Outdoor Pools in Cardiff

Outdoor Swimming in Cardiff

Looking for a cool way to spend your summer in the city? Cardiff’s got you covered with a refreshing mix of outdoor pools, wild swimming spots and scenic waterside escapes. Whether you're after a peaceful dip, family fun or a full-on aquatic adventure, there’s something for every swimmer - from seasoned cold-water enthusiasts to toe-dippers chasing a bit of sunshine.

Plus, stay at Future Inn Cardiff, where kids stay free, making it the perfect family-friendly base to dive into all the water-filled fun the Welsh capital has to offer. Perks include a guest laundry room for freshening swimwear and free parking. Plus, Future Club Reward Members get up to 12% off bedroom bookings. Join free today! Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

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Outdoor Swimming Cardiff

Dive in, the water's lovely! When it comes to outdoor swimming in Cardiff, there's no shortage of brilliant spots to splash about. From heated outdoor swimming pools and open-air lidos to reservoirs and adrenaline-fuelled water sports, there’s something for every age and confidence level. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a fun birthday activity, or simply looking for a new summer experience, these are some of the best places to cool off in and around Cardiff Bay and beyond.

 

The Best Outdoor Pools in Cardiff

A sunny day calls for swimming outdoors, and luckily, Cardiff has some fantastic places to enjoy a dip. These spots are well worth adding to your summer plans.

David Lloyd Cardiff

If luxury leisure is your thing, David Lloyd Cardiff is a brilliant option. The club has a 20-metre outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing swims, and plenty of loungers for soaking up the sunshine. Alongside this, there's a huge gym, an indoor pool, racquet courts, a bar, and a terrace.

Day passes are available for non-members to purchase.

David Lloyd is a 15-minute drive from Future Inns, or it's a 22-minute cycle. Did you know we're a cycle-friendly hotel?

Lido Ponty, National Lido of Wales

Just outside Cardiff, Lido Ponty is one of South Wales’ most iconic swimming spots. Originally opened in the 1920s and beautifully restored, this historic open-air lido features three heated pools, including family splash areas and lane swimming sections. Found in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, it's surrounded by colourful landscaping and picnic areas; it’s a fantastic place to spend a summer afternoon.

You do need to pre-book your swim time.

Lido Ponty is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, featuring a ramped entrance with handrails and automatic doors. It offers hoists for pool access, heated changing facilities, and a lift to the visitor centre.

The Lido is a 25-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff, where there is pay-and-display parking. Alternatively, you can get the train, with no changes, from Cardiff Bay to Pontypridd. Followed by a 5-minute walk.

UWC Atlantic Experience

For something a little different, the UWC Atlantic Experience offers adventurous outdoor activities along the stunning South Wales coastline. Found within St Donats Castle, the outdoor pool is 25 metres long and 2.2 metres deep.

It is available to hire for a minimum of 2 hours. There are also birthday party packages for children.

It’s a 40-minute drive to Atlantic College, which has on-site parking.  

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Cardiff Leisure Centres

Yes, we know you were looking for outdoor pools, but sometimes you need to escape the harsh sunlight, or for those unexpected rainy days. Perfect for families, fitness lovers and casual swimmers alike, these centres make it easy to stay active during your stay.

Cardiff International Pool

Located close to Cardiff Bay, Cardiff International Pool is one of the city’s top swimming venues. The centre is a modern facility with a 50m Olympic swimming pool. There's also a leisure pool with flumes, a lazy river, slides and a toddler area. If swimming isn't for you, there is a state-of-the-art gym, leisure centre and group fitness classes. Plus, a health suite with a sauna, steam room and spa.

You must pre-book all leisure pool sessions to ensure entry.

Cardiff International Pool has a variety of accessible features and spaces, including electronic entrance doors, a lift, an accessible changing area with showers and toilets, a hearing loop and pool hoists.

The Cardiff International Sports Village is an 8-minute drive or taxi ride from Future Inn Cardiff. There is plenty of on-site parking.

Maindy Swimming Pool Cardiff

A long-standing favourite with locals, Maindy Centre offers affordable swimming sessions. It’s especially popular with families and beginner swimmers looking for a relaxed environment. The leisure complex also includes a sports hall and fitness facilities.

While they may accept walk-ins depending on capacity, pre-booking is recommended.

Maindy Pool has accessible parking, toilets, hoist ramps and a poolside hoist.

Maindy Leisure Centre is just over a 15-minute drive from the hotel. You could also get the train from Cardiff Bay to Cathays, followed by a 15-minute walk.

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Wild Swimming in Cardiff

If natural waters are more your style, Cardiff and the surrounding areas offer some beautiful wild-swimming spots. While wild swimming can be an incredible outdoor experience, always take care by checking water conditions, avoiding strong currents, never swimming alone, and only entering the water where it is safe to do so.

Radyr Wier

One of the best-known wild swimming spots near the city, Radyr Weir offers a calm riverside setting surrounded by greenery. Popular with locals during warmer weather, it’s a peaceful place for confident swimmers looking to escape the busy city centre. You'll also see many on SUP's.

The best place to park for Radyr Weir is along Longwood Drive, which is also one of the entrances to the Forest Farm and the Taff Trail. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from Future Inn Cardiff. You can also get a direct train from Cardiff Bay to Radyr, followed by a 10-minute walk.

 

Keepers Pond

One of South Wales’ most famous wild swimming locations, Keepers Pond is surrounded by dramatic mountain views and is popular with open-water swimmers year-round. It’s a brilliant addition if you're looking for a more adventurous “worth the drive” recommendation.

Located in Blaenavon, Keepers Pond is an hour's drive from Future Inns. However, there is a car park, tourist information and toilets.

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Outdoor Swimming in Cardiff

From peaceful rivers to scenic reservoirs, there are plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoir

These beautifully restored reservoirs have quickly become one of Cardiff’s most popular outdoor destinations. Visitors can enjoy open-water swimming sessions, paddleboarding, walking trails, and a waterside cafe with stunning views.

Be sure to check the opening times at Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, and pre-booking the activity is essential.

The visitor centre has an automatic door, a lift to the cafe, a disabled toilet, and a hearing loop. All entrances are step-free. The welcome desk also has a lower section, allowing wheelchairs and mobility aids to get close.

The reservoirs are a 25-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff, and on-site parking is available.

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Outdoor Water Activities in Cardiff

For visitors looking for more than just swimming, Cardiff offers plenty of exciting water-based adventures.

Cardiff International White Water

Get your adrenaline pumping at Cardiff International White Water, one of the city’s most exciting adventure venues. Activities include whitewater rafting, indoor surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Whether you’re planning a family day out, group event or something memorable with friends, it’s guaranteed fun for thrill-seekers. You must pre-book activities as walk-ins are not accepted.

Future Inn Cardiff offers an exclusive 15% off for those who have booked an activity at Cardiff International White Water. You can book online or with our Reservations Team using the Promo Code you can get from the CIWW team.

The Cardiff International Sports Village is an 8-minute drive or taxi ride from Future Inn Cardiff. There is plenty of on-site parking.

 

Aqua Park Cardiff

Aqua Park brings giant inflatable fun to the water at Cosmeston Lakes, complete with slides, climbing walls and obstacle courses. Perfect for children, teenagers and adventurous adults, it’s a brilliant summer activity during warm weather. Expect lots of laughs, plenty of splashing and a great atmosphere. Pre-booking your time slot is essential.

Cosmeston Lakes is an 18-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff. You can also cycle, which takes about 30 minutes. Did you know we're a cycle-friendly hotel?

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Beaches Near Cardiff

While Cardiff itself is known for its waterfront attractions, there are also some lovely beaches just a short drive from Future Inn Cardiff.

Penarth Seafront

Often called “the garden by the sea”, Penarth Seafront is one of the closest coastal escapes to Cardiff. Visitors can stroll along the Victorian pier, enjoy fish and chips overlooking the water or relax on the pebble beach. It’s ideal for families looking for an easy seaside day trip.

Dawn Stalkers is a local outdoor swimming community that encourages and motivates you to get in the sea just before the sun rises. They also offer many tips on what to bring when wild swimming and how to be safe.

Penarth is a 15-minute drive from Future Inn Cardiff, with limited parking along The Esplanade or Penarth Clift Top Car Park. It takes around 23 minutes to cycle along the Cardiff Bay Trail. Or, get the bus departing from Lloyd George Avenue.

 

Barry Island

Famous for its golden sands and classic seaside atmosphere, and for Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island is a fantastic option for families - and a dip in the sea. Expect amusement arcades, ice cream stalls and fish and chips.

Barry Island Beach is a 30-minute drive from Future Inns. There is limited on-street parking or a large pay-and-display car park.

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