A Family Day Out at Better Bath: Swimming, Bowling and More Under One Roof

Bath is known for its historic sites, but local families often spend their free time at practical places that fit into their busy lives. Better Bath Sports and Leisure Centre is one of these spots, with swimming, indoor activities, and fitness facilities all in one place.

Rather than operating as a one-off attraction, the centre functions as a year-round hub for family leisure, offering a range of options that can be combined or enjoyed independently during a single visit.

 

Swimming Facilities for All Ages

Swimming is a big focus at Better Bath. The centre has a 25-metre, six-lane pool for lane swimming, general sessions, and training. There’s also a 12-metre teaching pool for lessons and family swims.

 

There’s also a leisure pool with a flume and water play features, which families especially enjoy on weekends and during school holidays. Adults can use the sauna, which adds to the pool facilities.

 

The centre has a large changing area by the pool, with both individual and group cubicles, plus separate male and female changing rooms. This setup works well for families and group sessions, making busy times easier to manage.

 

Bowling, Soft Play and Indoor Activities

Besides swimming, the centre’s leisure park has several indoor activities in one place. Families can use eight ten-pin bowling lanes, which are great for casual games, parties, and groups of all ages.

 

There’s also a soft play area for young children, a trampoline park, and Puttify, a mini-golf game with digital scoring that suits all ages and abilities. These options let families mix up their day or match different energy levels in one visit.

 

The leisure park has a diner that serves hot and cold food and drinks, so families can take a break between activities without leaving the centre.

 

Gym and Fitness Facilities

For older visitors and adult members, Better Bath offers a 120-station gym, a functional training space and two fitness studios, one of which operates as a virtual studio. The centre runs more than 110 weekly fitness classes, including Pilates, Zumba, and Fit Bounce, alongside virtual options for those unable to attend in person.

 

These facilities might not be the main focus for family days out, but they give families more options if adults and children want to do different things during the same visit.

 

Practical Considerations for Families

The centre operates on both a pay-as-you-go basis and through memberships, allowing families to choose what suits their routines. Swimming lessons are available for all abilities, reflecting the centre’s role in supporting both long-term participation and casual visits.

 

There is on-site parking (this is council owned so it is Pay & Display), and the centre is outside Bath’s busiest areas, so it’s easy to reach by car. This is helpful for families planning longer visits.

 

A Local Leisure Hub in Bath

While Bath’s leisure identity is often shaped by tourism and heritage, Better Bath Sports and Leisure Centre plays a quieter role, supporting everyday activity for local residents. By bringing swimming, bowling, indoor play, and fitness facilities together in one place, it offers a practical solution for families looking to stay active year-round.

 

As a community leisure centre, Better Bath meets the needs of local families who want flexible, all-weather activities that fit into busy lives.