For many people, a holiday just isn’t complete without spending time at a swimming pool. And there are lots of reasons why: it’s fun, it keeps you fit, and everyone can enjoy themselves, from babies still getting used to being in the water to seniors getting their laps in.
In this guide, we’ll share all the information you need about the best swimming pools on the Isle of Man. Because it’s so easy to travel around the island, you’re never too far away from one. Why not start your day with a swim or take a refreshing break from exploring the attractions?
Public swimming pools & leisure centres
1. IOM National Sports Centre
Address: Groves Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 1RB
Opening times: x
Admission:
0-3 years: free
4-7 years: £2.75
8-15 years: £3.85
16-64 years: £5.55
65+ years: £3.85
With a 25-metre training pool and a leisure pool available, you’re covered whether you want to get some lengths in or have fun splashing around as a family. The leisure pool has plenty for children to enjoy: two flumes, a beach pool, a flow pool and a splash zone, Coral Cove, which has jets and a smaller slide for littler ones.
Disabled customers can access all the pool areas using a hoist (for the leisure pool) or a pool pod (for the training pool), with staff on hand to assist.
Other leisure centre facilities you might be interested in include two sauna cabins, a steam room, a jacuzzi and a plunge shower. There are also plenty of classes available, including chairobics, pickleball, badminton, table tennis and Zumba.
2. Northern Swimming Pool
Address: Mooragh Promenade, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 3AB
Opening times: See the seasonal timetables
Admission:
0-3 years: free
4-15 years: £2.50
16-59 years: £5.00
60+ years: £3.50
Disabled customers: £2.50
The Northern Swimming Pool offers a variety of swim sessions, including parent and toddler, adult only, ladies’ nights, and public sessions, plus Aquafit classes, so you’re bound to find something that suits you. You’ll also find the Northern Swim School, which offers lessons to anyone from 10 weeks old.
Relax after your session by enjoying a drink and snack in the cafe and admiring the views across the harbour and the hills, or head to Ramsey’s Rum Baba’s for Caribbean-inspired surf and turf if you’re feeling particularly hungry.
3. Western Swimming Pool
Address: Derby Road, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1SW
Opening times: See the timetable
Admission:
5-16 years: £4
17-59 years: £5
60+ years: £4
Parent & toddler: £5
Disabled customer & carer: £4
Family ticket (two adults, three children): £15.50
Western Swimming Pool is right next to Peel Campsite and caters to everyone from families looking for fun, to serious swimmers who want to train, with a main pool and a children’s pool for little ones. All areas are accessible to disabled customers – there's a hoist for getting in and out of the pool, floatation devices available for your session, and an accessible changing room.
4. Southern Swimming Pool
Address: Arbory Road, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1HA
Opening times: See the timetable
Admission:
0-7 years: £1.60
8-15 years: £3.50
16-64 years: £4.80
65+ years: £3.50
Disabled customers: £2.60 (carers swim free)
The Southern Swimming Pool offers a mix of sessions in its 25m heated indoor pool, including:
- Public sessions, open to everyone
- Lane swimming, for swimming lengths of the pool
- Fun sessions, with mats, floats, balls and toys
- Family sessions, which are like fun sessions but without the mats
They take a welcoming and inclusive approach and are committed to promoting the importance of wellbeing and water safety.
Water safety tips to remember:
- Younger children should always swim with an adult, who should stay within arm’s reach.
- Non-swimmers should wear a buoyancy aid, such as armbands.
- Float on your back if you fall into the water unexpectedly, staying there until you can control your breathing. Once you can breathe normally, call for help or swim to safety.
- Wear brightly coloured swimming gear so you’re easy to spot.
- Follow the instructions on signs by the pool.
- Listen to and obey the lifeguards.
Hotels in Isle of Man with Swimming Pools
1. Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: Mount Murray Back Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM4 2HT
Opening times: 8am till 8pm
Admission: Free for guests; available to spa customers
A tranquil retreat, the Comis Hotel & Golf Resort is set in 250 acres of the stunning Manx Countryside (and is ideal if you like to bring your dog on holiday). It boasts a spa, a sauna and, of course, a heated indoor pool, with comfortable seating along the side.
2. The Sefton Hotel
Address: Sefton Hotel, Harris Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RW
Opening times: 8am till 8pm daily
Admission: Free and exclusive to hotel guests
Amongst the amenities at the Sefton Hotel, you’ll find The Fountain, their health and leisure club. The heated indoor pool is reserved exclusively for guests, so it's never too busy to enjoy a swim. Why not enjoy a spa treatment afterwards?
The hotel’s great location in the Isle of Man’s capital means you’d be centrally located for your visit, only 10 minutes away from the ferry port and 20 minutes from the airport.
3. Best Western Palace Hotel
Address: Best Western Palace Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 4NA
Opening times:
- Open daily, 7am till 10pm (last entry (9:30pm)
- Children are welcome between 10am and 7pm, Monday to Friday
Admission:
- Free for hotel guests
- Membership available
- £6.50 guest fee per non-member
If relaxation is your priority, then you’re in luck – not only does the Best Western Palace Hotel have a 15-metre pool, but there’s also a whirlpool spa, sauna and steam room. If you want something livelier, there are also Aquacise classes, which can be prebooked.
The health club has panoramic views of the sea beyond Douglas Bay, which you can enjoy while you’re swimming or if you stop for a drink or snack at the café afterwards.
Set sail with Steam Packet Ferries
You can reach the Isle of Man easily with Steam Packet. Our year-round ferry services are comfortable, convenient and offer excellent customer service – your holiday begins as soon as you board.