Employees at the Mildenhall pool set up aqua gym equipment. The underwater workout program is one of the pool's most popular features. (Charlie Reed / S&S)
Employees at the Mildenhall pool set up aqua gym equipment. The underwater workout program is one of the pool's most popular features. (Charlie Reed / S&S)
Mildenhall resident Kelvin Armstrong uses aqua gym equipment at the Mildenhall pool for physical therapy. The facility has become popular among Americans since the pool at RAF Lakenheath was filled in and paved over a few years ago. (Charlie Reed / S&S)
It might be wet, cold and miserable outside, but area indoor pools can take the icy edge off winter for swimming enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing dip, an unconventional workout or a place to let the kids burn off some energy, the heated pools are the perfect place to retreat.
There are a handful near RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall that are open to the public and cost only a few pounds for admission. Most have saunas and offer programs such as children and adult swimming lessons, ladies-only sessions, water aerobics, swimming clubs and activities for the disabled.
Kelvin Armstrong, who suffered a stroke five years ago at the age of 48, uses the Mildenhall pool for physical therapy. Along with snorkeling, Armstrong works out underwater with the aqua gym. The system creates a zero-impact, aerobic workout with lightweight gym equipment attached to buoyancy devices.
“I love it. I’ve gotten so much stronger since I’ve been coming here,” said Armstrong, a Mildenhall resident, who first entered the pool in a wheelchair.
After the pool at RAF Lakenheath was filled in and paved over a few years ago, the Mildenhall facility has become more popular among Americans, said Debbie Feltner, operations manager.
“A lot of the parents miss [the pool at RAF Lakenheath] and have ended up coming here, either for lessons for their children or to swim themselves,” she said.
Check the list at right for a pool near you. Schedules change frequently, so call ahead to get details. Then grab your suit and take the plunge.
Swimming Pool Schedules
Mildenhall swimming poolAddress: Recreation Way, Mildenhall IP28 7HGPhone: 01638 712515Open swim: 2.70 pounds for adults, 1.70 pounds for childrenFeatures: aqua gym, Optua Big Splash for disabled swimmers
Abbeycroft Leisure CentreAddress: Beetons Way, Bury St. Edmunds IP33 3TTPhone: 01284 753496Open swim: 2.90 pounds for adults, 1.75 pounds for childrenFeatures: baby-sitting service available twice a week
Breckland Leisure Centre and WaterworldAddress: Croxton Road, Thetford IP24 1JDPhone: 01842 753110Open swim: 4.15 pounds for adults, 2.60 pounds for childrenFeatures: small water park and jacuzzi
Newmarket Community Leisure CentreAddress: High Street, Newmarket CB8 9APPhone: 01638 661736Open swim: 2.70 pounds for adults, 1.70 pounds for childrenFeatures: can rent for kids parties, slides
Parkside PoolsAddress: Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1LYPhone: 01223 446100Open swim: 3.60 pounds for adults, 1.80 pounds for childrenFeatures: diving lessons, flume rides
Abbey Swimming PoolAddress: Pool Way, Whitehill Road, Cambridge CB5 8NTPhone: 01223 213352Open Swim: 3.60 pounds for adults, 1.80 pounds for childrenFeatures: teaching pool, aqua gym
