Planning your visit
Welcome to Cleveland Pools! Here you will find lots of information including a visual story and sensory map to help you to plan and prepare for your visit to the pools and what to expect when you arrive.
Please note: There is no parking at the Pools, other than two allocated parking bays for disabled drivers, so please do not drive here, either to park or to drop anyone off.
For more information on how to book your swim please go to our Activities page or see our FAQs where you'll be able to find answers to most of your questions, including ticket prices. If you have any specific requirements, please contact us: info@clevelandpools.org.uk
What to expect
How do I get there?
Our address is: Cleveland Pools, Hampton Row, Bath BA2 6BJ
We kindly ask you not to drive to the Pools to park or drop off unless you have a mobility issue. All the streets surrounding the Pools are residents parking only.
Walking: The Pools are just under a mile from Bath Abbey, and just over a mile from Bath Spa train station. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the site from the city centre or from Larkhall.
Bus: You can get the 734 bus to Forester Avenue, which is just a four minute walk from the pools. Alternatively, you can get buses to the Forester Road stop on Beckford Road, and walk six minutes to the pools. These are:
11 Bathcity; 94; 734; D1 Discover; X84
Bike: There are a limited number of bicycle racks on site and some nearby at the edge of the canal. We are working with Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT) to try to make additional spaces available off site.
Disabled access: There are two disabled parking bays for blue badge holders at the entrance to the pools. There is a video here showing you the access to the Pools.
Access from the river: Once the pontoon is in place it will be possible to arrive by boat, paddle board, kayak etc in spring/summer 2024.
Entrance
The entrance to the Pools is between two houses. The path is quite narrow and leads to a very steep slope. Light is low in this area. There is a handrail on both sides and the floor surface is tarmac.
During peak times this pathway may become quite busy. Please keep to the left if you can to help keep people moving.
At the first corner of the slope you will have a view across the site. This could seem bright as you look across the site. It may be busy here as people may gather here to take photos.
Kiosk
The slope continues down to the kiosk area. There is a handrail on both sides and lots of people will walk up and down here. There is a place to park bikes here.
When you get to the bottom of the slope you can head straight on to the kiosk or continue left to the changing rooms and pool. One route is stepped and the other ramped.
At the kiosk you can buy snacks and drinks. The service counter is inside and may be quite noisy. At busy times you may need to queue.
Accessible toilets and terrace
There is an accessible toilet to the left of the kiosk service area which includes baby change facilities. This has handrails, a wash basin, hand-dryer, toilet and emergency cord.
Outside the kiosk is the terrace which is paved with concrete. There is currently no shade and this area can become hot and bright in the sunshine. You can sit here with your refreshments or use the grassy areas on the riverbank.
Tickets and changing rooms
Tickets for swimming can be purchased under the archway of the crescent building.
There is level access to the changing and swimming areas from the ticket office. This leads to the tiled surround of the pools.
The main pool is in front of the crescent building. A light grey tiled smooth floor surrounds it which can become slippery when wet.
The changing rooms are inside the crescent shaped building. There is level access and a door for your privacy. Inside, there is a wooden bench and high level hooks for hanging.
Lockers are installed to store your belongings once you have changed. You are encouraged not to bring any items of value. Belongings are left at the owners risk. You will need to bring your own small padlock, for example a luggage padlock, to secure your locker.
First aid room and accessible toilet
At the western end of the crescent building there is an accessible toilet. This has level access and contains a toilet, wash basin and hand dryer. There are hand rails and an emergency cord.
The first aid room is next to the accessible toilet. This can also be used as a quiet space for those who need it.
Main pool
There are steps down to the water and the tiles lining the pool are light grey. The pool depth ranges from 1m to 1.8m. The water level is 0.2m below the tiled edge of the pool. The pool temperature varies from day to day please check the website and social media posts for up to date information.
The pool can become busy and can be noisy. There are trained lifeguards on duty at all times.
At the far end of the crescent building near the first aid room is the heritage learning space within the former ladies pool. Inside is some information about the history of the Pools. Large print copies of the text are available on request.
Children’s pool
The children’s pool is near the kiosk area. It is square and lined with the same light grey tiles as the main pool. A few tiles show images representing the history of the pools.
The children’s pool is 0.8m deep.
Toilets
The toilet block is behind the children’s pool. Inside there are four toilet cubicles for women and one cubicle and two urinals for men. There are also baby change facilities. This toilet block has stepped access.
Sensory bags and further information
There are sensory bags available at reception for you to borrow for the duration of your visit. These include ear defenders, a timer, stress balls, stretchy toys and a cuddly baboon. If you wish to use these you will need to sign them out from reception and return them at the end of your visit.
Our staff and volunteers are undergoing training to better support all visitors with their needs. If you require additional support please let those on duty know.
Sensory map
This plan of the site highlights the facilities available on site and potential sensory triggers you may experience during your visit.
Walking Trails
In addition to the opportunity to swim, Cleveland Pools Trust has teamed up with Bathscape, who organise the annual Walking Festival in Bath, for you to enjoy two self guided walking trails to Cleveland Pools. For further details please see our Activities page.