FAQs
What would you like to know?
Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions but for any other queries, please just ask.
We advise disabled visitors to call ahead so we can help with any needs you may have : 01285 653 947.
Q. Do you have facilities for disabled visitors?
A. Yes – there is a spacious disabled changing room (large enough for wheelchair users) equipped with a full-length table, a toilet and a shower.
We also have a mobile hoist to help people in and out of the pool with ease and dignity. If you’ll need to use this, please let us know in advance.
Q. Is there a disabled entrance?
A. There is a gate in the back wall of the Barracks car park which opens onto a ramp, giving access to the pool’s terrace and all onsite facilities.
Q. Do you have disabled parking?
A. There are limited disabled parking spaces in the Barracks car park so please phone ahead if you need to use one.
Q. Do you have special swim sessions for people with additional needs?
A. Yes – our Inclusive Swim sessions welcome people who have difficulty accessing mainstream sessions due to physical or mental health issues. It is a calm, quiet session with limited places so please book your attendance in advance.
Q. Can I bring my assistance dog to the pool?
A. Yes, if you need to come with an assistance dog, you need to discuss this with the Pool Manager prior to entry (01285 653497). In addition, you will need to bring someone (a non-swimmer) who will be responsible for the dog while its owner is swimming. The dog and the support person will need to remain off the poolside, in the area by the entrance gate.
You can either book online or pay at the gate – whichever suits you.
If you book in advance, please join the Booked Queue.
During the first 30 minutes of your session, entry is reserved exclusively for booked customers. After 30 minutes, we begin admitting customers from both the Booked Queue and the Walk-in Queue as space becomes available.
Booked customers continue to be given priority, but if the pool is at capacity, you may need to wait until space becomes available.
FUN FACT: On a hot day, over two-thirds of visitors to our General Swim sessions simply pay at the gate as walk-ins. Our sessions run for up to 5 hours, so there’s plenty of opportunity to swim. On particularly busy days, you may need to queue while we manage pool capacity safely.
Q. What are General Swim sessions?
Our morning and afternoon General Swims combine a limited number of bookable early-entry places with pay-at-the-gate admission.
Q. How do they work?
First 30 minutes: Entry is for booked customers only.
After 30 minutes: We admit both booked and walk-in customers as space allows, with priority given to the Booked Queue.
Q.Will I get in as a walk-in?
Usually, yes. We admit visitors throughout each session as people leave. On very hot days, you may need to wait while we manage capacity safely.
Q.Do I need to book?
Only if you’d like exclusive access to the queue during the first 30 minutes of the session and continued priority afterwards. Otherwise, simply turn up, join the Walk-in Queue after the first 30 minutes and pay at the gate.
Q.Why do sessions sometimes show as “Unavailable” or greyed out?
This simply means the bookable early-entry places have all been taken. Walk-ins are still welcome after the first 30 minutes of the session, subject to pool capacity.
Q. What if I arrive more than 30 minutes after my booked session starts?
Please join the Booked Queue. You’ll continue to be admitted ahead of walk-in visitors, but if the pool is at capacity you may need to wait until space becomes available.
RULES FOR BRINGING CHILDREN TO THE POOL
All children aged 8 or under must be accompanied by someone responsible who is at least 16 years old.
This applies whether children are in the water, at the poolside or in the changing areas.
The accompanying guardian is responsible for the safety and behaviour of any children in their charge, meaning they must :
1. Watch their children in the water at all times.
2. Accompany any weak swimmers while they are in the pool, staying in close contact to keep them safe.
If you are bringing more than one child to the pool, please consider the following supervision ratios :
• Children aged 3 years and under: 1 adult to 1 child
• Children aged 4 – 7 years: 1 adult to 2 children
• Children 8 -11 years: 1 adult is required on site
Q. When can i take my pre-school child swimming?
A. You can bring your pre-school child to any of the general and drop in swim sessions, not just the adult and pre-school child sessions. We offer a free hot drink with your entrance ticket and your season ticket includes these swims too.
Q. Do I pay for under 4 year olds?
A. No, the pool is free for under 4s.
Q. Is there a children’s pool?
A. Yes – our children’s pool is 0.5 m deep and heated like the main pool to around 26°C.
Q. Can my children come to the pool on their own?
A. Yes, if they are aged 11+ and are competent swimmers.
Q. If I’m bringing my child to the pool but I won’t be swimming, do I need to pay?
A. Yes, everyone coming through the gate needs to buy a ticket – spectators pay £2.
Q. Can I sit by the pool ?
A. Yes, it costs £2 to come through the gate – you can meet friends and soak up the atmosphere while sitting around the pool.
Q. Can I buy a group ticket for my family ?
A. Yes – we have a number of family tickets, all of which are discounted – please see Ticket Types for details.
Q. What are Youth Evenings ?
A. Youth Evenings take place on Friday evenings, from 7:15 – 8:30pm.
Priced at just £1 per person, these subsidised sessions are run exclusively for secondary school students (year group 7 -11 inclusive).
The tuck shop stays open for food and drink and parents are welcome to come while their child is on site.
Student
17+ in full time education. You may be asked to supply a copy of your ICIS card, NUS card or written confirmation of your student status.
Overs 65
We are coming in line with the government’s retirement age of 66 and therefore our Senior Season Tickets will be available to everyone who is 66 on the 1st May 2025.
Q. Can I bring my own food and drink?
A. Yes – though as we are a zero-waste site, please take all your rubbish away with you.
Q. Can I bring alcohol to the pool?
A. No, we don’t allow alcohol at the pool at any time.
Q. Can I bring any glasses, bottles or glass containers on site?
A. No, for safety reasons, we don’t allow any glass at the pool.
Q. Where is the pool?
A. Riverside Walk, Cirencester GL7 2EF (The footpath from Thomas Street to Barton Lane)
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Q. How can I get in touch?
Tel: 01285 653947 (Answered between 7am – 8pm)
Or get in touch here
Q. Can I park at the pool?
A. No – please use one of the pay and display car parks nearby.
Please be aware that there is no road access to the pool; our entrance is off a pathway. For less able visitors, please see the Accessibility information, above.
Q. Where can I park?
A. These 3 car parks are all within a 10 minute stroll:
Old Station: 0.2 miles away. Sheep Street Cirencester GL7 1US
Sheep Street: 0.3 miles away. 17 Sheep Street Cirencester GL7 1HN
Abbey Grounds: 0.2 miles away. 14 Dugdale Road Cirencester GL7 2DA
Q. Can I park on Cecily Hill?
A. To avoid tickets from traffic wardens and disrupting our neighbours do not park in resident parking. We strongly recommend parking in one of the three car parks listed above.
Q. Can I bring my bike to the pool?
A. Yes, there are several cycle racks but please be aware that bikes are left at your own risk.
Q. When can I use the pool ?
A. The pool is open every day from April 17th until September 20th.
• Weekday sessions run from 6:30am – 7:00pm
• Saturday sessions run from 8:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday sessions run from 8:45am – 6:00pm
Q. What is the pool like ?
A. Filled with water from a natural spring and heated to around 26°C, both the children’s and main pools are absolutely lovely!
The main pool is 27.5 metres long and is 4 lanes wide.
The children’s pool is 0.5 metres deep throughout.
Q. If I’m early for my session or the session is full, can I come in and wait by the pool?
A. For all sessions, we ask that you wait on the path outside until your session opens or a place becomes available.
Q. Do you have changing facilities?
A. We have changing facilities and toilets on site, designated for male, female, family and disabled users.
Our spacious changing rooms are open plan and accessible for wheelchairs and have several cubicles, lockers for your things and coin-operated showers and hair dryers (both of which take 20p – change is available at the gate).
Q. Can I bring my dog to the pool?
A. No, unless it is an assistance dog. If you need to come with an assistance dog, you need to discuss this with the Pool Manager prior to entry (01285 653497). In addition, you will need to bring someone (a non-swimmer) who will be responsible for the dog while its owner is swimming. The dog and the support person will need to remain off the poolside, in the area by the entrance gate.
Q. What can I buy at the pool?
A. Our Tuck Shop sells hot and cold snacks and drinks as well as ice creams, swimming aids and sun block.
You can also buy second-hand costumes, towels and books, stock permitting.
Q. Can i bring chairs/umbrellas and inflatables to the pool?
A. You may bring your own chairs and umbrellas. We allow small inflatables in the pool at the lifeguards discretion. This may not always be possible on very busy days.
Q. Can I bring my own food and drink?
A. Yes – though as we are a zero-waste site, please take all your rubbish away with you.
Q. Can I bring alcohol to the pool?
A. No, we don’t allow alcohol at the pool at any time.
Q. Can I smoke or vape at the pool?
A. No, we don’t allow either on site.
Q. Can I play music at the pool?
A. No – unless you’re wearing noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds 🙂
Q. Can I take photographs at the pool?
A. Yes, you can take photos of your family and friends but please don’t take photos of people you don’t know.
Please note : We do not permit photos to be taken inside the changing rooms.
As the pool is a lovely resource for everyone to share, please consider others so you don’t affect their enjoyment of this space – thank you
Q. What do I do with my rubbish?
A. As we’re a zero-waste site, please take all your rubbish away with you – thank you.