Hengrove Park Leisure Centre: Bold & Bright

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is one of the largest and most modern leisure centres in Bristol, offering a wide range of facilities for fitness, swimming, and family fun. Operated by Parkwood Leisure on behalf of Bristol City Council, this purpose-built indoor centre features a full-length 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool, a 20-metre teaching pool, and state-of-the-art amenities designed to accommodate all ages and abilities.

Open since 2012, Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is more than just a swim facility. It houses a well-equipped gym, a dedicated sports hall, a climbing wall, and a health suite, making it one of the top Bristol attractions for both residents and visitors. The swimming pool area is particularly popular, with adaptable floor depths, accessible pool pods, and regular swim lessons and public sessions.

Families will find plenty to enjoy thanks to the wide variety of programmes, including fun swims and activities tailored for children, young adults, and parents with infants. The centre also offers swim memberships, flexible booking options, and well-maintained changing rooms with family cubicles.

Seasonal Availability

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is open year-round, offering consistent access to its pools and other amenities regardless of the season.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre Location & Directions

Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove Park, Hengrove, Bristol, Bristol, BS14 0DE

🗺️ Directions to Hengrove Park Leisure Centre

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre Official Website & Contact Information

https://www.leisurecentre.com/hengrove-park-leisure-centre

General enquiries

Phone: +44 (0)117 937 0200

Email: hengroveinfo@everyoneactive.com

Main Attractions

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is anchored by a sweeping 50‑metre Olympic‑length swimming pool with ten lanes and adjustable floors and bulkheads, ideal for lane swimming, fitness sessions, swim meet training, and casual lengths. Adjacent is a 20‑metre teaching pool perfectly suited for swim lessons, baby and toddler sessions, and a junior diving pool environment—though it lacks competition-standard diving boards, it still provides a safe and enjoyable space for younger swimmers.

Special Rides

One highlight attracting families and young adults is the “Atlantis Splash” inflatable assault course on the main pool—Bristol’s largest floating obstacle course, which is rotated on select public swimming slots, often accompanied by “X‑treme Air” soft play and sports hall activities. Sessions typically have age or swim ability restrictions to ensure safety, making them a fun water park Bristol experience.

Kids & Family Areas

The centre runs a rich programme of swim lessons across all age groups—baby, toddler, preschool, teen (11–15), adult, and intensive courses—partnering with Swim England. Family-friendly features include soft play and creche services, ensuring there are supervised zones dedicated to little ones, enhancing the appeal as a choice for family activities in Bristol.

Relaxation Areas

Beyond its athletic offerings, Hengrove boasts a well‑equipped health suite, including sauna and jacuzzi facilities, where members and day‑pass users may unwind post-workout. The café serves light refreshments—teas, coffees, snacks—and offers seating overlooking the pool hall, allowing swimmers to relax or parents to watch children in comfort.

Unique Features

A standout feature at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is its 8‑metre indoor climbing wall, offering a variety of routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers. The wall supports structured climbing sessions and is designed for general fitness and skill development in a supervised environment. Whether you are new to climbing or building on existing technique, the facility provides a fun and safe challenge for families, teens, and adults.

Baby Changing Facilities

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre offers dedicated baby changing areas integrated into the main changing village. This large family-changing cubicle provides space and privacy for parents, complete with a changing table. Based on user feedback, there is at least one family cubicle within the accessible changing area shared by all visitors.

Bottle-Warming Stations

While there are no specific bottle-warming stations listed on the official site, parents report staff will assist with hot water where needed.

Baby Pools

The centre features a shallow learner pool which typically hosts baby, toddler, and preschool sessions. Designed for ages 4 months to 4 years, these early-stage lessons include a trusted adult in the water and benefit from a slightly higher water temperature than the main pool.

Minimum Age Restrictions

Parents accompany babies from as early as 4 months in the specially tailored early-stage lessons. General policy requires adult supervision for children under 8 in all pool sessions, including baby and toddler classes, in accordance with Swim England and centre safeguarding rules.

Entry Fees

Pay‑as‑you‑go prices at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre are clear and structured to suit a range of users:

• Adult swim (50 m / leisure pool): £5.20
• Concession swim: £3.90 (students, seniors, disabled)
• Junior swim (under 18): £2.70
• Under‑3s: Free (baby swim sessions available)
• Adult Swim + Health Suite (sauna/jacuzzi): £8.60

Gym, exercise classes, health suite, climbing wall, and sports hall access are priced separately, with standard gym entry at £7.20 and classes starting at £6.50

Discounts & Offers

Children under three swim for free, which is ideal for infant sessions.

Concession rates are available to eligible groups.

Loyalty or multi-use offers occasionally appear on social channels—for example, a birthday week pass combining gym, swim, sauna, and classes.

Teen membership programmes have been promoted (around £19.95/month)

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre Tickets Booking

All bookings—casual use, swim sessions, aquatics events, classes or climbing—must be booked in advance using the official website. Walk‑ins are possible but availability is not guaranteed, especially at peak times. The centre strongly recommends online booking to secure your spot.

Membership Options

For frequent users, memberships provide better value:

• Swimming‑only membership — unlimited access to pools and bookable through the EA app.
• Gym & Wellness — includes gym, classes, and pool use.
• Wellness & Gym — all the above plus spa/sauna, Health Hero support, guest passes, and booking priority.
• Teen, student, senior and junior fitness options are also available, often with no contracts and low monthly rates (~£19–£45).
• A small joining fee may apply (circa £1–£49 depending on membership package).

Refund/Cancellation Policy

Cancellations may be made through the Everyone Active app or website, usually up to a few hours before the session start time— there are no bookings by phone unless through membership services. Refunds for casual bookings incur a small handling fee, and credit is typically offered instead. Memberships may be put on hold or cancelled with notice, following the terms of each plan (contract lengths vary).

Daily Schedule

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre operates extensive opening hours to accommodate early-morning fitness enthusiasts as well as evening swimmers:

• Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
• Monday to Friday: 05:30 – 22:00

Health Suite (Sauna & Jacuzzi):

• Monday & Friday: 07:00 – 21:45
• Tuesday to Thursday: 06:00 – 21:45
• Saturday: 08:00 – 17:30
• Sunday: 08:00 – 17:30

Café (“Beach Hut” style):

• Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 19:00
• Saturday & Sunday: 08:30 – 16:00

Soft‑Play (“Animal Antics”):

• Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 19:00
• Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 12:00

Seasonal Changes

Opening hours remain mostly consistent throughout the year, making the centre truly open year-round. Unlike outdoor parks nearby, the indoor facilities are unaffected by weather or seasonality.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Early weekdays (05:30 – 09:00) often attract dedicated lane swimmers and gym users.

Late afternoons and evenings (16:00 – 21:00) on weekdays and weekend afternoons are peak times for families, swims, and classes.

Soft‑play sessions are busiest during school holidays—booking ahead is strongly advised.
Members can view real-time availability via the Everyone Active app or website, helping avoid disappointment at busy periods.

Public Transport

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is well connected via public transport. The nearest metrobus stop, “Hengrove Park,” is just a three‑minute walk away and is served by lines M1, 36, 37, 75, 76, 73, and A4. These include the rapid metrobus M1 linking Cribbs Causeway, the city centre, and UWE Frenchay campus, with frequent daily service.

For rail access, the nearest station is Parson Street, with connections via Great Western Railway, just a 15‑minute walk away.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

The centre is purposefully designed for accessibility, offering:

• Level access at entrances and lifts between floors
• Electronic entrance doors and a hearing loop
• Accessible changing areas, showers and toilets
• Specialist Poolpod pool‑lift, enabling independent entry into the pool.

Accessible parking bays and assistance‑dog friendly policies are also in place, and the centre is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre Parking

A customer parking lot across from the building offers 150 free spaces for the first three hours, including accessible, parent‑and‑child, and motorcycle bays. Visitors must enter their vehicle registration at the electronic kiosk—blue badge holders must register theirs at reception. After the three‑hour grace, parking fees are around £1.50 for the first hour and £2.50 for two hours, though most users stay within the free limit.

Car Charging Stations

There is no mention of EV‑charging stations onsite. Visitors needing to charge should check with reception or nearby public providers in the Hengrove area.

Shuttle Service

The centre does not operate a dedicated shuttle from distant locations. However, the nearby bus and metrobus stops offer reliable connections to the city centre, Cribbs Causeway, UWE, and Temple Meads station.

Bike Storage

There is no clear indication of secure bike parking on site. Cyclists planning to travel by bike should consider locking bicycles to nearby permanent fixtures, though it would be advisable to confirm with staff or the Everyone Active website.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

TripAdvisor currently shows mixed to negative sentiment from users, with multiple reviews highlighting issues with cleanliness and facilities. Visitors generally praise the pools and staff, while cleanliness of changing facilities and parking enforcement are major pain points.

“The reception staff are always friendly/helpful especially the lad who I think is an apprentice there, keep up the good work!”

“What a place – this little beauty has something for everyone!”

“The swimming pool is pretty clean, and while busy, has not been overcrowded when I have been (both mornings and evenings).”

Safety & Cleanliness

Hygiene emerged as a recurring concern: persistent reports of unclean showers, changing rooms, and occasionally cold water or poor bathroom condition. However, the pools themselves are often described as well‑maintained and warm—a welcome offset for aquatic users.

Food & Drink

A licensed café—the “Beach Hut” style—offers a range of light meals, including coffees, teas, pastries, sandwiches, pasta, paninis, and salads, available for both sit‑in and takeaway service. The indoor seating overlooks the pool, providing a family‑friendly spot for relaxation. Outside food is not explicitly prohibited; the centre suggests utilising café services but allows packed lunches in designated seating zones.

Accommodation

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre does not offer on‑site accommodation. For overnight stays, the nearby Hengrove Leisure Park area has budget‑friendly hotels and B&Bs. Visitors can easily combine a leisure break with local hotel stays, though these are not officially affiliated with the centre.

Seating & Lounging Areas

Comfortable seating is provided around the café, on poolside benches, and in adjacent lounge areas. These offer ample space for parents and carers to watch classes or swimming sessions while keeping their children in sight.

Changing & Locker Facilities

Spacious changing rooms equipped with lockers support day visitors. In the health suite, upgraded lockers are available (with free padlock giveaways on occasion). Locker use is included in entry fees; residents or members can bring their own padlocks or use those supplied at reception.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

Lifeguards are on duty across all swim sessions, including public swims, swim lessons, and inflatable events. An on‑site first aid room is maintained by trained staff, ensuring immediate attention for any incidents or injuries, supported by standard health and safety protocols.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located near all key areas, including pools, café, and sports hall, alongside standard toilets.

Water Fountains

Refillable public water fountains are available in poolside corridors and communal areas, promoting hydration, though bottled‑water machines may also be on sale.

Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout public areas, notably in the café and changing facilities. Access may require brief sign‑in via the Everyone Active portal or guest code, enhancing the centre’s family‑friendly appeal.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

The centre caters well to families with infants, offering at least one dedicated family changing cubicle, a warmer learner pool for baby sessions, and supportive café policies (e.g., high chairs).

Lost & Found Policy

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre maintains a Lost & Found system at reception. Items left behind are logged and stored; owners can retrieve them via phone or in person. Unclaimed items are typically donated to charitable partners after a month.

Smoking Areas

The entire facility is smoke-free, including entrances and outdoor zones. Any smoking must take place well away from entrances; extinguishers are provided for cigars and cigarettes in designated external points—but none are permitted inside or near doors.

Dog-Friendly Details

Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas. Aside from those, pets are not permitted within the centre. Drinker-friendly small outdoor seating zones are near the front entrance, but dogs must not enter poolside or indoor spaces.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre implements comprehensive rules and guidelines to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all visitors. These regulations apply across the swimming pools, inflatable events such as Atlantis Splash, and general leisure areas.

Pool Rules

• All swimmers must comply with designated adult-to-child ratios as indicated by the centre; guardians should check specifics at reception.
• No outdoor footwear is allowed in the pool hall to maintain hygiene standards.
• Swimming hats are mandatory during lessons, and mobile phones or tablets are not permitted poolside.
• Food and drink must not be brought into the pool hall, in line with hygiene rules; a prior light meal is advised.
• Showering before swimming is mandatory to maintain water quality.
• Diving is only allowed in designated areas with clear signage; reckless diving or into shallow water is prohibited.
• Buoyancy aids, armbands, or floats are not provided but may be purchased from reception.
• In case of an emergency, swimmers must immediately exit the pool and follow lifeguard instructions.
• Post-illness swimming restrictions apply: avoid swimming for 48 hours after vomiting/diarrhoea, or 14 days after cryptosporidium infection.

Lesson-Specific Rules

• Parents/guardians are not allowed on poolside during lessons unless previously agreed.
• For baby and toddler sessions, a guardian must accompany the child in the water.
• Lesson participants must enter “beach-ready”, wearing their swimwear under outer clothing, and enter as instructed to support Swim England COVID protocols.

General Facilities Rules

• Dogs are not permitted, other than registered assistance dogs, with no entry into indoor areas .
• Mobile phones are prohibited in changing rooms, pool hall, fitness studios, and surrounding areas.
• Changing room etiquette requires respecting others’ privacy, using cubicles when provided, and ensuring children under 8 are supervised.
• Respectful behaviour is expected; abusive or intimidating behaviour is not tolerated and may lead to removal from the centre.
• Users must wear appropriate footwear and attire, especially in gyms and studios, and wipe equipment after use.
• Swimming, class, or court bookings must be cancelled at least two hours ahead to avoid penalties; repeated no-shows may result in loss of booking privileges.
• Lockers are for temporary use only, and the centre is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre follows a comprehensive suite of safety and health policies under its operator, Everyone Active, to ensure a secure, hygienic, and well-regulated environment for all users.

Safeguarding & Staff Training

• Every staff member is trained to recognise and respond to concerns involving children and vulnerable adults, in line with statutory safeguarding legislation.
• Lifeguards are qualified with the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and undergo continuous updates to ensure all aquatic sessions are sufficiently supervised.

Health, Hygiene & Accident Response

• A posted “Health Commitment Statement” details Everyone Active’s pledge to maintain equipment in a safe condition, supported by accessible first aid, and AED devices, with staff trained in first response duties.
• A documented emergency action plan covers fire, evacuation, chemical leaks, lift entrapment, crowd control, serious injuries, fecal/blood/vomit incidents, and lost or unaccompanied children. Lifeguards perform regular pool-side headcounts and manage capacity thresholds (e.g., 90 swimmers triggers queue control).

Pool Hygiene & Safe Use Protocols

• Guests must shower before swimming, wear appropriate swimwear, hats, and remove all jewellery—standard procedures that prevent water contamination.
• A strict fluid rule prohibits pool use for 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea, with longer 14-day exclusion for cryptosporidium infections.
• The system includes clear written guidelines for contamination events (e.g., faeces, vomit, blood)—covering pool clearing, disinfection, filtration, and testing before reopening.

Health Suite Rules

The health suite adheres to specified rules: no outdoor footwear, no nudity, no glass or alcohol, and no under‑16 use in saunas. Staff monitor compliance throughout the day.

Equipment & Facility Safety

• Regular maintenance is carried out on fire alarms, evacuation systems, lifts, chemical dosing systems, pools, and other equipment. Daily checks, weekly tests, and annual inspections are documented per sector protocols.
• Guests are encouraged to seek medical advice before using certain equipment if they have health conditions. Staff are also instructed not to permit activities beyond participants’ abilities

Atlantis Splash Inflatable Course

This indoor inflatable obstacle course is one of Hengrove Park Leisure Centre’s star attractions. To ensure participant safety:

• Age Requirement: Suitable for participants aged 5 years and above; children aged 5–7 must be accompanied by a participating full-paying adult.
• Swimming Ability: All participants must be able to swim 25 m confidently, ensuring they can navigate the obstacles and exit safely.
• Safety Briefing: Every session begins with a mandatory safety briefing led by staff before access is allowed.
• Duration: Sessions last for 45 minutes, offering a good balance of challenge and fun.
• Safety Equipment: Buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn at all times during the session. Participants are advised to wear t‑shirts under the buoyancy aids for extra comfort.

General Inflatable Etiquette

• Participants must listen to all lifeguard and instructor instructions, maintaining order and avoiding overcrowding.
• No rough play—including pushing or diving—is allowed to prevent accidents.
• Food and drink are not permitted on the inflatables.
• If a participant leaves the course (e.g., slips off), they must raise a clear arm signal or call for “lifeguard” assistance before re-entering.

What are the Hengrove Park Leisure Centre swimming timetable options?

The centre offers a varied swimming timetable that includes public swimming, lane swimming (fast, medium, slow lanes), aqua fitness classes, swim lessons, and special inflatable sessions like Atlantis Splash. The full schedule is published online on their “Timetable” page and updated weekly to reflect school holidays and seasonal events.

What are the Hengrove Park Leisure Centre opening times?

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre is open year-round. Standard hours are Monday–Friday from 05:30 to 22:00, and weekends from 08:00 to 18:00. Health suite and café have slightly adjusted opening hours—typically opening later and closing earlier on weekends.

How can I book a session at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre?

Bookings for swimming, gym, classes, climbing and inflatable events are done online through the Everyone Active website or app. Walk‑in visitors may be admitted if space is available, but pre‑booking is strongly recommended—especially for lane swims, soft play, and inflatable sessions.

Hengrove Park Leisure Centre stands out as a top-tier indoor leisure destination in Bristol. The 50-metre Olympic-standard pool—with adjustable floors and bulkheads—offers exceptional flexibility for swimmers of all levels. As noted by local swimming enthusiasts, “the main pool is incredibly bright and open,” and typically “empty enough that you only need to share with max two other people,” especially during early mornings and evenings. This makes it an excellent space for both serious training and relaxed exercise.

The addition of the Atlantis Splash inflatable course and the well-equipped climbing wall brings a playful side to the centre, making it appealing to families and young adults. These features, combined with inclusive programmes—baby lessons, toddler sessions, aqua fitness, and adult classes—highlight the centre’s versatility. Our own visits found the staff consistently friendly and supportive, helping families and individuals feel welcome regardless of skill level.

However, external user feedback pinpoints a clear area for improvement: hygiene in showers and changing rooms. TripAdvisor and other review platforms mention cleanliness issues—points which are worth consideration, especially for families with young children or those sensitive to facility standards.

On balance, Hengrove Park Leisure Centre offers solid value. Its accessibility—via the Poolpod, local transport links, and ample parking—makes it widely usable, while membership options and pay-as-you-go flexibility cater to both regulars and casual visitors. For anyone seeking a well-rounded water park experience in Bristol—complete with lanes, inflatables, lessons, and wellness facilities—this centre remains a compelling choice.

Explore our photo gallery for a closer look at Hengrove Park Leisure Centre—one of Bristol’s leading indoor leisure centres. From the impressive glass-fronted entrance to the expansive Olympic-size swimming pool and vibrant Atlantis Splash inflatable course, these images showcase why it is a top choice for family activities in Bristol. The gallery also features the warm learner pool, modern gym, spectator seating, and accessible changing areas, giving visitors a true sense of the centre’s facilities.

Whether you are searching for a “swim pool near me” or planning a fun day of water activities in Bristol, these photos highlight what makes Hengrove Park Leisure Centre a popular destination for all ages.