Salford Watersports Centre

Urban watersports hub offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and year-round open water swimming on Salford Quays.

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Salford Watersports Centre

Located on the vibrant Salford Quays, this modern watersports hub offers year-round activities for all skill levels, from stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to open water swimming and powerboat training. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment, professional coaching, and excellent amenities including changing rooms with showers and free parking. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced enthusiast, the friendly staff and well-maintained water environment create an welcoming atmosphere for aquatic adventure.

A brief summary to Salford Watersports Centre

15 The Quays, Salford, M50 3SQ, GB
+441617780109
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Budget
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9:30 am-8 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-8 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-8 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-8 pm
Friday 9:30 am-8 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Book activities in advance by phone during peak times, as staffing levels vary and activity availability depends on the day. Winter cold water swimming sessions run November through March with dedicated Sunday morning slots.
Bring a towel and toiletries if you plan to shower; the facility provides clean changing rooms with excellent facilities, but you'll want your own personal items. All equipment including wetsuits and buoyancy aids are included in activity pricing.
Use the free barriered car park behind the centre, though it's small. The Lowry multi-storey car park is a two-minute walk away if needed, though parking there incurs a fee.
Open water swimming sessions cost just £6 per person and run Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus Sunday mornings. All sessions are fully supervised with lifeguards present, making them ideal for building confidence in a safe environment.
Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for a quieter experience. Summer weekends can be busy, while winter cold water swimming attracts a dedicated community with a strong social element.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Manchester Piccadilly Station, take the Metrolink tram (red line) toward Eccles or Altrincham, alighting at Salford Quays station. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. From the station, the centre is a 5–10 minute walk along the quayside promenade. Tram fares are approximately £2.50–£3.50 depending on time of day and ticket type.
Private Vehicle

Drive to 15 The Quays, Salford M50 3SQ. The centre has a small free barriered car park behind the building with limited spaces. If full, the Lowry multi-storey car park is a 2-minute walk away and charges approximately £2–£4 for a few hours depending on duration. Parking is straightforward with clear signage from the main Salford Quays road.
Bicycle

Salford Quays is well-connected by cycle paths. From Manchester city centre, follow the dedicated cycle routes along the Irwell Valley or use the Quays-side cycle path. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on your starting point. Bike racks are available at the centre.
Walking

From Salford Quays Metrolink station, the centre is accessible via a pleasant 5–10 minute waterside walk with level terrain and clear signage. The quayside promenade is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly. From Manchester city centre, the walk is approximately 45–60 minutes through urban streets and along the Irwell Valley path.

Salford Watersports Centre location weather suitability

Any Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Salford Watersports Centre

A Premier Destination for Urban Watersports

Salford Watersports Centre stands as one of Greater Manchester's most dynamic recreational facilities, nestled in the heart of Salford Quays. The centre offers a comprehensive range of watersports activities designed to accommodate everyone from absolute beginners to experienced athletes. The venue combines modern infrastructure with professional instruction, creating an accessible entry point into water-based pursuits while challenging seasoned practitioners to develop new skills.

Heritage and Water Quality Excellence

The facility's water management system traces its origins to the 2002 Commonwealth Games, when advanced filtration infrastructure was installed to ensure exceptional water quality. This legacy of excellence continues today, with the dock maintained independently from the ship canal, guaranteeing pristine swimming conditions throughout the year. The commitment to water quality is particularly evident during the cold water swimming season from November through March, when dedicated Sunday morning sessions attract swimmers seeking invigorating winter immersion experiences.

Diverse Activities and Professional Coaching

The centre's activity portfolio spans multiple disciplines. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking sessions operate with flexible booking arrangements, allowing visitors to arrive and participate without advance reservation. Open water swimming programs include supervised sessions three times weekly, with designated courses of 300 metres and 500 metres for swimmers of varying abilities. Powerboat training and other specialist courses provide structured progression pathways. All activities benefit from experienced instructors who emphasise safety, confidence-building, and enjoyment alongside technical skill development.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

The centre prioritises visitor comfort with comprehensive changing facilities, including dedicated disabled changing rooms with integrated shower facilities. Clean toilets, hot showers, and a small barriered car park provide essential conveniences, with additional multi-storey parking available nearby at the Lowry complex. The quayside location offers numerous vantage points for non-participants to observe activities, making it suitable for mixed-ability groups. Seasonal variations in staffing and activity availability mean advance telephone contact is advisable for specific requirements.

Seasonal Rhythms and Community Atmosphere

The centre's character shifts with the seasons. Summer months bring vibrant paddleboarding and kayaking activity, while winter transforms the venue into a hub for cold water swimming enthusiasts who gather for social swims accompanied by hot drinks and community conversation. The facility maintains a welcoming ethos that actively encourages participation across age groups and fitness levels, with pricing structured to remain accessible to families and individuals. The combination of professional standards and friendly informality creates an environment where nervous first-timers feel supported while experienced athletes find appropriate challenges.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

0.7 km

Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

1.0 km

Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.

Salford Lads Club

1.2 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

LS Lowry birthplace

2.1 km

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

Bahnhof Manchester

2.2 km

Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

2.2 km

Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

2.3 km

Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

2.3 km

Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

2.4 km

Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

2.4 km

Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.

Friedrich Engels Statue

2.8 km

A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.

Free Trade Hall

2.9 km

Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.

Hotspur House

2.9 km

Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.

Peterloo Massacre Monument

2.9 km

A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.

Rochdale Canal Lake

3.0 km

Explore the serene Rochdale Canal Lake, a historical landmark in Manchester offering beautiful views and tranquil walks along the water.

Unmissable attractions to see

Salford Quays Community Gardens

0.1 km

A peaceful community-driven garden oasis offering seasonal beauty and sustainable urban gardening in the heart of Salford Quays.

Salford Riviera

0.3 km

Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.

Quayside MediaCityUK

0.3 km

Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.

The Quays

0.3 km

A regenerated waterfront of museums, media studios, shopping and waterside dining that fuses dockland history with contemporary city life.

Salford quay’s

0.4 km

Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.

Pier Eight Restaurant

0.4 km

Discover the exquisite flavors of Modern British cuisine at Pier Eight Restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of The Quays in Manchester.

The Lowry

0.5 km

A dynamic cultural landmark in Salford Quays, The Lowry offers world-class theatre, galleries, and vibrant arts experiences on Manchester’s waterfront.

Gnome Island

0.5 km

Discover the enchanting miniature world of Gnome Island, a playful gnome colony perched on a historic concrete island in Salford Quays.

BBC Dock House

0.6 km

Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.

IWM North

0.6 km

Discover powerful stories of war and peace in Manchester’s iconic deconstructivist museum overlooking the Ship Canal.

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

0.7 km

Start your journey through Salford’s rich heritage and vibrant Media City at the iconic Blue Tower meeting point.

Media City Footbridge

0.7 km

An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

0.8 km

Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.

Ordsall Hall

0.8 km

Discover Ordsall Hall, a stunning Tudor manor in Salford where history, architecture, and culture come alive in a captivating urban oasis.

Manchester United

0.9 km

Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.

Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.

Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

11 Central

0.2 km

Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.

Craftbrew

0.4 km

Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.

Matchstick Man

0.4 km

Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.

Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha

0.4 km

Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City

0.6 km

Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.

The Dockyard

0.6 km

Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.

The Wharf

2.2 km

Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.

Bar Eight

2.2 km

Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

2.2 km

Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

cask

2.5 km

Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.

Atlas Bar

2.5 km

Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.

The Deansgate

2.6 km

Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.

Lock 91

2.6 km

Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.

Cloud 23

2.6 km

Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

2.7 km

Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Ark Manchester

2.6 km

Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.

Royal Vida Night Club

2.6 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

Popworld Manchester

2.6 km

Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.

History Nightclub

2.7 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

42's

2.8 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

Bliss Club Manchester

2.8 km

Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.

Venue Nightclub

2.9 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

Club Liv Manchester

3.0 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Viva Manchester

3.1 km

Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.

Kable

3.2 km

A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.

Bijou Club

3.3 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Satans Hollow

3.4 km

Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

3.4 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

3.4 km

Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.

Club Tropicana

3.5 km

Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Salford Watersports Centre

A brief summary to Salford Watersports Centre

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Private Vehicle

Bicycle

Walking

Salford Watersports Centre location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Salford Watersports Centre

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Salford Watersports Centre

A Premier Destination for Urban Watersports

Heritage and Water Quality Excellence

Diverse Activities and Professional Coaching

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

Seasonal Rhythms and Community Atmosphere

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

Salford Lads Club

LS Lowry birthplace

Bahnhof Manchester

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

Friedrich Engels Statue

Free Trade Hall

Hotspur House

Peterloo Massacre Monument

Rochdale Canal Lake

Unmissable attractions to see

Salford Quays Community Gardens

Salford Riviera

Quayside MediaCityUK

The Quays

Salford quay’s

Pier Eight Restaurant

The Lowry

Gnome Island

BBC Dock House

IWM North

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

Media City Footbridge

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

Ordsall Hall

Manchester United

Essential places to dine

Quay House Beefeater

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

Unagi

Lime

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

Nando's Salford Quays

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

The Botanist Media City

The Banyan Tree

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

Dukes 92

Dom's Italia

Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road

Don Marco

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Sweet Emporium

M&S Outlet

Flock and Gaggle

Next Outlet

The Works

The Body Shop

SPAR Salford Quays

Salford Shopping Centre

Science and Industry Museum Shop

INFINITE RUNNING

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