Starbeck Swimming Pool

Is it right for my child?

• Family swims: the council describes these as sessions for all ages where families enjoy the water together. The term time timetable has them on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
• General swims: for all ages and abilities, every day in term time.
• Inflatables and slides: Starbeck is not on the council’s lists of pools offering inflatable fun sessions or fun and floats sessions. The official pages do not mention a slide or flume.
• Under 4s: the council recommends one adult over 16 for each child under 4. Its sessions page lists Starbeck for mini splash time, a pre-school swim with toys, but the term time timetable shows none, so ask. For pre-school lessons, contact the pool.
• Lessons: children’s learn to swim classes are for ages 4 and over.
• Older children: lane swims are for ages 12 and over.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Check the timetable before you go. The council runs an alternative programme during school holidays.
• No need to book a swim. The swimming page says you only need to book for the aquafit class.
• Count your adults. Under 8s need an adult over 16, at two children per adult. Active North Yorkshire swimming lessons are exempt.
• Keep outside shoes off the poolside, and leave glass bottles out of the changing areas.
• Ask staff before taking any family photos. The council’s regulations say casual photography may be allowed in designated areas.
• Bring evidence if you plan to claim a concessionary rate.
• Planning a Christmas trip? The pool is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Phone 01423 883155 to check holiday times.

Prices and tickets

Swimming is pay per session. These are the prices on the official Starbeck swimming page, checked on 12 November 2026.

• Adult swim: £6
• Junior swim (4 to 16 years): £4.50
• Under 4s: £1.10
• Family swim: £17, for two adults and two juniors, or one adult and three juniors
• Concessionary swim: £4.50

Concessions cover groups such as people receiving Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance or Universal Credit. You need evidence, such as an award letter.

Lessons: a 30 minute children’s class costs £31 a month, or £7.75 pay as you go. A one hour class is £40 a month, or £10. Lessons run all year except the Christmas holidays. Lesson fees include 50% off a general swim at Starbeck and four other council pools.

Parties: Starbeck offers mini splash pool parties at £110, for up to 50 children. The parties page gives Saturday and Sunday slots from 4.15pm to 5.15pm, plus 15 minutes for cake cutting if required. That is after the published 4pm weekend closing time, so confirm arrival times when you book.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• Getting in: there is ramp or step access into the building, with automatic entrance doors. A small ramp leads to the spectator area.
• Changing: the pool lists spacious changing rooms and a wheelchair-accessible changing room. There are some small steps in the changing areas. Changing is single-sex.
• Not mentioned: the official pages do not mention toilets, baby changing, swim nappies or pushchairs. Ask reception before your first visit.

Food and drink

The official pages do not mention a café. The facilities list cold drinks and confectionery. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are not allowed in the pool or on poolside without management approval. The council’s general regulations also say no refreshments may be brought in to eat without a manager’s consent.

Getting there and parking

• Address: Starbeck Swimming Pool, Spa Lane, Harrogate, HG2 7JF.
• Parking: the facilities list includes parking, and the access information lists a blue badge parking bay. The official pages give no charge or number of spaces.
• Public transport: the official pages do not give bus or train directions.

When to visit

The pool is open seven days a week: Monday 7.30am to 8pm, Tuesday 7.30am to 9pm, and Wednesday to Friday 7.30am to 8pm. Saturday is 8.30am to 4pm and Sunday 8.15am to 4pm. The term time pool timetable runs from Monday 7 September 2026. On 12 November 2026 the council listed it as the current term time timetable.

• Family swims (term time): Monday 11am to 12 noon, Thursday 9.45am to 11.30am, Saturday 3pm to 4pm, and Sunday 11am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 4pm.
• After school: learn to swim is timetabled from 4pm on weekdays. General swims follow, from 6pm (6.30pm on Monday).
• Saturday: learn to swim runs until 1pm, then a general swim from 1pm to 2pm.
• Christmas 2026: the council’s Christmas school holiday is Monday 21 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027. The pool opens on bank holidays except Christmas Day (Friday 25 December), Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (Friday 1 January 2027). Hours may vary. It does not say if Boxing Day means Saturday 26 or Monday 28 December, so phone to check. On 12 November 2026 the timetables page listed only term time timetables.

Additional needs and disability support

The pool publishes access information and runs sessions for children with additional needs.

Frequently asked questions

How much is swimming for children at Starbeck Swimming Pool?

A junior swim costs £4.50 for ages 4 to 16, and under 4s pay £1.10. A family swim costs £17 for two adults and two juniors, or one adult and three juniors.

Does Starbeck pool have a slide or an inflatable?

The official pages do not mention a slide or flume. Starbeck is not on the council’s list of pools with inflatable fun sessions.

Do I need to book a swim at Starbeck?

No. The swimming page says you only need to book for the aquafit class.

How old do you have to be to swim without an adult?

Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult over 16, at two children per adult. Active North Yorkshire swimming lessons are exempt.

Is Starbeck Swimming Pool open at Christmas?

It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Ask whether the Boxing Day closure is Saturday 26 or Monday 28 December 2026. Other bank holiday hours may vary.

Is Starbeck Swimming Pool good for autistic children?

It runs a Sunday morning SEN session in term time and star scheme lessons. Reception has chairs for a quiet moment, and staff warn you before fire tests.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official North Yorkshire Council (Active North Yorkshire) pages for Starbeck Swimming Pool, opening hours, facilities and access, swimming and prices, the term time pool timetable, sessions, lessons, pool parties, concessions, terms and conditions and school term dates. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.