Swimming makes a fantastic family activity and here in the North East of England there are many incentives to help families swim for free, if not, for a very low cost.
If you live on the Newcastle side of the river, make sure you get a Fusion Card: http://www.activenewcastle.co.uk/fusion-scheme/ to take advantage of discounted swims.
If you’re living in or around Gateshead, get the Active Card: http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/sports1/prices/activecard.aspx
for cheap family swims.
For those serious about their swimming, Swim North East is a listing site about all swim related fixtures in the North East of England, including information about awards and coaching children:
http://www.swimnortheast.org.uk/
Here are some swimming pools I would recommend for family friendly swimming in this region:
Gateshead Swimming Pool, Bensham
http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/sports1/facilities/GLC/home.aspx
The facilities include three pools, including the 25m main pool, a sauna and a steam room. Children seem very welcome at the pool and staff kindly open the small pool for little swimmers, even when it’s very quiet.
Gosforth Swimming Pool, Gosforth
http://www.activenewcastle.co.uk/venue-results/view/gosforth-pool/
Two large pools, including warm children’s pool with inflatable session on Saturdays. Despite a recent overhaul the changing facilities are still a bit basic.
The Lakeside Leisure Centre, Killingworth
http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/browse.shtml?p_subjectCategory=1224
Which includes a good 25 metre pool with 6 lanes. The water is chlorine-free and ozone sanitized. There is also a 13m x 7m, 30ºC learner pool.
