Valley Leisure Centre - Swimming
posted in Antrim, Indoors |Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey.
We headed for the Valley Leisure Centre which is based near the AbbeyCentre Shops in Newtownabbey. About 10 mins outside Belfast heading up the M2 motorway. We arrived just after 10am and were in the pool by 10.15. It was not that busy but it was busier then I would have expected for that time on a Sunday morning. Obviously everyone had the same idea as me; miss the crowds. There are two pools, one big pool (which I consider to be a grown-ups pool) and a baby pool. The baby pool provided toys, floats, balls, watering cans, and boats which were well received. We had a wicked game of piggy in the middle and I don’t think I embarrassed myself too much! They also have a huge mushroom which provides a waterfall effect and dumps water on everyone within reach. The kids love it but to be honest with you it was not my scene, I found it a bit harsh. There is a little slide which again provided lots of fun. We were in the pool for just over 1 hour. It is well attended and there is a constant rotation of life guards wandering around at all times.
The disappointing for us but I guess good news for the Leisure Centre, is that it is undergoing a huge renovation programme and the pool is closing tomorrow until the end of May. I will be checking out the Leisure Centre in Ballyclare soon which will give you another option in the area. I will keep you posted.
WOW Overview
Kids Say:
6 year old: 
Best bit about the pool is the slide because you can go down it really fast and you land like a big lump at the bottom. I can only swim underwater at the moment but it is easy and feels safe to swim in.
5 year old: I like the slide because when you go down it you go underwater. I love the mushroom and love swimming underwater to get into the middle.
Stress Level: 1 (It was very relaxed but I had huge trouble getting the key in and out of the locker. This may be resolved with the up and coming renovations.)
Fun Level: 5 (It felt safe and was good fun for all of us.)
Cost Level: 1 (£2.50 for Adult and £1.40 each child. Total £5.30 - very reasonable.)
For further info check out….The Valley Leisure Centre
