South Lake Leisure Centre: A Top Craigavon Treasure

modern indoor leisure complex with outdoor water sports

South Lake Leisure Centre is a modern indoor leisure complex that also offers outdoor water sports through its lakeside facilities. It is not a traditional water park with slides and flumes, but it features a leisure pool, a diving pool, a dedicated swimming pool, and access to an extensive watersports centre. It caters to families, fitness enthusiasts, and visitors looking for fun things to do in Craigavon.

Opened in 2020 as part of a £35 million investment by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, South Lake Leisure Centre is one of the most comprehensive and visually impressive sports and leisure destinations in Northern Ireland. Located beside the scenic Craigavon Lakes, the facility combines indoor aquatic experiences with adventurous outdoor water activities.

The centre features a 50-metre, 8-lane swimming pool, a leisure pool with interactive play elements, a diving pool, and separate facilities for swim lessons, lane swimming, and family sessions. It also hosts a soft play area, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, spin and dance studios, an on-site café, and a welcoming reception area.

For those looking for water sports, South Lake Leisure Centre offers kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding through its watersports section located just a short walk from the main building. The seamless blend of indoor and outdoor experiences makes it one of the top Craigavon attractions for families and thrill-seekers alike.

The venue has earned praise for its modern design, spacious layout, and inclusive, accessible facilities. Whether you are visiting with toddlers, teenagers, or elderly family members, South Lake provides something for everyone. It is widely regarded as one of the top 10 attractions in Craigavon and a flagship example of what Craigavon is famous for — innovation in community recreation.

Seasonal Availability

The South Lake Leisure Centre is open year-round, making it a reliable choice for family activities in Craigavon regardless of the season. While outdoor water sports are seasonal and weather-dependent, the main leisure centre operates daily throughout the year with extended hours during peak periods.

The South Lake Leisure Centre Location & Directions

1 Lake Rd, Craigavon

County Armagh, Northern Ireland

BT64 1AS

🗺️ Directions to South Lake Leisure Centre

South Lake Leisure Centre Official Website & Contact Information

https://getactiveabc.com/facility/south-lake-leisure-centre

General enquiries

Phone: +44 (0)33 0056 4411

Email: sllc@getactiveabc.com

Main Attractions

South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon stands as a premier destination for aquatic and recreational activities in Northern Ireland. Its state-of-the-art facilities cater to a diverse range of visitors, from professional athletes to families seeking leisure and fun.

• 50-Metre Swimming Pool: A competition-ready, eight-lane pool equipped with a movable floor, allowing for depth adjustments to accommodate various activities, including swim lessons and public swimming sessions.
• Leisure Pool: Designed for relaxation and casual swimming, this pool features gentle water currents and areas suitable for all ages.
• Diving Pool: A dedicated area for diving enthusiasts, offering facilities for both beginners and experienced divers.
• Soft Play Area: An indoor play zone tailored for children aged 0–7 years, featuring a climbing frame for ages 3–8 and a baby area for ages 0–2.
• Outdoor Watersports Centre: Located on the adjacent lake, this centre offers activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it a hub for water sports enthusiasts.

Special Rides

The leisure centre boasts an impressive aquatic play structure known as Elevations™, which includes:

• Two Loop-the-Loop Waterslides: These slides offer thrilling experiences with their unique loops and turns, suitable for older children and adults seeking excitement.
• Interactive Water Features: With 62 water features, including sprays, jets, and fountains, the play structure ensures endless fun for visitors.

Kids & Family Areas

South Lake Leisure Centre is designed with families in mind, offering:

• Sensory Room: A calming space equipped with lights, sounds, and sensory soft play objects, providing a soothing environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Children’s Splash Pool: A shallow pool area with fun water features, ideal for young children to enjoy safely.
• Family Changing Facilities: Convenient changing areas designed to accommodate families, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.

Relaxation Areas

For those seeking relaxation, the centre offers:

• Health & Wellbeing Suite: Featuring a sauna, steam room, and spa pool, this suite provides a tranquil environment to unwind.
• Café IncredABLE: Overlooking the lake, this café serves a variety of meals and refreshments, offering a pleasant spot to relax before or after activities.

Unique Features

What sets South Lake Leisure Centre apart are its unique offerings:

• Largest Gym in Northern Ireland: A 1,000m² gym equipped with the latest fitness technology, catering to all fitness levels.
• Multi-Court Sports Hall: An eight-court hall suitable for various sports, including badminton, basketball, and indoor football.
• Multi-Court Sports Hall: An eight-court hall suitable for various sports, including badminton, basketball, and indoor football.

Baby Changing Facilities

South Lake Leisure Centre is well-equipped for families with babies and toddlers. There are multiple baby changing stations located throughout the facility, including in the family changing village near the swimming pool area and within accessible toilets. The changing areas are spacious, clean, and regularly maintained. Each unit is fitted with a secure fold-down changing table and waste bin. The centre’s focus on accessibility ensures that baby changing rooms are also suitable for prams and buggies, allowing parents to manoeuvre with ease.

Bottle-Warming Stations

While there is no officially designated bottle-warming station, the on-site Café IncredABLE is known for its helpful and accommodating staff who are happy to assist parents in warming baby bottles upon request. The café is located conveniently within the main atrium and has seating areas suitable for feeding infants in comfort and privacy. Staff also offer high chairs and are friendly toward families with young children.

Baby Pools

The leisure pool includes a shallow splash area specifically designed for infants and toddlers. This space features low-depth water, gentle sprays, and interactive play elements suitable for babies who are just beginning to explore water. The temperature in this area is slightly warmer than the main pool, creating a more comfortable environment for very young children. Foam floats and toddler swimming aids are often available, either on-site or to bring from home.

Minimum Age Restrictions

There is no strict minimum age for general entry into South Lake Leisure Centre, but babies and toddlers must be accompanied by an adult at all times while using aquatic areas. For swimming lessons, children can start from as young as 6 months old through the Swim ABC programme, which is specially designed to introduce babies to the water in a fun and safe way. All activities involving infants are managed with clear supervision ratios to ensure safety.

South Lake Leisure Centre provides a warm and welcoming environment for families with young children, making it a popular destination for those seeking things to do in Craigavon for families. From nappy-changing convenience to baby-friendly swimming options, it is clear why this facility ranks among the top tourist attractions Craigavon has to offer.

Entry Fees

South Lake Leisure Centre offers a variety of pricing options to accommodate different age groups and preferences. As of 1 April 2025, the standard swim session prices are:

• Adult Swim: £4.30
• Child / Concession Swim: £2.90
• Adult Swim (age 60–65, living in Borough): £1.00
• Adult Swim (age 66 & over, living in Borough): Free
• Under 5 Swim: Free
• Family Swim: £11.30

For Splash Sessions, which include access to water slides and interactive play features, the pricing is:

• Adult: £6.20
• Child (aged 4–12): £4.00
• Child (aged 3 & under): Free
• Concession: £4.00

Please note that Splash Sessions are one hour long and are available on Fridays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Booking is not required; however, arriving early is recommended as places are limited.

Discounts & Offers

South Lake Leisure Centre provides several discount options:

• Concession Rates: Available for students, individuals over 60, and those receiving certain benefits.
• Multi-Session Passes: Reduce the cost per visit.
• Seasonal Promotions: Such as “Summer Splash” deals and family activity bundles.
• Group Bookings: Discounted rates for school trips or birthday parties upon enquiry.

Additionally, swimming lessons are available for children starting from 6 months old through the Swim ABC programme. Parents enrolling children in swimming lessons or multi-week courses often receive a reduced rate when paying in advance.

South Lake Leisure Centre Tickets Booking

Visitors are encouraged to use the online booking system via the official website. This allows for quick and secure bookings for swimming sessions, soft play, group fitness classes, and watersports.

Walk-ins are welcome for many activities, but due to high demand, especially during weekends and school holidays, advance booking is strongly advised. The South Lake Leisure Centre booking system also shows real-time availability and timetable updates.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

The refund and cancellation policies are as follows:

• Online Ticket Bookings: Non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Other Activities: May be cancelled for an alternative session as per local activity rules.
• Swimming Lessons: Refunds are available if you change your mind within 7 days of booking or before your first lesson, whichever occurs first.
• Membership Cancellations: Require at least one week’s notice before the next payment date. Cancellations must be made by contacting the centre directly via email or in person; telephone cancellations are not accepted.

For any cancellations or refund requests, it is essential to contact the centre where the activity is booked.

Daily Schedule

South Lake Leisure Centre operates with extended hours to accommodate a wide range of activities and visitors:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

These hours apply to the main facilities, including the swimming pool, gym, and soft play areas.

Seasonal Changes

The leisure centre maintains consistent hours throughout the year. However, certain amenities, such as the South Lake Watersports Centre, have seasonal availability and may operate on a different schedule, often by appointment only.

Additionally, during public holidays or special events, opening times may vary. For instance, during the July holidays, the centre has adjusted hours or closures on specific dates. It is advisable to check the official website or contact the centre directly for the most up-to-date information during these periods.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

While specific peak and off-peak times are not detailed, it is common for leisure centres to experience higher footfall during weekday evenings and weekends.

For activities like swimming lessons, soft play, or group fitness classes, booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot during these busier times. Conversely, weekday mornings and early afternoons may offer a quieter experience for those seeking a more relaxed visit.

Public Transport

South Lake Leisure Centre is conveniently located on Lake Road, Craigavon, making it accessible from across County Armagh and surrounding areas. The nearest train station is Portadown Railway Station, just under 10 minutes away by car. It offers regular connections to Belfast, Lisburn, and Newry.

For those arriving by bus, Translink services operate routes to Craigavon town centre and Rushmere Shopping Centre, both a short taxi or 15-minute walk from the leisure centre.

There are also bike-friendly routes in the area for those travelling on two wheels, connecting from Craigavon Lakes and nearby greenways.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

South Lake Leisure Centre is a model for inclusive design and has earned praise for its accessibility standards. Key features include:

• Step-free access throughout the facility
• Automatic doors and wide corridors suitable for mobility aids
• Accessible toilets and family changing rooms
• A Changing Places facility with hoist, height-adjustable changing bench, and shower
• Pool pod lifts to assist users entering and exiting the pool independently

Staff receive regular training in accessibility support, and the centre is listed on AccessAble, confirming its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests.

South Lake Leisure Centre Parking

There is a large free car park directly outside the centre, offering over 300 spaces, including:

• Designated blue badge parking bays
• Parent-and-child spaces located close to the entrance
• Coach and minibus parking areas for school and group bookings

Parking is well-lit, monitored by CCTV, and available during all opening hours.

Car Charging Stations

The leisure centre includes electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on-site. These are located at the far end of the main car park and are operated on a pay-as-you-go basis. Users are advised to bring their own charging cable compatible with standard EV points.

Shuttle Service

There is currently no dedicated shuttle service operated by the centre. However, local taxi companies serve the area reliably, and group bookings such as school trips often organise private transport to and from the centre.

Bike Storage

Visitors arriving by bicycle will find secure outdoor cycle racks near the main entrance. The racks are covered and monitored by security cameras, encouraging eco-friendly travel options. Cyclists can also access nearby trails around Craigavon Lakes, making a ride to the leisure centre part of a day out exploring the top Craigavon attractions.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

South Lake Leisure Centre currently holds a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, with many visitors praising its modern facilities, friendly staff, and family-friendly environment. It is consistently mentioned as one of the top tourist attractions Craigavon has to offer.

On Google Reviews, the centre maintains a 4.4-star average rating from over 750 reviewers. The feedback highlights the cleanliness of the centre, the efficiency of the booking system, and the broad range of activities available for all ages.

“Immaculate facilities and friendly staff. My children loved the splash area and soft play – we will definitely be back.”

“Great value for money. The swimming pool was clean and spacious, and the changing areas were modern and easy to use.”

“We did the paddleboarding session on the lake – absolutely fantastic and the instructors were brilliant.”

Safety & Cleanliness

South Lake Leisure Centre receives particularly high marks for its cleanliness and safety standards. The facility is regularly sanitised, especially in high-touch areas such as changing rooms and equipment zones. Lifeguards are on duty during all swim sessions, and there are clear signage and procedures in place to support user safety.

The centre also maintains automated water quality systems to ensure optimal conditions in all pools, and accessibility staff are present to assist where needed.

Food & Drink

The centre is home to Café IncredABLE, a bright and modern lakeside café run as a social enterprise. It offers a range of hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Seating includes indoor and outdoor areas with lake views, making it a relaxing spot before or after activities.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food, and there are designated picnic benches outside near the soft play area. However, food is not permitted within the pool or gym areas for hygiene and safety reasons.

Accommodation

While there is no on-site accommodation, several hotels and guesthouses are located within a 5–10 minute drive, including:

• Seagoe Hotel – A popular 4-star hotel with family rooms and fitness facilities
• Mourne Country Hotel – A short drive away, ideal for families and couples
• Airbnb rentals – Several lakeside properties and self-catering apartments in the Craigavon area

Many visitors plan extended stays to explore other attractions Craigavon has to offer, such as shopping, walking trails, and water sports.

Seating & Lounging Areas

There are ample seating areas throughout the building, including comfortable benches in the pool viewing area and soft seating in the reception foyer. The café and lounge zones offer space for families to rest between activities. Some seating is equipped with power outlets for charging devices.

Changing & Locker Facilities

Modern changing rooms are available for individuals, families, and accessible needs. These include:

• Private cubicles
• Family changing suites
• Changing Places facility

Lockers are coin-operated (£1 refundable) and located near the pool and gym. Cleanliness is a standout feature, and facilities are monitored frequently throughout the day.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

South Lake Leisure Centre has a dedicated first aid room and trained staff on-site during all opening hours. Lifeguards are present at every pool session, and water sports instructors are certified in CPR and open-water rescue procedures. Emergency alarms and defibrillators are also located throughout the building.

Toilets

There are numerous toilets, including standard male and female, gender-neutral, accessible toilets, and baby-changing rooms, distributed evenly throughout the centre. The toilets are regularly inspected and cleaned.

Water Fountains

There are free refillable water stations near the gym, poolside, and reception area. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottles, especially during swim or gym sessions.

Wi-Fi Availability

The centre provides free public Wi-Fi throughout the building. Signal strength is reliable in all key areas including the café, pool viewing areas, and gym.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

The centre is extremely baby- and toddler-friendly, with thoughtful design features such as wide corridors for pushchairs, pram parking areas, quiet breastfeeding spaces, and age-appropriate play zones in both soft play and the splash pool.

Lost & Found Policy

Items lost within the premises are held at the main reception for a limited period. Guests should enquire in person or contact the centre by phone or email. Valuable items (phones, wallets, keys) are stored securely and logged.

Smoking Areas

South Lake Leisure Centre is a smoke-free environment, including the car park. There are no designated smoking zones within the site boundary to maintain a clean and healthy family atmosphere.

Dog-Friendly details

Dogs are not permitted inside the leisure centre, except for registered assistance dogs. Water bowls are provided at the main entrance, and the surrounding Craigavon Lakes paths are popular with dog walkers, though separate from the centre itself.

From its striking lakeside setting to its state-of-the-art swimming facilities, the South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon offers a photogenic mix of modern design, vibrant activity areas, and natural beauty. These photos showcase the centre’s impressive glass-fronted exterior, the 50-metre competition pool, the colourful indoor splash zone with twisting slides, and the festive café seating area perfect for relaxing. Outdoors, visitors can explore the calm waters of Craigavon Lake, where kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and team paddling sessions are held.

Whether you are planning to visit for fitness, fun, or family time, this gallery gives you a glimpse into one of the top Craigavon attractions and why it is such a standout destination in Northern Ireland.