5 of the best swimming pools in South Yorkshire
Places to take the family for a swim
It's half term, so if you're looking for some great indoor activities with the kids, take a look at the best swimming pools in South Yorkshire for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you're after a leisurely swim, water geysers and jet fountains, wave pools or even dare to take the plunge from the diving boards, you're definitely going to have an exciting day out at one of these pools.
Swimming in Barnsley - Barnsley Metrodome
This award-winning venue offers a wide range of leisure activities. It's home to the Calypso Cove Waterpark which is full of water slides and boasts a huge wave machine, perfect for burning off the kids' energy. They also host pool-based exercise sessions and parent and toddler sessions for your little water babies. Their schedule can be found online here.
Swimming in Sheffield - Ponds Forge
Located in the centre of Sheffield, Ponds Forge is the ideal place for budding swimmers to develop their craft. With an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the deepest diving pool in the UK, you're sure to have a whale of a time here. It also hosts a leisure pool with lazy river, two flumes, baby fun area and wave machine. You can find a link to their timetable on the Ponds Forge website.
As well as Ponds Forge, SIV has a number of other pools including Concord Sports Centre, Heeley Pool, Hillsborough Leisure Centre and Springs Leisure Centre and Westfield Sports Centre.
Water fun at Doncaster Dome
The Dome's Amazonia Adventure hosts a whopping seven pool water world where the kids are sure to make a splash. With geysers, fountains, jets and airbeds there's plenty to keep them entertained. Why not check out their timetable to see when you can fit in all that fun?
Leisure activities at Rotherham Leisure Centre
The pool is a great place to improve your health and fitness all while having fun and splashing around. You can also get the kids involved with local swim teams that train at the pool and view their timetable here.
A relaxing swim in Rotherham - Wath-upon-Dearne Leisure Centre
Perfect for a quieter family swim, Wath-upon-Dearne Leisure Centre has a smaller pool that's ideal for those wanting a relaxing swim and to keep fit. They have a busy timetable on their website for adults and kids, as well as parent and toddler sessions.
Who says you can only go swimming in the summer? Get your swimming costumes on and make a splash in one of South Yorkshire's leisure centres.
Swipe through our gallery of great parks to go for walks in South Yorkshire
Days out at Dearne Valley Country Park in Barnsley
This wildlife haven is just two miles outside the town centre, with extensive paths to explore the whole area. At the centre of the park is the River Dearne, so full of life that it's known as one of the best places in the Valley to see kingfishers all year round so be sure to snap a picture of them in the snow.
Things to do in Thrybergh Country Park in Rotherham
Perfect for walking, fishing, playing or birdwatching, Thrybergh has something for everyone even in the winter. The park hosts a warm cafe with an ice cream parlour and indoor play area for the younger ones. It is set on flat land so the trip around the reservoir with its abundance of swans it accessible for everyone.
Things to do in Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham
A haven for wildlife even in winter, Rother Valley consists of 750 acres of parkland and open water for water sports. The park hosts walking trails, a play area and bridleways so you're sure to find something to do with the family.
Visiting Endcliffe Park in Sheffield
Opened in commemoration of Queen Victoria, Endcliffe Park is a link from urban to rural Sheffield featuring vast parkland and woodland. As it's a peaceful park, it's great for nature spotting and the path leads to the not-too-distant Peak District for some beautiful scenic views. Imagine the view when the park and peaks are covered in a blanket of snow?
Days out in Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
Hillsborough Park features a small pond, bowling green, walled garden and playground making it a great place to visit with the little ones. It also is home to Hillsborough Library so be sure to pop in to read some books and get away from the blustery winter winds.
Visiting Locke Park in Barnsley
Located just outside the town centre, Locke Park boasts 47 acres of open space for a great day out with the family. It may be cold and blustery outside but grab your coat and head out because there's plenty to do. There's a large play area for the kids to enjoy, vast spaces to walk the dogs and a quaint café to grab a bite to eat and escape the cold when the winter weather starts to take its toll. You're guaranteed to enjoy your day.
Weston Park and the Weston Park Museum in Sheffield
After an investment of £2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Weston Park on a wintry day is a perfect place to relax and take in the snowy views of Sheffield. Weston Park hosts the Weston Park Museum, providing a whole new experience for the family with its exhibitions changing regularly.
A guide to Cusworth Hall Museum and Park in Doncaster
Dogs are welcome at the park but must be kept on a lead so not to disturb the wide variety of wildlife in the park. The Hall is a beautiful Grade 1 listed building situated in acres of historic parkland featuring lakes, plantations and pleasure grounds to explore and take in the dramatic views of the town from the top of the hill.
Things to do in Elsecar Park, Barnsley
With its large reservoir and surrounding land being declared as a national heritage site, the charming views, large grassland and playground make it a fun day out for all the family whatever the weather. It's great for bike riding, taking the dogs for a run around in the green space and the lake and getting some fresh air instead of being cooped up inside all winter.