Swimming is one of the kindest things you can do for your body after 50. The water supports your weight, eases pressure on your joints, and provides resistance that builds strength without impact. North Tyneside has several pools that make it easy to get started - or get back to - regular swimming, with sessions and facilities suited to adults who want to swim at their own pace.
Why Swimming Works So Well After 50
There are good reasons why health professionals consistently recommend swimming for adults over 50:
- Zero impact: Water supports approximately 90% of your body weight, making swimming virtually impact-free on joints, hips, and knees
- Full-body workout: Swimming engages arms, legs, core, and back simultaneously - few other exercises work as many muscle groups at once
- Cardiovascular health: Regular swimming strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Research shows swimmers have roughly half the mortality risk of inactive people
- Flexibility: The range of motion required in swimming strokes gently improves flexibility, particularly in shoulders, hips, and ankles
- Mental wellbeing: The rhythmic nature of swimming has a calming effect. Many regular swimmers describe it as meditative
- Social opportunity: Pool sessions and aqua classes provide regular social contact in a relaxed environment
If you have arthritis, back pain, or are recovering from joint surgery, swimming is often one of the first activities recommended by physiotherapists. For more on exercising with joint conditions, our practical arthritis exercise guide covers swimming alongside other options.
1. Waves Leisure Centre, Whitley Bay
Location: The Promenade, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
Waves is the flagship leisure facility on the Whitley Bay seafront, offering a main pool and a learner pool. Its location on the promenade means you can combine a swim with a coastal walk along the seafront - a popular combination for many local regulars.
- Pools: 25-metre main pool plus smaller teaching pool
- Adult sessions: Regular adult-only lane swimming sessions throughout the week
- Aqua classes: Aqua aerobics and aqua fit classes, including sessions designed for older adults
- Accessibility: Pool hoist available, changing village with accessible cubicles
- Other facilities: Gym, fitness classes, sauna
- Getting there: Whitley Bay Metro station is a 10-minute walk. On-street parking and nearby car parks available
Waves is managed by North Tyneside Council's leisure team. Current pricing and session timetables are available on the North Tyneside Council website. Concession rates apply for adults over 60.
2. Tynemouth Outdoor Pool (Seasonal)
Location: Grand Parade, Tynemouth NE30 4JA
Tynemouth Outdoor Pool is one of the few remaining outdoor pools in the North East, and swimming here on a summer morning with the sea beyond the wall is a genuinely special experience. The pool is heated and operates seasonally, typically from late May through September.
- Pool: 25-metre heated outdoor pool
- Season: Late May to September (check opening dates each year)
- Adult sessions: Early morning adult lanes before families arrive
- Accessibility: Level access to poolside; limited changing facilities compared to indoor venues
- The experience: Open-air swimming with coastal views - unlike anything else in North Tyneside
- Getting there: Tynemouth Metro station is a 5-minute walk. Pay-and-display parking nearby
The outdoor pool has a loyal following of regular swimmers. If you have never tried outdoor swimming, this is a comfortable way to experience it - heated water, a controlled environment, and lifeguards on duty.
3. Lakeside Centre, Killingworth
Location: West Lane, Killingworth NE12 6QA
Lakeside Centre serves the Killingworth area and provides a welcoming environment for swimmers of all levels. The pool is slightly quieter than the larger coastal venues, which many adult swimmers prefer.
- Pool: 25-metre main pool
- Adult sessions: Dedicated adult lane swimming times during weekday mornings and evenings
- Aqua classes: Regular aqua aerobics sessions
- Accessibility: Pool hoist and accessible changing available
- Other facilities: Gym, sports hall, cafe
- Getting there: On-site parking. Bus routes serve Killingworth town centre nearby
Killingworth is slightly inland, making Lakeside a good choice if you live in the northern part of North Tyneside. The quieter sessions are particularly valued by swimmers who prefer a calmer pool environment.
4. Hadrian Leisure Centre, Wallsend
Location: Bigges Main, Wallsend NE28 8LR
Hadrian Leisure Centre is one of the larger facilities in North Tyneside, serving the Wallsend area with comprehensive pool and fitness options. The centre takes its name from Hadrian's Wall, which has its eastern terminus nearby at Segedunum Roman Fort.
- Pools: 25-metre main pool plus learner pool
- Adult sessions: Morning and evening adult lane swimming. Lunchtime sessions also available on weekdays
- Aqua classes: Full programme of aqua fitness classes
- Accessibility: Modern accessible changing facilities, pool hoist, ramped pool entry
- Other facilities: Large gym, fitness studio, cafe
- Getting there: Wallsend Metro station is a short walk. On-site parking available
Hadrian's accessible facilities make it a particularly good choice for swimmers with mobility considerations. The ramped pool entry is gentler than steps for those who find ladders or steps challenging.
5. The Parks Sports Centre, North Shields
Location: Park Road, North Shields NE29 7LZ
The Parks is a community-focused centre in North Shields with a pool that caters well to adult swimmers. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed and welcoming, which matters when you are getting started or returning after time away.
- Pool: 25-metre main pool
- Adult sessions: Regular adult-only lane swimming, including early morning sessions
- Aqua classes: Aqua aerobics and targeted aqua fitness sessions
- Accessibility: Accessible changing, poolside assistance available
- Other facilities: Gym, multi-use sports hall
- Getting there: North Shields Metro station is within walking distance. On-site parking
North Shields has good Metro connections to the rest of North Tyneside, making The Parks accessible from Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, and Wallsend without needing to drive.
Tips for Getting Started (or Getting Back to It)
Whether you are new to swimming or returning after years away, these practical tips will help:
- Start with adult sessions: These are calmer, with lane swimming at a pace that suits you. No splashing children, no inflatables
- Begin gently: Ten to fifteen minutes of steady swimming is a perfectly good starting point. Build duration over weeks, not days
- Try different strokes: Breaststroke and backstroke are easier on the shoulders than front crawl. Use whichever stroke feels comfortable
- Use equipment: Pull buoys, kickboards, and pool noodles are not just for learners. They help isolate muscle groups and vary your workout
- Check concession rates: North Tyneside Council pools offer reduced rates for adults over 60. Some offer multi-visit passes that reduce the per-swim cost
- Talk to pool staff: They can advise on the quietest times, suggest session types, and help with any accessibility questions
- Make it social: Aqua aerobics classes are a great way to exercise and meet people in a low-pressure, enjoyable setting
For more about indoor fitness options across the area, our indoor activities section of the Active Living guide covers swimming alongside other all-weather options.
Choosing the Right Pool for You
Each pool has its own character. Consider these factors when choosing:
- Location and travel: The pool you will actually visit regularly is the best one. Choose the most convenient
- Session times: Check that adult lane swimming fits your schedule. Morning sessions tend to be quieter
- Accessibility needs: Hadrian Leisure Centre has the most comprehensive accessible facilities, including ramped pool entry
- Atmosphere: Visit during an adult session before committing. The atmosphere varies between venues and you want to feel comfortable
- Classes: If aqua fitness interests you, check which venues offer the class types and times that work for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a confident swimmer to use these pools?
No. All five pools offer sessions suitable for all abilities. If you are not confident in deep water, stick to the shallow end or choose a pool with a learner pool (Waves and Hadrian both have one). Many pools also offer adult swimming lessons if you want to improve your technique or build confidence.
How much does it cost to swim at North Tyneside pools?
Prices vary but are generally affordable. Adult swim sessions are competitively priced, with concession rates for over-60s. Multi-visit passes and monthly memberships reduce the per-visit cost further. Check the North Tyneside Council leisure website for current prices and any introductory offers.
Are aqua aerobics classes suitable for adults over 50?
Very much so. Aqua aerobics is one of the most popular exercise choices for adults over 50. The water provides resistance while supporting your body, making it effective and joint-friendly. Classes are led by qualified instructors who offer modifications for different fitness levels. No swimming ability is required - aqua classes take place in the shallow end.
