University of Liverpool Swimming Pool

Drove up to Liverpool today, passing under the River Mersey via the iconic Mersey Tunnel. Before checking into the Hilton City Centre and heading down to Royal Albert Dock for dinner, I wanted to squeeze in a swim. University pools always have a special character, and Liverpool's promised exactly that.

Arriving at the pool, it was a spectacularly sunny and hot July evening. Managed to find convenient parking right next to the leisure centre, adjacent to the stunning Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The streets were busy with graduates in full gowns—graduation night was clearly underway!

Approaching the leisure centre, students were energetically playing basketball and table tennis right at the entrance. Inside, the reception charged a reasonable £5.45 for a public swim. The centre itself is a bit of a 60s maze, with corridors weaving through various sports facilities and past impressive bouldering walls before finally reaching the changing rooms.

Stepping onto the pool deck, it was obvious this place gets good use. The 25m pool was busy, with two 'regular width' lanes on the far side and two double-width slower pace swimming lanes on the nearside. After deciphering the speed and direction signage, I found the fast lane and jumped right in.

The water temperature was just right and reasonably clear, though the tiles had noticeable "burn" marks—probably rust staining around the outlets, something I've encountered at other pools. Overall, the place had a distinctly worn appearance, reflecting heavy use from students, staff, and various university clubs (the kayaks stacked along the walls confirmed this was definitely a busy and well-loved facility).

Planing a proper 3.2km session and, keen to get some dinner on the waterfront before dark, knock out a starting 2.2km swim, followed by a descending set of 400m, 300m, 200m, and finishing with a brisk 100m. Job done!

Quick stroll to admire the striking Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral with sun beaming through the glass 'Mersey Funnel' as I beleive locals refer to it! before heading off to the Hilton for check-in.