swimming help pls

[sophiexxx]

Hi, I live in bearwood and am looking for either a good local council pool or (preferably) a leisure centre like virgin active. I have tried virgin active at broadway plaza off five ways but they only allow children in the week between 3-6 and I would like to go with my 7mo in the morning. I currently go to the quality hotel on hagley road because it is a short bus drive from me which is handy because I dont have a car. The problem is its too quiet and my lo would prefer to be with others. Also the changing rooms are quite cold. Can anyone advise me? Has anyone been to harbourne baths recently? Thanks, Sophie

Last time we went past it there was works on at Harborne. We go to

Smethwick (thimblemill) Clean but old fashioned

Northfield Modernised but rather busy

Cocks Moor Baths Good for kids, clean but gets a bit boisterous

Wouldn't use Tiverton as too cold for kids and old fashioned. Private ones tend not to want kids. I wonder why?

thanks spacehoppa. We will take your advice and try smethwick. X

We go (my 2 year old and me) to Smethwick on a Friday morning 11.45 for Mums and babies/toddlers only and I think it's lovely. it is a little basic in the changing rooms but my little girl is very relaxed in the pool and was always very nervous previously. Dawn

My friend uses the Hyatt on Broad Street with his family- he says it's lovely. There is also the University pool in Edgbaston, though it may be lessons only, and the Priory Club (also Edgbaston, 1 route) which quite a few of my children's friends use.
Linden Road too (11 route), though not sure what time general sessions are, as it is mostly lessons.