Pentwyn Leisure Centre, Cardiff

Pentwyn is a very well designed leisure centre. It has squash courts, function rooms, a large hall for sports and activities and a fitness suite, but the main feature is the fantastic leisure pool. The centre has a playful retro feel to it that is not just limited to the exterior; this is refreshing in today's world of constant modernisation and really gives the place a unique and pleasant atmosphere. The sports/activity hall has open sides, which gives an excellent view from the corridor, although netting must be used when ball games are played to prevent the ball straying from the hall. There is a large, long function room on the second floor that overlooks both the pool and the main hall and is used for various activities including children's soft play. The pool is large and has a slight L shape to accommodate swimming lanes. It has a high roof with balconies and windows from the bar and the function rooms (which also overlook the sports/activity hall) above it. It is lit by large brick shaped lamps which are suspended high above the water. All the usual functions are present; a substantial wave machine, flume and a fantastic shore with a 'beach side' café overlooking the pool. Upon activation of the wave machine, an air siren sounds and flashing beacon spins on the wall. although this is an almost unique way of signalling the wave machine, it can be frightening for young children due to the noise. There have been a number of modernisations in recent years, including a new fitness suite and the flume has been modified to look like a snake, even adding a fibreglass head to the end. A less welcome modification, and one of my only negative points about this centre is how the pool's fountain has been recently replaced by an awful plastic coated mess that cheapens the shore end of the pool somewhat. Overall, I would recommend anyone visiting or living in Cardiff to pay this place a visit, especially if you want something a little different from what you come to expect. Some may consider it dull or old fashioned, as it lacks newer features such as rapids and water jets and the flume is not very fast but the centre is very well designed and still provides a lot of fun.