Rhyl Leisure Swimming Pool

The last time I visited Rhyl, I was about eight, enjoying occasional days out with grandparents - swimming at the iconic Rhyl Sun Centre, donkey rides on the beach, and bashing remote control boats around the edges of the promenade pond.

Fast forward to 2025, and I'm searching for a swim on my way home after a week exploring the bike trails of North Wales from our new favorite base at Betws-y-Coed.

The Sun Centre is sadly long gone. I did grab a photo of the SC2 Centre that now occupies its spot, although it remains closed following storm damage last year.

I arrive at the car park about half an hour before my swim session begins. Attempting a quick morning Teams call proves challenging despite seemingly strong 4G - the connection is painfully unreliable. I've got the Yeti SB140 bike mounted on Thule roof bars and feel slightly uneasy leaving expensive gear visible. A loop lock around the frame and bars eases my mind somewhat, though concerns linger throughout my swim.

Heading into reception, I'm greeted warmly by a friendly staff member who quickly takes my £7 entry fee and points me toward the changing rooms. Another swimmer kindly steps in as an impromptu guide, showing me the way.

The pool is upstairs, these always puzzle me as this must pose architectural and structural challenges! The leisure center shares a site with a fairly new secondary school. As I walk toward the changing rooms, glass windows overlook a large sports hall filled with students seated individually, immersed in their GCSE and A-Level exams. I definitely don't envy them!

The six-lane, 25-meter pool is set up with three double-width lanes separated by ropes, pretty much what I'd anticipated.

I hop into the fast lane and start my swim. Four other swimmers are present, performing a mix of single-length sprints and kick drills.

Completing a steady 1,000m, I'm somewhat relieved the session is limited to 45 minutes after four late nights, a few too many Neck Oil IPAs - and a couple of days of cycling in the Welsh mountains have definitely left me a with les than 100% to give!

I finish at 2,000m total. The pool's high sides and rather flimsy lane ropes make the water choppier than ideal.

Swim complete, another pool ticked off the list. Time to swing by the beachfront before heading back home along the A55.