Swimming in Chichester
Pools, open water and swimming for all ages
Swimming provision in Chichester centres on the pool at Westgate Leisure Centre, which is the main public swimming facility serving the city and the surrounding area. The pool offers lane swimming, public sessions, lessons and club swimming throughout the week, and it is well used by residents of all ages.
The Westgate pool provides a full programme of swimming activities. Lane swimming sessions are available at various times of the day, including early morning slots for commuters who want to swim before work. Public sessions allow casual swimmers to use the pool without booking, and there are dedicated times for families, women only, over-fifties and other groups. The pool is an important community facility, serving everyone from toddlers in their first swimming lessons to pensioners maintaining their fitness.
Swimming lessons are available for children and adults through the leisure centre's programme. The demand for children's lessons is high, and waiting lists can build up, particularly for the most popular time slots on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. Getting children into lessons as early as possible is advisable for parents who want to avoid a long wait.
Chichester Swimming Club uses the Westgate pool for training sessions and competes in regional galas and competitions. The club provides a pathway from learn-to-swim through to competitive swimming, and its coaches work with swimmers of all abilities. Membership is open to children and adults who can demonstrate a minimum level of competence.
For open water swimming, the coast is within easy reach. West Wittering beach, about seven miles south of Chichester, is a popular spot for sea swimming, and the sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour offer calmer conditions for those who prefer not to face the open Channel. Open water swimming has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, and organised groups and informal meetups take place at various locations around the harbour and the coast.
The South Downs Way and the lakes and reservoirs in the wider area also attract wild swimmers, though access and safety vary. The trend towards outdoor swimming, particularly cold water swimming through the winter months, has taken hold in the Chichester area as it has nationally, with enthusiasts citing the mental and physical health benefits.
For those wanting a more luxurious experience, some of the hotels and health clubs in and around Chichester have private pools available to members. These tend to be smaller, warmer and quieter than the public pool, and membership costs reflect the premium environment.
For open water swimming, the coast is within easy reach. West Wittering beach, about seven miles south of Chichester, is a popular spot for sea swimming, and the sheltered waters of Chichester Harbour offer calmer conditions for those who prefer not to face the open Channel. Open water swimming has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, and organised groups and informal meetups take place at various locations around the harbour and the coast throughout the warmer months and, for the hardier enthusiasts, right through the winter.
The trend towards outdoor and cold water swimming has taken hold in the Chichester area as it has nationally, with practitioners citing the mental and physical health benefits of regular immersion. The harbour provides accessible entry points, and the combination of beautiful surroundings, clean water and a growing community of swimmers makes it an attractive option for those seeking something beyond the chlorinated lanes of a leisure centre pool.