14 Best Swimming Pools In Oxfordshire

Colder than a leisure centre even on a good day, and children notice within a few strokes. Some open-air pools are heated to a degree and some are not, so check that specific detail before promising anyone a long swim. Have towels at the edge, dry warm clothes to hand and something to eat straight after. Those three things separate a fine afternoon from a sulk on the back seat.

The larger leisure sites are set up for it, with Bicester Leisure Centre & Bowling pairing swimming with something else under one roof, which is useful when a group contains children who do not all want to swim. Booking is the constraint rather than space, particularly at weekends, so sort that out well before you send any invitations.

Park Sports Centre and the other full-size indoor pools are where lane swimming and lessons happen, and a child who is training needs consistent water and a predictable timetable rather than a fun session. Look at the specific site's programme, since the balance between lane swimming and family sessions varies quite widely across the county.

A warm settled spell rather than one hot afternoon, because outdoor water takes time to come up and drops back fast after cool nights. Late in a warm run is better than the first bright day. If you are travelling any distance for it, check the site is open that week before setting off rather than after arriving.