Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
3.5
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
About
A world class venue at the heart of the community, Ponds Forge has fantastic facilities for sport, leisure and entertainment. Located in Sheffield City Centre, Ponds Forge attracts more than 1.3 million visitors a year, with an Olympic sized swimming pool, the deepest diving pool in the UK and the International Sports Hall, which is the largest and most flexible events space in the whole of Sheffield.The facilities include: - 50 Metre competition pool.- 25 Metre diving pool.- Leisure pool with a lazy river, 2 flumes, baby fun area and wave machine.- 130 piece Fitness Unlimited gym.- 3 Fully equipped fitness studios.- Steam room and spa.- Trampoline atrium.- foodetc. Café with a full range of meal and drink options.- International Sports Hall (10 courts).- Skyline Suite & VIP Bar – Large conferencing space.- 3 Meeting Rooms.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
46 within 3 miles
No4
150
0.5 mi$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Sandros Restaurant
70
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Angel Inn
15
0.3 mi$ • Bar • Pub
Clowne Fish Bar
62
0.4 mi$ • Fast Food • British
Gourmet Grub Co
1
0.3 mi
Why Not Take A Break Cafe
14
0.4 miCafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Care For A Cuppa
31
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Pizza Top
18
0.4 mi$ • Pizza • Fast Food • Vegetarian Friendly
The Cobfather Cafe
3
0.4 mi$ • British
Yule Lodge
3
0.4 miCajun & Creole • Bar • Barbecue • British
Attractions
42 within 6 miles
Chesterfield Museum
123
0.8 miHistory Museums
Creswell Crags
872
2.8 miNatural History Museums • Caverns & Caves
Bolsover Castle
1,554
Castles
Chesterfield Canal
312
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Renishaw Hall And Gardens
458
Historic Sites • Gardens
The Harley Gallery
224
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Welbeck Estate
128
1.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Willow Tree Family Farm
574
Farms
Hardwick Hall and Gardens
2,612
Historic Sites • Gardens
Barlborough Country Park
6
1.2 miParks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
171 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
54
Average
22
Poor
18
Terrible
26
LaCongaBlicoti
Sheffield, UK9 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
Ponds Forge is good for affordable fitness - swimming, gym, fitness classes and badminton courts etc for hire. But there are ways it could really improve!:
- Stop doing so many swimming events every single weekend. I am a paying member yet I can never use the pool at the weekends due to all these swimming competitions and the accompanying crowds.
- The members changing room is too small. It's also not kept as clean as it should be especially the showers which usually contain lots of clumps of hair. The non-members changing room is very basic and dated, usually full of kids going for swimming lessons and therefore loud and water everywhere. The toilets always smell terrible in there too - it just needs a major refurb and a more robust cleaning system.
- The fitness classes are a bit uninspiring. I'd love a dance style class but most are circuit/weights related apart from zumba and line dancing which don't appeal. The yoga classes are the worst I've ever been having lived in a lot of different places, I'm afraid to say because of the teacher. If they got a proper yoga instructor they could be great, because the facilities where they teach the classes are really good, big, light and airy studios.
- The canteen ironically sells mostly unhealthy fatty food. Very limited options. When I questioned this they said they had salads for the healthy option. I find it very odd that a fitness centre happily serves up chips, burgers, sausage rolls etc and only has one healthy option. Could do so much more like vegetarian chilli, quinoa, quiches etc.
So much potential but some big areas I feel it needs to improve on. I have brought these things up with Ponds Forge before but they usually defend so although they ask for feedback they are not too receptive when they get it.
- Stop doing so many swimming events every single weekend. I am a paying member yet I can never use the pool at the weekends due to all these swimming competitions and the accompanying crowds.
- The members changing room is too small. It's also not kept as clean as it should be especially the showers which usually contain lots of clumps of hair. The non-members changing room is very basic and dated, usually full of kids going for swimming lessons and therefore loud and water everywhere. The toilets always smell terrible in there too - it just needs a major refurb and a more robust cleaning system.
- The fitness classes are a bit uninspiring. I'd love a dance style class but most are circuit/weights related apart from zumba and line dancing which don't appeal. The yoga classes are the worst I've ever been having lived in a lot of different places, I'm afraid to say because of the teacher. If they got a proper yoga instructor they could be great, because the facilities where they teach the classes are really good, big, light and airy studios.
- The canteen ironically sells mostly unhealthy fatty food. Very limited options. When I questioned this they said they had salads for the healthy option. I find it very odd that a fitness centre happily serves up chips, burgers, sausage rolls etc and only has one healthy option. Could do so much more like vegetarian chilli, quinoa, quiches etc.
So much potential but some big areas I feel it needs to improve on. I have brought these things up with Ponds Forge before but they usually defend so although they ask for feedback they are not too receptive when they get it.
Written September 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlotte F
Rotherham, England, United Kingdom107 contributions
I used to go swimming here with friends a few moons ago but it's completely changed now.
Every time I go, I don't know if it's me, there are always classes going on. Yeah it's great if you're a mother and you want to teach your baby to swim but I'm not.
Always busy, never a quite time and there is always a kid that runs and falls on the side. Always.
Every time I go, I don't know if it's me, there are always classes going on. Yeah it's great if you're a mother and you want to teach your baby to swim but I'm not.
Always busy, never a quite time and there is always a kid that runs and falls on the side. Always.
Written March 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Graham P
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom36 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Just an update of Ponds Forge facilities. Now that all the recent work to Ponds forge is now finished, which include all changing room's for swimming and fitness activities it's nice to report that there has been a great improvement to the showers and lockers in all areas.The toilet and showers are now modern and nice and clean. The locker's now all work, that's a big improvement. So overall it is a lot better than before. The cafe is quite busy with a good selection of food, from snack's to main meals. The staff are all very friendly, and helpful if you have any problems. A big improvement.
Written June 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BJSutty
Sheffield, UK206 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
We booked this eagerly wanting to see the new “revamped” ponds forge. Firstly, parking was non existent. We drove around the car park for 25 minutes with no joy. Eventually, I bit the bullet and went in a nearby Q-Park as we were going to be late. As we arrived at the changing rooms, there were none available for me and my daughter. So we had to wait, meaning we missed more swimming time. Eventually got poolside 15 minutes after our start time to see nothing has really changed. They’ve put up a few banners & surf boards and called it Surf City. Slides have been removed which is an odd thing to do. It’s the same as when I went 25 years ago minus the slides!!
After 45 mins of swimming (my daughter enjoyed it to be fair) our band colour was asked to leave. We only got an hours swimming!!
To improve this you should let people have free parking that is actually available, more changing facilities and longer sessions.
They do give you a 50% off parking in the Q-Park but no other centres in the area charge for parking (then a 10 minute walk). They should let people know this beforehand too, to save time being wasted.
We will not be revisiting. Just go Doncaster Dome, Barnsley Metro-dome or Hillsborough.
After 45 mins of swimming (my daughter enjoyed it to be fair) our band colour was asked to leave. We only got an hours swimming!!
To improve this you should let people have free parking that is actually available, more changing facilities and longer sessions.
They do give you a 50% off parking in the Q-Park but no other centres in the area charge for parking (then a 10 minute walk). They should let people know this beforehand too, to save time being wasted.
We will not be revisiting. Just go Doncaster Dome, Barnsley Metro-dome or Hillsborough.
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maria D
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
Very rude member of staff... really shocked.
I got locked out of one of the changing rooms after an evening swim and asked the staff if they could open it just so I could get my stuff from the locker. Not great but it happens.
While waiting for someone to come unlock the changing room (I was next to the reception by all the changing rooms) one of the members of staff, a blonde lady, told me I could go wait by the changing room entrance "so it's less embarrassing".
Was unpleasantly surprised and frankly shocked by that comment, extremely unprofessional and unnecessary.
I got locked out of one of the changing rooms after an evening swim and asked the staff if they could open it just so I could get my stuff from the locker. Not great but it happens.
While waiting for someone to come unlock the changing room (I was next to the reception by all the changing rooms) one of the members of staff, a blonde lady, told me I could go wait by the changing room entrance "so it's less embarrassing".
Was unpleasantly surprised and frankly shocked by that comment, extremely unprofessional and unnecessary.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MikeandFlo
South Yorkshire, UK146 contributions
Feb 2020
We recently escorted our ten year old grandson to Ponds Forge for some lane swimming in the 50m pool as a half term activity during his visit to South Yorkshire.
His one hour swim cost over £7 including £2 (non-returnable) for the use of a locker; a locker system that did not work very well. We were surprised that a till receipt was not offered/provided for the transaction.
The generally good website for the venue, e.g. clear schedules re the use of the pool facilities and the amended arrangements for the use of pools during half-term, is less forthcoming re the price/cost of using the facilities. It seems that the pricing model is based on persuading local customers to sign up for a Lifestyle card that then offers discounted prices that become closer to the prices at other venues (which do not use such cards and thereby treat customers equally).
The young visitor is an accomplished swimmer for his age and visits a wide variety of venues via league swimming in another area of the UK; he was not impressed by his visit to “International” Ponds Forge.
His one hour swim cost over £7 including £2 (non-returnable) for the use of a locker; a locker system that did not work very well. We were surprised that a till receipt was not offered/provided for the transaction.
The generally good website for the venue, e.g. clear schedules re the use of the pool facilities and the amended arrangements for the use of pools during half-term, is less forthcoming re the price/cost of using the facilities. It seems that the pricing model is based on persuading local customers to sign up for a Lifestyle card that then offers discounted prices that become closer to the prices at other venues (which do not use such cards and thereby treat customers equally).
The young visitor is an accomplished swimmer for his age and visits a wide variety of venues via league swimming in another area of the UK; he was not impressed by his visit to “International” Ponds Forge.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MrsDD
Telford, UK208 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Swim competition. Parked at q park castle gate and then got a voucher at pool reception for half price parking. Car park at ponds forge is small and cramped so I would park at q park- one min walk from pool and you drive right past it.
Cafe in pool does good cheap breakfast- £2.50 for nice bacon sarnie.
Cafe in pool does good cheap breakfast- £2.50 for nice bacon sarnie.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarkNRose
Sheffield, United Kingdom15 contributions
Aug 2014 • Business
Poor air quality in the pool hall, dirty toilets without locks and roll, smelly changing areas. Enough said really!
Written August 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
J J
Sheffield, UK2 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
I am a regular at Ponds Forge. Recent experiences have been very distressing for me and the 2 people that I care for. Firstly the 2 people that I am a Carer for are excellent swimmers, but, due to Autism, they have problems with swimming in lanes without getting distracted and stopping mid lane or not swimming at a consistent speed, and so the patrons who swim like turtles moan and complain we were told to leave the Olympic pool, this was incredibly distressing, not to mention discriminatory.
The manager advised that we should instead use the 'Autism friendly Disability session' on a Tuesday, which is held in the small/shallow leisure pool, we have used this session on a number of occasions and it is usually still full of non-disabled people, many of whome seem to resent the disabled simply because the disabled have the 'audacity' to make involuntary loud noises or splash, in a disability swimming session!
Certain lifeguards (Though not all) are incredibly nasty, and instead of being supportive of me as a carer, and my constant efforts to try and minimise the 'annoying' aspects of disability in those I care for by directing them to areas of the pool that are away from other patrons. For example one lifeguard makes an obvious and constant show of going to other non-disabled patrons and trying to cause resentment towards those with disabilities by asking if they are “all right” with the ‘disabled’ behaviours. (Loud sudden noises and a love of feeling the water as it splashes when you bang your hands into the water are examples of behaviours that they cannot help but which patrons will discriminate against). ..Remember, that this is going on in a supposedly ‘Autism friendly’ – disability swimming session!
The 'nasty' lifeguards will shout at me and the disabled people that I care for in front of other patrons. We have also had other Patrons banging and rattling the disabled changing room door, frightening us and yelling at us to get out because they wanted to use the shower. I have made enquiries with other carers in the Sheffield Autism community and have heard similar things, leading me to conclude that this is an endemic problem with Ponds Forge.
This all adds up to a sickening and vile level of discrimination, so overt and so unacceptable in this day and age. Shame on Ponds Forge.
The manager advised that we should instead use the 'Autism friendly Disability session' on a Tuesday, which is held in the small/shallow leisure pool, we have used this session on a number of occasions and it is usually still full of non-disabled people, many of whome seem to resent the disabled simply because the disabled have the 'audacity' to make involuntary loud noises or splash, in a disability swimming session!
Certain lifeguards (Though not all) are incredibly nasty, and instead of being supportive of me as a carer, and my constant efforts to try and minimise the 'annoying' aspects of disability in those I care for by directing them to areas of the pool that are away from other patrons. For example one lifeguard makes an obvious and constant show of going to other non-disabled patrons and trying to cause resentment towards those with disabilities by asking if they are “all right” with the ‘disabled’ behaviours. (Loud sudden noises and a love of feeling the water as it splashes when you bang your hands into the water are examples of behaviours that they cannot help but which patrons will discriminate against). ..Remember, that this is going on in a supposedly ‘Autism friendly’ – disability swimming session!
The 'nasty' lifeguards will shout at me and the disabled people that I care for in front of other patrons. We have also had other Patrons banging and rattling the disabled changing room door, frightening us and yelling at us to get out because they wanted to use the shower. I have made enquiries with other carers in the Sheffield Autism community and have heard similar things, leading me to conclude that this is an endemic problem with Ponds Forge.
This all adds up to a sickening and vile level of discrimination, so overt and so unacceptable in this day and age. Shame on Ponds Forge.
Written July 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie S
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom29 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Oh dear! Went with my daughter to the 'big' swimming pool for a lovely treat on a training day from school. When we got their, we approached the desk. We were abruptly told "no swimming today" Nearest pool open is Hillsborough. We don't open during the week.
My daugther was upset. She said we should have just gone to Hillsborough. So we did.
There was no indication that there was no swimming anywhere. What a shame we could not use the so called fantastric provision, we wont be going again. And I won't be recommending it to anyone.
My daugther was upset. She said we should have just gone to Hillsborough. So we did.
There was no indication that there was no swimming anywhere. What a shame we could not use the so called fantastric provision, we wont be going again. And I won't be recommending it to anyone.
Written August 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charlotte K
Norwich, UK204 contributions
Hi, do any one know if wrist bands are collected at reception when paying and before going to changing rooms, or when actually entering the water? I have been advised the minimum amount of time to get in the pool is 90 minutes, but am unsure if going in the changing rooms is included in this time.
michelle h
Sheffield, UK1 contribution
Is there somewhere for someone not swimming to watch family members leisure swimming?
A J
Manchester, UK801 contributions
Yes there is a viewing platform
alexandra_devlin
Manchester, UK25 contributions
Hello we are attending a gala on Sunday is the car parking adequate for large events or would you advise parking at the hotel and walking to the venue?
Tank123
Sheffield, UK61 contributions
If you get there early enough you'll get a space if not ncp nearby ask at reception for discount voucher
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre (Sheffield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
- Ponds Forge International Sports Centre is open:
- Mon - Fri 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM
- Hotels near Ponds Forge International Sports Centre:
- (0.32 mi) Character cottage. Secluded courtyard garden. Pets welcome by arrangement only
- (0.39 mi) 31 RECTORY ROAD, pet-friendly, WiFi, centre of Clowne
- (0.47 mi) Budget Accommodation Minutes from Junction 30 M1 Free Parking
- (1.36 mi) Van Dyk By Wildes
- (0.11 mi) 18 West Lea
- Restaurants near Ponds Forge International Sports Centre:
- (0.47 mi) No4
- (0.32 mi) Angel Inn
- (0.40 mi) Sandros Restaurant
- (0.36 mi) Clowne Fish Bar
- (0.33 mi) Gourmet Grub Co