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The 5 Best Swimming Lessons in Manchester

The 6 Best Swimming Lessons in Manchester

How We Picked 

Qualifications – We reviewed the background of each teacher or instructor to ensure that they have the right credentials to teach swimming.
Facilities – The establishment and equipment of each instructor were also taken into consideration.
Accessibility – We assessed the location of the swimming area along with the schedule of the classes to check students can easily attend the classes.
Customer Service – The responsiveness and attitude of the staff members and the instructors were also reviewed.

1. Swim Now

Swim Now' Homepage

Services: Adults Lessons, Childs Lessons, Handling Water Phobia

Website: https://www.swimnow.co.uk/manchester-swimming-lessons/

Address: 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 468 2656

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 5/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 5/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 4/5
Accessibility 5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Good for students with anxiety
  • Has a wide range of students
  • Has competitive instructors

Cons

  • Services are limited to swimming only

One of the things that usually prevents someone from trying or continuing with swimming lessons is anxiety. We are happy to share that Swim Now can help you with this.

We have spoken to some of their regular students, and they told us that the staff members were great at handling nervous or stressed-out students.

Instead of pressuring clients, they will patiently ease you into each lesson. We like that they do this for all of their students, regardless of age.

While on the topic of age groups, we also appreciate that they can cater to all types of students, from toddlers to adults. With this, we believe that they will be a great choice for those who want to take swimming lessons along with their little ones.

We also like that Swim Now has a wide range of students when it comes to skill level. While most of their clients are beginners, they also have highly-skilled instructors who can help guide more advanced swimmers.  

This aspect did not come to us as a surprise as their Chief Executive Officer, Alistair has over 20 years of experience in the field. Along with him are other respectable instructors and their bios are available on their website.

The only downside we noted is that they only offer swimming lessons. If you are looking for a centre with more options, it would be best to check other swimming facilities in Manchester. 

2. Manchester Aquatics Centre

Manchester Aquatics Centre

Services: Swimming Lessons

Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/manchester/manchester-aquatics-centre?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_my_business

Address: 2 Booth St E, Manchester M13 9SS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 641 6310

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:15 PM–1:00 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Thursday: 7:30 AM–9:30 AM

Friday: 8:30 PM–10:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 3.9/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.3/5
Total Reviews3.6/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 5/5
Accessibility 4/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Has commendable facilities
  • Has a pool with a versatile setups
  • Good for advanced swimmers

Cons

  • Some facilities are unavailable due to renovations
  • Has an age requirement of at least 16 years old to transact

One of the best things about Manchester Aquatics Centre is their facilities. They have swimming areas that can be used for intensive training.

On top of this, we appreciate that they are continuously trying to improve their services. On that note, some parts of their establishment are undergoing refurbishment, so this is something to consider when enrolling in swim lessons here. 

But, with the ongoing improvements, students can expect even better facilities and equipment once the renovations are completed. 

For now, they have a multi-purpose swimming pool with moveable floors and booms. We like that this area can be set up in different ways, depending on your specific needs. 

As mentioned above, most of the people who train here are more advanced swimmers. In fact, this specific pool is home to the GB Para Swim Team.

Despite this, we also appreciate that they can cater to beginners. They can even assist in setting up the pool in such a way that it would be less intimidating to less-experienced swimmers.

As for their booking system, we like that all clients need to do is fill out an easy form on their website. You may also contact them through phone call or email and someone will assist you right away.

Just keep in mind that they only entertain clients that are at least 16 years old. Otherwise, you will be asked to transact with the help of a guardian.

Also, do take note that their learn to swim programme isn’t starting back until September.

3. Hough End Leisure Centre

Hough End Leisure Centre

Services: Gym Workout, Swimming, Fitness Classes, Swimming Lessons, Personal Training, Junior Gym

Website: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/manchester/hough-end

Address: 480 Princess Rd, Manchester M20 1HD, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 641 6300

Operating Hours: Sunday: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Monday to Friday: 5:30 AM–10:00 PM

Saturday: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.1/5
Facebook Reviews Score 3.5/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 3.8/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of services
  • Good for families and friends
  • Have commendable facilities

Cons

  • Has inconsistent customer service

When it comes to the range of services, we give it to Hough End Leisure Centre. Aside from being a competitive swimming centre, they also have facilities for various sports activities. 

For instance, they have an air-conditioned gym that can help customers achieve their personal fitness goals. We were also impressed that the facility is fully kitted out with equipment from Technogym — one of the leading designers of exercise equipment.

Aside from this, they also have a gym that is specially designed for children between the age of 11 to 15 years old. This is a great way to get kids to get started on fitness at an early age.

Furthermore, they also have fitness classes, sauna rooms, squash courts, and many other facilities. With all of these in consideration, we believe that this is a great place for friends or families who want to have a more active lifestyle.

When it comes to their swimming facilities, we are impressed with their six-lane swimming pool that is 25 metres long — a popular option for more advanced swimmers.

On the other hand, they also have a learning pool for beginners. We also like that they have instructors for those who want to learn how to swim casually up to those who intend to compete.

Unfortunately, their customer service is inconsistent as there are clients who mentioned to us that the staff were rude to them. On the other hand, some had a lovely experience.

4. Ivy Bank Swim School

Ivy Bank Swim School

Services: Swimming Lessons

Website: https://www.ivybankswim.co.uk/

Address: 31 Grosvenor St, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1ES, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 773 2629

Operating Hours: Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score 4.6/5
Total Reviews4.5/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Established swimming lessons provider
  • Has highly-trained instructors
  • Has straightforward pricing

Cons

  • Does not accept refunds

As for those who prefer an established swimming lessons provider, you may consider Ivy Bank Swim School. We were impressed that they have been operational since 1995!

Over the years of their practice, they were able to build a good relationship with their students. In our surveys, our respondents happily mentioned that the staff members here make swimming lessons both fun and productive.

We believe that this is because all of their instructors are qualified by the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA). This means that each one underwent rigorous training to ensure that they can teach swimming well. 

Additionally, there is also an option to book the pool for up to one hour. We think this is great for those who want to practise before the lessons or simply goof around after the classes.

Another thing we like about them is their straightforward pricing. For 2 people, booking the pool for 30 minutes costs £10 for two people, while booking for an hour costs £15.

If you ask us, this is a reasonable price, especially for parents who want their kids to have some fun in between their sessions. 

The only caveat is that they do not accept refunds. Since all bookings are considered final, it would be best to ensure that you can commit before finalising a session.

5. Alistair Mills Fitness

Alistair Mills Fitness

Services: Personal Training, Swim Coaching, Swimfit, Muscle Building

Website: https://www.alistairmillsfitness.com/

Address: Hilton Hotel, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: 0161 468 2655

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 5:00 AM–7:00 PM

Google Reviews Score 4.3/5
Total Reviews4.3/5
Score Consistency 4/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 5/5
Accessibility 5/5
Customer Service4/5

Pros

  • Offers personalised training sessions
  • Caters to a wide range of students
  • Accessible location

Cons

  • Purchased sessions should be completed in six months

If there is a specific fitness goal that a customer wants to achieve through swimming, some of the best people who can help them will be from Alistair Mills Fitness. Here, they have an impressive team of personal trainers that will pay close attention to you.

One of the notable members of their team is Gerry McGrann. We think it’s great that he has over nine years in addressing musculoskeletal injuries.

With people like him on board, we are confident that this will also be a great place for students who have complicated health issues. 

When it comes to accessibility, it would be hard to top this team as they are situated at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate. As for the schedule, they are willing to work around your lifestyle whenever it’s possible — a plus for convenience in our books!

As for their swimming lessons, we like that they cater to a wide range of students.

Of course, they have beginners who sign up for their classes. However, the majority of their students are advanced swimmers who are training for triathlon events or technical improvement. 

On top of this, they also have a Swimfit service which helps students who aim to improve stamina, lose weight, increase flexibility, or recover from an existing injury.

Just keep in mind that you would need to complete your sessions within six months of booking or else it would expire. With this aspect to consider, we suggest that you commit only when you are sure that you can see it through.

6. The Online Swim School

Services:

Website: https://theonlineswimschool.com/

Address: Manchester and nearby areas

Contact Details: [email protected] | +44 7582 535238

Operating Hours: 24/7

Facebook Reviews Score 5/5
Total Reviews5/5
Score Consistency 5/5
Qualifications5/5
Facilities 1/5
Accessibility 5/5
Customer Service5/5

Pros

  • Flexible
  • Convenient
  • Experienced Instructors
  • Can strengthen family bond

Cons

  • Lack of In-person Instruction
  • Limited pool access

The Online Swim School is a reliable and convenient platform that offers online swimming lessons for parents to teach their babies or children water confidence and movement.

Unlike others, they provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace and at a time that suits you and your child’s schedule. This allows you a convenient learning experience without the need to adhere to specific class timings.

Another pro in working with them is with over 11 years of experience in teaching swimming, The Online Swim School brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their lessons. Their instructors are experienced in guiding parents through teaching their children water confidence and movement effectively.

We also like how the online courses offered by The Online Swim School allow parents to actively participate in teaching their children how to swim. This involvement strengthens the bond between parent and child while fostering a sense of accomplishment and achievement.

As The Online Swim School focuses on providing online swimming lessons, there is a limitation in terms of direct in-person instruction from a professional instructor and pool access.

FAQs about Swim Lessons in Manchester

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