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Girton College

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A beautifully proportioned 14.8m x 6.4m pool set within the prestigious grounds of Girton College, University of Cambridge.

Constructed in 1899 during a major phase of college development, the indoor pool was a pioneering facility in Cambridge and a significant commitment to women’s physical education and wellbeing. Today it remains the only heated indoor swimming pool located within a Cambridge College and was extensively refurbished in 2013 to preserve its character while enhancing modern standards.

The setting combines collegiate heritage with calm, refined surroundings, creating an atmosphere that feels both historic and purposeful. The generous dimensions allow swimmers to work comfortably over meaningful distances while maintaining rhythm, control and technical consistency.

This is one of Cambridge’s most distinctive and characterful swimming environments, offering a rare blend of tradition, quality and quiet focus.

Temp: 27°C
Length/Width: 14.8m x 6.4m
Depth: 1m - 1.3m

Facilities

  • There is secure changing in both male and female changing rooms.
  • Baby changing facilities and nappy bins are not provided at Girton College.

Parking & Where to Go

  • Parking is located in the main visitor’s car park by driving into the Girton Road Entrance. Please find a space and make your way to the Old Kitchens Entrance by following the path and sign posts along the front of the college. A map of the site can be viewed here.
  • Once you arrive at the Old Kitchens Entrance, please buzz on the door and wait for someone to answer. You will need to say your child’s name at this point as without this you will not be able to gain entry. We declare all children’s names in advance so you will be expected.
  • Once inside please follow signs to the swimming pool. It is a long walk so make sure you arrive at least 5 minutes early. The exact path can be found on the site map above. In short, once inside take a left and then a right. You will soon be at the pool!
  • The pool door will be unlocked for you so you can make your way straight inside.
  • Please check the map below in order to plan your journey.

 

Girton College
Huntingdon Road
Girton
Cambridge CB3 0JG

We use the best pools throughout Cambridge and Suffolk

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Available Lessons at Girton College

Children’s Term Time Swimming Lessons

Weekly structured lessons

£27

per week

Term time weekly lessons delivered in small, structured classes to build strong foundations across all core stages and drive fast, consistent progression.
Lesson details

School Holiday Intensive Swimming Courses

Five day crash courses

£135

per course

Intensive five day courses during school holidays, providing daily focused lessons outside of term time to fast track progress in just one week.
Lesson details
  • As the pool is owned by Girton College and is also provided for the occasional use by students, we need to be respectful to other users at all times.
  • Please ensure that all students have showered before entering the water.
  • Any smaller children and babies that are not being taught must be kept under your control and not be allowed to leave your side. Please use the benches provided.
  • Once you are in on poolside, please remove any outdoor footwear or put on overshoes provided. Buggies are not allowed on poolside to ensure good hygiene.
  • Please use the bins provided for used hand towels and general waste only. Please do not use the bins for soiled nappies, sanitary towels or clinical waste of any kind. These items must be taken off site by you.
  • No students are allowed into the pool outside of designated lesson times. Please do not get in early. When lessons have finished please get changed in the changing rooms (or on poolside) and leave quietly so as not to disrupt the next class or other users.
  • There is strictly no food allowed on poolside to protect our floors and cleanliness standards.
  • Please do not let your children and families run around the swimming pool or changing rooms once in the facility. Children must stay with you at all times, especially in the case of siblings during the lessons.
  • Our teachers are rescue and first aid qualified to a high standard so we do not employ an additional lifeguard. First aid kits and an emergency phone are available at all times.
  • Photography is not permitted anywhere within the pool complex.
  • The pool hall is monitored by the Porters Lodge via CCTV.
  • We take no responsibility for our students, their siblings, or families outside of the actual swimming pool and designated lesson time. It is your responsibility to make sure that your children (and families) obey the pool rules at all times and do not cause danger to themselves or others outside of your lesson time.
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