Sir Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre

The pool is part of Aston University, located in a rapidly evolving area of Birmingham. Once firmly rooted in its industrial past, this part of the city has transformed into student central, with Aston University, City of Birmingham, and Matthew Boulton College all within a stone's throw. And with the new Curzon Street station for the HS2 high-speed rail line set to open in a few years, this area is about to become Birmingham's gateway. It's unrecognisable from the days when I'd catch the 105 bus from Mere Green for a bit of underage drinking on a Friday night—back when ID checks were more of a suggestion than a rule!

Following Apple Maps, I'm trying to locate the car park I researched before setting out, but I've missed the first turn. Driving past the former home of my favourite record shop, The Plastic Factory, I'm hit with a wave of nostalgia. It reminds me of my first "big money" vinyl purchase—Nirvana's Molly's Lips on green vinyl with the Sub Pop Singles Club insert. I was 15, debating if the £30 price tag was madness, but I bought it with some gentle encouragement (and a small loan) from my then-girlfriend. Years later, I sold it for ten times what I paid—a bargain after all!

The nostalgia trip continues as I end up at traffic lights in what looks like a new office park. Out of nowhere, there's The Black Horse pub, looking a bit run-down but still standing—I thought it was demolished years ago! Taking a left turn, I'm thrilled to see The Sack of Potatoes pub still open, too. These were the Friday night haunts of my youth, with The Wildhearts' I Wanna Go Where the People Go playing on repeat on The Black Horse jukebox. After a few pints, it was a kebab and the 11pm bus back to Sutton Coldfield. Those days seem so long ago now!

Finally, I found the planned car park, discovering it's now permit-only university parking. Luckily, I spot on-street parking right outside the pool building—and it's only £3 for two hours! City centre parking bargain!

The Edwardian swimming pool, formerly Woodcock Street Baths, first opened in 1902 and is one of the oldest operational pools in the UK. It's remarkably well-maintained for its age and stays true to its original Edwardian design. The concaved wooden slat roof with massive metal support arches frames the window beautifully at the far end. The pool is decked out with original cream tiles, contrasting perfectly with the red brick and sandstone.

Changing is old-school, with cubicles lining the sides of the pool, reminding me of Friday night swim training at the long-gone Erdington baths. I pick a wooden-door cubicle, change, take a quick pre-swim shower, and head to the fast lane!

Although dubious, the pool is advertised as 25m; I would expect a yard measurement considering its age! Its four narrow lanes, consistent depth of 1.2 to 1.8 metres, and rounded corners give it a bathtub feel. Each corner is complete with chunky wooden steps. These steps look brilliant, exactly what you'd expect to find here - though if you're in the outer lane, they make flip-turns a bit tight.

I jump into the fast lane and get started. Make the usual watch check after four lengths; it's definitely not 25 yards; it might be my aching shoulders, but the 100m pace time makes me think it's slightly more than 25 metres! It's long enough to qualify as a Have Goggles Will Travel pool, so away we go! The water is clean and clear, but a bit too warm for my liking. I've got the lane to myself, so I push through a 3,200m session. My shoulders are still aching from yesterday's 5km swim with an overuse of giant hand paddles! The same reason why I skipped my usual 6am "Fun Friday" session - and perhaps that bottle of Decoy Zinfandel last night!

Swim done. A quick shower and a dash to beat the Friday afternoon exodus from the city centre (is that still a thing in the work-from-home era?).