Waterfront Leisure Complex
Sitting right on the edge of the River Clyde, this centre in Greenock, Inverclyde, is a fantastic spot if you want to combine a swim with some of the best coastal views in the area. You’ll find it at 8 Custom House Way, and the postcode is PA15 1EW.
What to Expect and Enjoy
This place is essentially two or three attractions in one building. It’s got a very “tropical” feel that makes it a great escape when the weather outside is looking a bit grey.
- The Leisure Pool: This is a big one for families. It features a wave machine, a lazy river where you can just float along, and several flumes. One of the slides is actually a tyre ride, which is often a favourite because you can go down in a giant inflatable ring.
- Kids’ Splash Zone: For the smaller visitors, there is a dedicated shallow area with interactive water features and mini-slides that are much less intimidating than the big ones.
- The Ice Rink: It’s quite rare to find a pool and an ice rink in the same spot! The rink is full-sized and hosts public skating sessions. They often have “Ice Discos” with music and lights, which are a massive hit with teenagers.
- Health Suite: If you’re looking for a bit of “me time” while the rest of the group is splashing around, there’s a sauna, steam room, and a massive jacuzzi.
Best For and Time Spent
This is a brilliant day out for families, children, and teenagers. Because you can switch from the water to the ice, it’s easy to make a full afternoon of it.
- Duration: If you are just swimming, you’ll likely stay for 1.5 to 2 hours. If you add a skating session, plan to be there for about 4 hours in total.
Height and Age Guidance
- Flumes: The larger slides typically have a height restriction of 1.2 metres.
- Ice Skating: They have “skate steady” aids (often shaped like penguins or seals) to help younger children or beginners keep their balance on the ice.
- Supervision: Standard pool safety rules apply, so under-8s will need an adult in the water with them.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is a large car park on-site which is generally free for customers. It’s shared with the nearby cinema, so it can get busy on weekend afternoons.
- Food & Drink: There is a café inside that serves coffee and snacks. For something more substantial, you are right next to a retail park with several well-known fast-food and family restaurant chains.
- Savings: Look out for “skate and swim” combo tickets if you plan on doing both, as they are much cheaper than paying separately. They also offer Blue Light and student discounts.
- Season: It’s open all year round, though the leisure pool often runs on a specific timetable during school terms (usually opening the big slides and waves in the late afternoons and weekends).
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
You are literally a one-minute walk from the Waterfront Cinema, making it very easy to do a “swim and a movie” day. The Greenock Ocean Terminal is also nearby; if you’re lucky, you might see one of the massive cruise ships docked there. For a bit of history, the McLean Museum and Art Gallery is just a short walk into the town centre.