About Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre
Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre is the main public leisure complex in Forres, Moray. It houses a large indoor pool (with six lanes and a 3-metre deep end) (gymsfitness.co.uk ), a separate hydrotherapy pool (charity-run) and a modern fitness gym. The hydrotherapy pool has full wheelchair access with hoists and adapted changing rooms (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk ). In 2016 Moray Council completed a £1.1 million upgrade of the building’s mechanics, installing new boilers, an efficient filtration system and solar-powered heating, plus a new insulated roof, walls and doors (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ) (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ). This overhaul made the centre more energy-efficient while retaining its role as a friendly community pool. It first opened over 40 years ago and today remains a local landmark where generations of Forres residents learn to swim. Staff and visitors praise the facility’s cleanliness and atmosphere (gymsfitness.co.uk ) – one reviewer even called it “a delightful place to swim… and enjoy quality family time” (gymsfitness.co.uk ). In practice, it operates as a full-scale fitness hub for the town, which is why local swim clubs (Forres Bluefins, Forres Flounders, etc.) and Active Schools programmes regularly use it (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ) (www.forres-gazette.co.uk ) (www.forres-gazette.co.uk ). In short, this venue is notable not for concerts or theatre but for being a comprehensive local swim-and-fitness centre that serves families, athletes and seniors alike in Forres.
Events and Programming
Forres Pool hosts daily activities rather than public shows. Its schedule offers public swim sessions, swim lessons, and aqua-fitness classes seven days a week (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ). Regular events include parent-toddler and family swims, adult lane swims, seniors’ aquarobics and school swim slots. The centre delivers roughly 1,150 swim lessons per month to all ages (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ). Local sports clubs also book sessions: the Forres Bluefins Amateur Swimming Club and Forres Flounders adult club both train here (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ) (www.forres-gazette.co.uk ). In addition, Forres Active Schools runs a free after-school club for Academy students (Tuesday evenings) as a “non-competitive” swim club (www.forres-gazette.co.uk ). On top of these recurring activities, the centre has seasonal kids’ camps during school holidays. For example, in 2025 it ran a two-day Summer Holiday Camp (8am–3pm Aug 6–7) and one-day mid-term and October camps with themed activities (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). These holiday camps (for ages 6–12) include high-energy games and learning activities such as:
These events are ticketed with limited capacity, so parents should register children early. There are no stadium-style concerts or performances – any “gala” atmosphere comes from swim meets or club competitions rather than entertainment shows. Overall, visitors can always find a swimming or fitness activity here, from casual swims to structured classes, at the posted price or under a membership plan. Typical pay-as-you-go swim fees are relatively low (about £6.40 for an adult or £3.40 for a child) (www.morayleisurecentre.com ), and many residents opt for a FitLife membership card, which covers all Moray pools including Forres (www.morayleisurecentre.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Forres Pool is open to both members and casual visitors. Many locals sign up for Moray Council’s “FitLife” scheme, a monthly-direct-debit membership that grants unlimited access to all activities in Moray leisure centres – in other words, all regular swim sessions at Forres are included once you hold a FitLife card (www.morayleisurecentre.com ). Non-members can pay at reception for each visit: current pay-as-you-go swim rates (circa 2023) are about £6.40 for an adult (aged 16–59) or £3.40 for a child (aged 5–15) (www.morayleisurecentre.com ) (seniors 60+ and carers usually pay concession or go free under FitLife). We recommend checking updated prices on the Moray Leisure website or phone as they can change each spring. To attend, you may simply walk up and pay on the day for most open and family swim sessions (www.morayleisurecentre.com ). However, certain slots (swimming lanes, toddler lessons, aquacise classes or holiday camps) often fill up; those require advance booking. You can reserve spots (or buy event tickets) by contacting the pool’s reception office or using the online booking portal of Moray Leisure (www.morayleisurecentre.com ). Box office counters or ticket booths are not used here – think of the reception desk as your ticket point. In practice, the best strategy is to secure a FitLife membership (especially if you plan to visit frequently, since that makes sessions effectively free) or at least arrive early on peak days. Special programmes (e.g. holiday camps or a session with a visiting swim coach) may have separate fees and announcement times.
Seating and Layout
The Forres centre is designed more for sport than spectacle, so formal seating is minimal. Along one side of the main pool there are a few bench rows for parents and onlookers; these are general-admission-style (first-come) and used during children’s lessons or club practice. There are no VIP boxes or reserved sections – everyone is welcome to sit or stand around the pool deck where safe. If you’re watching a lesson, the benches by the shallow end are usually best. Other viewing spots include standing at poolside (holding a child) or behind the starting-block area (though beware of splashes and dropped gear). In general the pool hall is open-air style: the ceiling can be echoey when many swimmers are in, and the far end has high windows for daylight. The hydrotherapy pool area (if staffed for sessions) has a small waiting bench but not much spectator space. The fitness gym and studios are separate rooms – those have normal equipment layout (treadmills against the walls, weights on racks, etc.) and facing mirrors, so viewing those is like any gym. The main thing is: pick a spot away from slippery areas, and avoid blocking lanes or doorways. For safety and comfort, you’ll stay dry and seated outside the marked pool edges.
Getting There and Parking
Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre is at Burdsyard Road, Forres (postcode IV36 1FG) (visitforres.scot ). It’s part of the Moray Leisure complex near Forres Academy. By car or taxi, head to Forres town centre off the A96/A940 and follow signs for the Academy Campus. On arrival there is a dedicated car park beside the building (visitforres.scot ) – parking is free (council-run). If that fills, nearby street parking is usually available on Burdsyard Road or around Roysvale Park (the adjacent sports fields). Public transport is also convenient: Forres railway station (on the Aberdeen-Inverness line) is only about 0.6 miles away (visitforres.scot ). From the station, walk north-east along Station Road and turn left at the Academy toward Burdsyard Rd. Stagecoach buses (routes 11/12) stop on Station Road by the Academy; from there it’s a short walk northwest. The local Osprey volunteer bus can also be booked to drop off nearby. Taxis and ride-shares are limited in Forres – it’s wise to book a local cab company in advance if arriving late. Drop-offs are easiest at the entrance off Burdsyard Road, and there is a small pull-in area.
Inside the Venue
When you enter, you’ll check in at reception – swipe your FitLife card or pay for a session. The centre is clean, well-lit and family-friendly. Toward the pool area you’ll find changing cubicles (male/female/family) and showers. A key tip: there are coin-operated lockers (bring a 50p coin) to store belongings while you swim (www.morayleisurecentre.com ). The main pool hall has tiled floors (so take care, as marking *“slippery when wet”* suggests). A small refreshment kiosk is nearby, plus water fountains and vending machines for drinks or snacks. Note there is no full café on-site, so many visitors bring their own water and post-swim snacks. The pool itself is heated to around 28°C – comfortable but bring a robe or robe for stepping out. The hydrotherapy pool (warm, shallower) is just next door and also wheelchair-accessible (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk ). Patrons often skip between the sauna/steam rooms (for adults) and the surf pools during a visit – ask staff if you need to book sauna time. Staff and lifeguards are very helpful (many reviews note “lovely staff”) (gymsfitness.co.uk ). There is free drinking water and clean restrooms beyond the changing stalls. You can charge devices at reception, but Wi-Fi is generally not offered. Finally, note that lockers close automatically when coins are returned – don’t forget to take your belongings when you leave!
Nearby Amenities
After your swim or workout, Forres town centre is just a short stroll or drive away with plenty of amenities. The nearest spots include casual eateries and cafes such as the Ben Rinnes pub/hotel (on Station Road) and a fish-and-chip shop (Knockomie Chippy) close by. A bit further in town you’ll find restaurants of various cuisines – for example, an Indian takeaway, Italian bistros, and sandwich shops – plus coffee bars like Press & Jive. A small supermarket (Co-op) is nearby if you need snacks or gear. For post-swim drinks there are town pubs and a whisky café (Eden Mill Bonded Warehouse). If you’re staying overnight, Forres has a few hotels/B&Bs near the station or high street. In general, arriving early gives you time to maybe grab breakfast at a local café. When leaving at night, remember that bus service peters out by evening, so have a taxi number ready or plan a drive home.
What Makes This Venue Special
Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre may be humble-looking, but it has a few standout traits. It’s one of the few places in Moray that combines a full-size pool, hydrotherapy spa pool, fitness gym, and steam/sauna facility all on one site – especially notable in a small town. The 2016 refurbishment added green technology, making it quite energy-efficient (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ). Culturally, the pool is woven into local life: it’s where many Forres youth first learned to swim and where the community meets. Its sister hydrotherapy pool is funded by local charities (it even raised £30k in 2024 for equipment upgrades (www.forres-gazette.co.uk )), showing how much people value these swim facilities. Compared to other venues, visitors cite its charm: user reviews highlight the friendly staff and family atmosphere (gymsfitness.co.uk ). It also handles heavy use – the council estimated over 5,600 admissions per month at full schedule (newsroom.moray.gov.uk ) – a testament to its role in local health and wellness. In short, what makes this pool special is not concert spectacles but a warm “community clubhouse” vibe: people from hob like for sporting use, rehabilitation, or social swimming indeed consider it a home base in Forres.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The centre is fully wheelchair-friendly (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk ). All entrances, changing rooms and even pool hoists accommodate mobility needs. If you need assistance (e.g. a pool hoist), just ask staff at reception.What to Bring: Always bring your own swimwear, towel and swim goggles. The centre does not rent towels. Remember to carry a 50p or £1 coin for the lockers (www.morayleisurecentre.com ) (many people also carry a help with lockers – some use tokens instead). A water bottle is handy, as there is no café (but there are water fountains and a small vending machine for drinks/snacks). Don’t forget to shower before swimming (standard pool etiquette). If you plan to use the steam room, pack flip-flops and modest swimwear. Gym users should wear trainers and gym-appropriate attire.Common Mistakes: Avoid being late for booked sessions – the pool often enforces start times strictly for safety. Don’t forget to cancel or arrive early if you’ve reserved a lane or lesson, so spots don’t go unfilled. People sometimes underestimate how busy it gets – for a quieter visit try midweek daytime or just after opening. Secure your belongings in a locker (the centre isn’t responsible for lost items outside the lockers).Age Rules: Children under 8 usually must be accompanied by an adult (UK pool safety rules). There’s no upper age limit – seniors often come to aqua-fit or lane swim. Under-16s can’t use the gym unsupervised – in practice the gym age limit is about 14–16, with younger teens requiring parental consent.Photography Rule: As with most pools, privacy is important. Feel free to use your phone at reception or for emergencies, but don’t film other swimmers or use flash in the pool hall without permission.Dress Code: No street clothes on pool deck (swimwear only, plus robe or shorts to/from the pool). Water shoes or flip-flops are recommended outside the water. Gym areas require athletic wear and clean trainers (no jeans or boots).Arrival Time: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your swim slot to check in and change without rushing. This also gives you a chance to pick a good locker. Hydrotherapy Pool: If you’ve booked a hydrotherapy session at the adjacent Moray Hydro Pool, note its own schedule (usually 9am–8pm weekdays, shorter on weekends (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk )). Hydro users must book separately with the Hydro Pool charity.Emergency & Help: Lifeguards are on duty during all swim sessions. If you need first aid or any help, contact a lifeguard immediately. The reception desk can provide bandages, a phone charger, or basic swim aids (kickboards, etc.).
What are the prices and membership options for swimming at Forres Swimming Pool?
Forres operates on a pay-as-you-go or membership basis. Current casual rates are roughly £6.40 per adult swim and £3.40 per child swim (www.morayleisurecentre.com ), with toddlers usually free. Moray’s FitLife scheme lets you pay one monthly fee and swim free at any local pool (including Forres) (www.morayleisurecentre.com ). Concession rates (senior, junior, student) are discounted in the council pricing. Check the Moray Leisure Centre website or reception for the exact current fees and any family or long-term passes available.
How do I book a swim or fitness class at Forres Swimming Pool?
You can usually pay at reception on the day for general swims (“open swim” or family sessions). However, for lane swimming, structured swim lessons or popular fitness classes, advance booking is recommended. To reserve a slot, call the leisure centre Reception (the number is on the Moray Leisure site) or use the Morayonline booking portal. For special events like holiday camps or instructor sessions, sign-up is done through the centre and often sells out - book these as soon as dates are announced. In summary, no separate ticket office: just contact the Forres centre directly or book online according to their posted timetable.
What are the opening hours of Forres Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre?
Hours vary by day, but typically the centre opens early and closes in the evening. For example, a local schedule lists weekday hours roughly 7 am–9 pm (with some days starting at 6:45 am) and shorter weekend hours (around 8 am–3 pm Saturday and 9 am–4 pm Sunday) (gymsfitness.co.uk ). These can change for holidays or council updates, so it’s wise to double-check the current hours on the Moray Leisure Centre website before you go.
Where exactly is the swimming pool located, and how can I get there?
The pool’s address is on Burdsyard Road in Forres (IV36 1FG) (visitforres.scot ), just north of Forres Academy and Roysvale Park. If you drive, turn off the A96/A940 into Forres, follow signs toward the Academy campus, and look for the pool building. By public transport, catch any bus to Forres town (Stagecoach routes 11/12 stop at “Forres Academy” on Station Road, then walk west), or use Forres railway station (about a 0.6-mile walk north-east from the pool) (visitforres.scot ). Taxis can drop you at the main entrance on Burdsyard Road. (Forres is a small town, so GPS coordinates or the Moray Leisure site map can also guide you.)
Is there parking available at the venue, and is it free?
Yes, there is parking on-site for pool users (the lot by the leisure building) (visitforres.scot ). This is operated by the council and is generally free for visitors. The listing notes “parking on-site or nearby” (visitforres.scot ). If that lot fills up, limited street parking can be found on adjacent roads like Burdsyard Road or at the adjacent sports fields (Roysvale Park). Just follow any parking signs. There is no charge unless otherwise posted (and there usually isn’t).
What public transport runs to the swimming pool?
Local buses by Stagecoach (routes to Elgin/Forres) stop on Station Road close to Forres Academy, about a 10-minute walk from the pool. Forres railway station is also nearby (under a mile) (visitforres.scot ). From the station, walk north to Station Road and then west on Burdsyard Road to reach the centre. For those with mobility needs, the community “Osprey” bus service can be booked for door-to-door transport. No direct bus stands at the pool itself, so most people alight at the station or nearby stops and walk the rest of the way.
Does Forres Swimming Pool have seating areas for spectators?
Yes and no. The centre provides some simple seating (benches) along one side of the main pool for parents or viewers during lessons, but it’s quite limited. There is no reserved “stand” – seating is general admission. Outside the pool, spectators can sit on benches or chairs in the viewing areas. For swimming lessons or galas, many people bring a small stool or stand by the pool edge. The hydrotherapy area has a few chairs, and of course you can watch from the poolside walkways. Overall, it’s best to arrive early to claim a spot on the bench row if needed.
How do I know where to stand or sit when my child is in a lesson?
If your child is in a class, the coaches are aware of a small parents’ viewing area on the side of the pool opposite the main entrance. The benches there are intended for parents to sit close by. In general, parents can stand at poolside behind the designated waiting line. Avoid standing behind swimmers between their feet (not only for safety, but to keep lanes clear). For toddler classes, being at the shallow end bench side is usually best. Lifeguards may remind visitors not to stand on poolside tiles during active sessions. If in doubt, ask the instructor at the start of class for guidance.
What items are not allowed inside the pool area?
Standard swim centre rules apply. Do not bring glass bottles or breakable containers into the pool hall. No food (except small, sealed snacks in the changing area); water bottles are fine. Large sports bags are discouraged – use the lockers instead. In the pool itself, only proper swimwear is allowed (no street clothes or underwear). Diving boards (if in use) and lifesaving equipment are off-limits to the public. Mobile phones should be used discreetly – avoid loud calls or taking photos of others (privacy rules). In short, if it’s not swim gear for you or your family, it’s probably better left outside.
Are photography and video allowed inside the pool?
Photography and video are generally discouraged in the swimming pool area for privacy reasons. You may jot down a quick shot of your own child if it’s absolutely necessary and doesn’t disturb others, but be very cautious. Flash is not permitted as it distracts swimmers. In the gym or reception, personal phone use and photos are fine. If you want official swim meet or lesson photos, ask permission from centre staff – they may have a policy letting coaches take pictures of participants with consent. In summary: no casual filming of the facility or other guests without express permission.
Is the pool wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The pathway from the car park to reception and the pool is step-free. The changing rooms include two fully disabled-accessible cubicles (with adjustable hoists and beds) (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk ). The hydrotherapy pool itself has a mechanical hoist for entering the water (www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk ). Staff are trained to assist wheelchair users if needed. Overall it’s designed to welcome guests with mobility challenges, though of course you should let reception know if you need extra help getting into the pool.
What gym or spa facilities are available at the venue?
The centre includes a fitness gym with cardio machines, weights and free weights. Group classes like spinning (cycle) are often on the schedule (gymsfitness.co.uk ). After your workout or swim, you can relax in the sauna and steam room – both are open to all users (usually included in your session) (gymsfitness.co.uk ). Showers are available to use after the pool or gym. Changerooms have hairdryers and benches. There is no lap pool spa beyond these, and there is no café or lounge – most people move to a local café in town after their visit. But for amenities, think: gym, showers, steam/sauna – all on site.
Are towels or lockers available on site?
Yes, lockers are provided throughout the centre. They are coin-operated so bring a 50p to use (www.morayleisurecentre.com ) (this deposit is usually returned when you open the locker again). The locker rooms also have cubby holes for small items. However, towels are not supplied. You must bring all your own swim gear including towels and goggles. If you forget a towel or swim-cap, basic swimsuits or towels may be available at reception, but there is usually a small charge or rental fee for them. Don’t expect to leave valuables lying around – use the lockers or reception will lock them up if needed.
