The Best Swimming Pools in and around Clevedon, North Somerset

After nearly thirty years assessing pools across Europe, I judge a good local centre on three things: consistent opening hours, a welcoming atmosphere for all abilities, and easy access. Strode Leisure Centre in Clevedon scores well on each, which is why it heads this list with a solid four-star rating.

What I like most here is the early-start weekday timetable. The doors open at 06:30 from Monday to Friday and stay open until 21:30, giving you a generous window for a pre-work swim, a lunchtime session, or an evening length or two after the working day. Weekends run at a gentler pace: Saturday from 08:00 to 16:30 and Sunday from 08:00 to 18:30, which suits families easing into the day.

Practically speaking, its location on Strode Way (postcode BS21 6QG) makes it a straightforward destination whether you are a Clevedon local or a visitor exploring North Somerset. As always, I recommend checking the centre's own website before you travel to confirm any session-specific timings, since lane swimming, lessons and family sessions each have their own slots within those broad opening hours.

My tip: if you want the calmest water and the most space, aim for that 06:30 weekday opening. Early swimmers tend to have the pool largely to themselves, and it is the best time to build a consistent routine.

For something entirely different, the Sugar Loaf Beach old tidal pool offers a taste of North Somerset's outdoor swimming heritage. Historic tidal pools like this were built to hold seawater as the tide retreats, creating a sheltered spot to swim compared with the open sea.

Tidal pools reward the prepared swimmer. Because they are shaped by the coast and the tide, conditions change through the day, so I always advise checking tide times before you set out and treating any sea-fed swim with respect. Cold-water acclimatisation, entering slowly, and never swimming alone are the fundamentals I coach for open-water and tidal environments. For confident swimmers who love the atmosphere of wild, saltwater swimming, this is a memorable regional alternative to a heated indoor pool.

Just a short trip from Clevedon, Backwell Leisure Centre is a useful second indoor option when you want variety or a different timetable. Leisure centres of this kind typically serve their local community with lane swimming, family sessions and lessons, making them a natural companion to Strode for anyone building a weekly swimming habit across the wider area.

As with any centre, I recommend confirming the current session schedule directly before travelling. Having a backup pool in your rotation is something I always encourage — it keeps your training consistent even when your usual centre is running a busy programme or a private event.

Rounding out my regional selection is Portishead Open Air Pool, a fine choice for those who prefer swimming under the sky. Open-air pools have a special appeal: fresh air, natural light and, on a bright day, one of the most invigorating swims you can have.

From an expert's standpoint, outdoor pools call for a little extra planning. Water and air temperatures matter more here than indoors, so bring a towel and a warm layer for afterwards, and give yourself a few minutes to acclimatise on entry. For families, an open-air pool turns a swim into a day out. It is a genuinely different experience from an indoor leisure centre and a great way to broaden your swimming across the season.

My rankings are built on decades of visiting and assessing baths, running a swim school, and working on water and swimming safety at a national level. For a top list like this, I weigh accessibility, clarity of opening hours, suitability for different abilities, and the overall variety a region can offer. Strode Leisure Centre earns the lead spot for its dependable, wide-ranging timetable and family-friendly setup, while the tidal, leisure and open-air alternatives give you genuine choice depending on your mood, the weather and your experience level.

Whichever you choose, my advice is the same one I give to swimmers everywhere: know your limits, respect the water, and always check current session times and any local safety guidance before you go.