Leisure Centres

Improving access for disabled people to our leisure centres has been identified as a major priority area in our programme of accessibility improvement works. Changes are being implemented on a continuous basis, so the information below is offered only as a guide.

Further specific information on disability sport in the Vale can be found on the disability sport section of this website. General information on and contact details for our leisure centres can be found on the leisure pages of this website.

You can contact all the Leisure Centres through one convenient central number, which is: 01446 403000.

Barry Leisure Centre

• ramped access to the centre.
• dropped counter at reception desk.
• all signage in Braille.
• there is an accessible lift to the first floor.
• accessible toilet facilities on both floors.
• shallow, stepped access into the small pool with hand rails.
• the main pool is deck level with a hoist for access.
• dedicated changing room at poolside.
• much of the Lifestyle gym equipment has Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation.
• high contrast equipment for the visually impaired.
• arm bikes and resistance equipment are wheelchair accessible.
• fitness studio accessible by lift.
• most contracted staff have undertaken the Wright Foundation Exercise Referral qualification.
• Four staff are BACR Cardio level 4 qualified.
• part of the National Exercise Referral Scheme with one coordinator and three exercise referral professionals.
• NERS classes throughout the week and a cardiac instructed class on a Tuesday. 

Cowbridge Leisure Centre

• hosts the Vale of Glamorgan Insight group (for partially sighted), every other Wednesday from 10.30-12.30
• portable induction loop hearing system.
• accessible equipment in the Lifestyle studio including visual aids, loop system
• induction hearing loop at reception.
• Braille signage.
• automatic doors at entrance building
• lift from ground to first floor
• disabled toilets upstairs
• designated disabled parking bays with dropped curbs and ramps into the centre
• much of the Lifestyle gym equipment has Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation.
• high contrast equipment for the visually impaired.
• arm bikes and resistance equipment is wheelchair accessible.
• fitness studio accessible by lift.

Llantwit Major Leisure Centre

• induction hearing loop at reception
• hoist for the pool
• Braille signage
• automatic doors at entrance building
• Lifestyle gym equipment is accessible for both wheelchair users and the visually impaired
• staff have disability awareness training
• we have disabled changing rooms for the pool
• lift from ground to first floor
• disabled toilets downstairs
• designated disabled parking bays
• ramp to access swimming pool changing rooms.

Penarth Leisure Centre

• designated disabled parking bays with dropped curbs and ramps into the centre
• automatic doors at entrance, hearing loop and dropped counter at reception
• Braille signage
• Induction hearing loop at reception
• designated changing areas
• larger doors and touch pads for access
• disabled toilets
• hoist plus handrails and shallow steps into the pool
• hoist into the spa bath in the health suite
• contrasting carpeting when approaching steps and reception desk
• cardiac instructed class on Tuesdays and Thursdays .

Quick guide to access in our leisure centres