it’s perfectly accessible for very young children with adult supervision. This is the pool that will have your kids begging for one more go!
Other Facilities on Site
Swimming is just the start. The Waterfront Leisure Centre also has:
- A junior gym for children aged 8-15, with 100+ equipment stations
- A multi-use sports hall for football, basketball, and badminton
- Fitness studios running classes for all ages and abilities
- A health suite with a traditional sauna
- A crèche for under 5s (booking essential, 2-hour limit)
- Universal changing rooms with baby change units
- Full wheelchair access including ramp access, poolside hoist, and a lift
Family Swimming Sessions: What’s On?
This is the bit that really matters when you’re planning a visit with the kids! Waterfront offers a brilliant range of dedicated family swimming sessions, so there’s an option no matter what age your little ones are.
Wet n Wild Sessions
The most exciting thing on the timetable! Wet n Wild at Waterfront Leisure Centre transforms the pools into a full-on splash playground. The wave machine fires up, inflatables go in, and the slides are open for business. Kids can dive-bomb off the boards, ride floats, and play with swim toys while the wave machine gently rocks everyone about.
Wet n Wild sessions run throughout the week in both the main and teaching pools. Always check the current timetable on the Better website before you travel, as session times vary.
Family Fun Swim
The Family Fun Swim is designed for all ages, with shallow areas for toddlers and deeper sections for older children and adults. It’s a relaxed, fun session without lane ropes.
Wednesday Family Fun Swim deal: Families of up to 6 can swim together for just £5 on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm. That is genuinely one of the best-value family swimming deals in London!
Aqua Play (Swim for Under 5s)
Perfect for tiny swimmers! Aqua Play sessions are specifically designed for under 5s and their parents or carers. The shallow, calm environment is ideal for building water confidence in little ones.
Swim for All
A more casual, all-ages swim session available on weekends and during school holidays. Kids can swim for just £1 before 10am on weekends and during school holidays during Swim for All. That’s an absolute bargain for early risers!
Swimming Lessons
The centre runs swimming lessons for children from age 4.5 upwards through the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Group lessons, one-to-one sessions, and adult lessons are all available. Contact the centre directly for current lesson availability and prices.
Top tip: Sessions fill up fast, especially during school holidays and at weekends. Book in advance using the Better app or website to guarantee your spot and often to get cheaper tickets too!
Prices: How Much Does it Cost?
One of the best things about Waterfront Leisure Centre is how affordable it is for families. This is proper, accessible family swimming in London without the eye-watering costs you might expect!
| Session | Adult | Junior / Child |
|---|---|---|
| Family Fun Swim | £9.35 | £6.80 |
| Swim for All | £6.75 | £4.75 |
| Aqua Play (Under 5s) | £6.40 (adult + 1 under 5) | £4.50 (under 5) |
| Aqua Play (Oasis Pool) | £5.85 | £3.70 |
| General Admission (Child 11-17) | n/a | £4.30 |
| General Admission (Adult) | £15.40 | n/a |
Under 2s go free during most sessions. Always worth double-checking with the centre when booking.
The Best Value Deals to Know About
- Wednesday Family Fun Swim: Families of up to 6 swim for just £5 between 4pm and 7pm. Unbeatable!
- Weekend and school holiday Swim for All (before 10am): Kids swim for just £1.
- Weekday Swim for Fitness (1:30pm to 3:30pm): Adults with a Pay & Play, Flex, or Greenwich One Card membership can swim for just £1.
Greenwich One Card holders and Better members get reduced rates across all sessions. If you visit regularly, a membership makes a lot of sense financially.
Bear with us here! Prices can vary depending on your membership type and whether you book in advance. Always check the Better website for the most up-to-date pricing before your visit.
Opening Times
The leisure centre is open most of the week, with slightly shorter hours at weekends.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 06:30 – 22:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 – 17:00 |
Swimming timetables vary within these hours, so individual pool sessions won’t run all day. Check the Better app or website for the current swimming timetable before you head out. School holiday periods often see extended swimming hours during the week too, which is great news for half-term plans!
How to Get There
Waterfront Leisure Centre is well connected, sitting right in the heart of Woolwich in South East London.
Address: Waterfront Leisure Centre, 30 Woolwich High Street, London, SE18 6DL Phone: 020 8317 5010
By Train or DLR
The closest station is Woolwich Arsenal, served by both National Rail (South Eastern) and the DLR. It’s a straightforward 10-minute walk from the station to the centre. Head southwest on Woolwich New Road, then turn left onto Vincent Road and continue straight ahead.
By Bus
Several bus routes stop right near the centre, including routes 51, 53, 96, 99, 177, 180, and 472. Alight at Woolwich Arsenal Station / Vincent Road, then it’s just a 5-minute walk.
By Car
There is no on-site parking at the main leisure centre, so plan ahead if you’re driving. The Wet n Wild car park on the High Road does have parking at £1 per hour.
It’s a popular destination for a reason! Woolwich Arsenal is also a quick hop from the Elizabeth Line at Woolwich station, making it accessible from a wide area across London.
Good to Know Before You Visit
A few practical bits to help your visit go smoothly!
Accessibility
Waterfront Leisure Centre is fully wheelchair accessible, with:
- Ramp and lift access throughout
- Accessible parking nearby
- A poolside hoist for pool access
- Accessible toilets and changing rooms
It’s one of the more inclusive leisure centres in South East London, and staff are always on hand to help.
Food and Drink
Snacks are available to buy on site, but guests cannot bring their own food. Budget around £30 for a family of four if you’re picking up snacks at the centre. There are plenty of cafes and takeaways in Woolwich town centre nearby if you want a proper meal before or after your swim.
Birthday Parties
Yes, you can hire the centre privately for birthday parties! The maximum group size is 20. Catering is not provided, so you’d need to sort that separately. Contact the centre directly on 020 8317 5010 to enquire about party packages.
Lockers
Lockers are free to use. Bring a padlock or check with the centre about what’s available on the day.
Typical Visit Time
Most families spend 1 to 2 hours at the Waterfront Leisure Centre, though with Wet n Wild sessions and all the extras, you could easily stretch it to a longer afternoon out!
Our Verdict: Is It Worth the Trip?
Absolutely, yes! The Waterfront Leisure Centre is one of the most well-equipped and affordable options for family swimming in London. Two pools, a wave machine, water slides, Wet n Wild sessions, and some seriously good-value pricing (that Wednesday £5 family deal alone makes it worth a visit) means this place punches well above its weight.
It’s especially brilliant for:
- Toddlers and under 5s thanks to the dedicated Aqua Play sessions and 0m shallow end
- Primary-age kids who will go absolutely wild for the slides, wave machine, and dive boards
- Families on a budget who want a proper day out without spending a fortune
- Kids learning to swim, with Swim England-accredited lessons on offer
The only thing to watch is that swimming timetables vary, so it’s always worth checking ahead. Book in advance where possible, especially during school holidays, to avoid disappointment.
Ready to plan your visit? Head over to our full Waterfront Leisure Centre listing for the latest info, or check out Wet n Wild at Waterfront if you want to book the ultimate splash session for the kids!