# The Sands Leisure Centre, Carlisle — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > A popular Carlisle leisure facility offering swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant and convenient parking, though families should note limited baby facilities. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions/the-sands-leisure-centre (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Event Venue # The Sands Leisure Centre Carlisle, Cumbria [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11276589049076042408&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [The Sands Centre](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/107496930347450755097) **In short:** The Sands Leisure Centre is an event venue in Carlisle, rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,236 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About The Sands Leisure Centre A popular Carlisle leisure facility offering swimming and fitness activities with an onsite restaurant and convenient parking, though families should note limited baby facilities. ## What's nearby - Turf Tavern next door - Hardwicke Circus next door - DFS Carlisle 150m away - Eden Bridge Gardens 200m away - Bitts Park 300m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM **Tuesday** 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM **Wednesday** 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM **Thursday** 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM **Friday** 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM **Saturday** 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM **Sunday** 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Keith Bell](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108066918942978769745/reviews) ★★★★★ Went to have a swim for the first time on a pay as you go. Pool was nice and clean. When l asked the reception staff about joining l was told to go and use the iPad. When l told them I wasn’t very good with technology and wanted to ask them questions they said it was all on the iPad. Wasn’t impressed as there was 3 staff and I was the only customer at the time. · via Google [C Walker](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116721789057883543740/reviews) ★★★★★ Terrible venue for a musical event. Firstly, the entrance to the Sands Centre is like walking under a dark dingy underpass. There is nothing inviting about the place. Secondly, the ecoustics in the ‘theatre’ is horrendous! The sound quality is awful compared to other theatres/venues in other cities. We came to see the Michael Jackson tribute and although it was good show, it was not very enjoyable for a few reasons. We were feeling optimistic since the venue has just re-opened after being closed for two years due to a leaking roof. Apparently it was suggested that ecoustics be improved by installing heavy fabric etc but that was ignored. Well sadly that was a big mistake. We could hardly hear the voice of Ben the Michael Jackson impersonator. The music was so loud, my ears were killing me! I had to shove tissue into my ears to get through the show. And the worst part is the crowd who can’t seem to sit still. From the minute the show starts, loads of people get up to go get more drinks or go to the toilet. All the constant walking around is so distracting and having to stand up to let people pass is just bloody rude and inconsiderate! Why can’t people sit still and respect the performers on stage and the rest of us who paid to watch the show?! Why can’t people wait until intermission? And this happens at every show I’ve been to at the sands Centre but not at theatres in other cities. People get drunk and ruin it for others. They should stop serving drinks when the show starts and only serve drinks at intermission. I won’t ever go to a show to the Sands again. It’s a waste of money for those of us who want to sit and enjoy a show and feel immersed in it. · via Google [Victoria Greenhalgh](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111071197598705003976/reviews) ★★★★★ 1st time visitor, was surprised how big this place was. Good parking outside. Was a bit stunned with the seemingly 'normalised' attitude to bringing food (hot food - requiring to be eaten with knife and fork) into the performance. Seems rude to me, but brought up in a different era. Good show. Entry into auditorium was a bit odd, supposedly to go through a seperate entrance for our seats, but everyone all goes through the same door, so not quite sure the point. Schedule looks very heavily in favour of tribute acts, so won't be back for a while, some big name comedians coming later in the year, so will hope to get to see them. · via Google [P Heap](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106808759922965376541/reviews) ★★★★★ Reopened and ELO experience were fantastic tonight. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487d1a239c937443:0x9c7e7dfe843ccaa8!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) People say this leisure center offers a good swimming pool experience and a wide variety of activities, including a gym and indoor sports. They also highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, modern equipment, clean facilities, and convenient parking. Some reviews mention the service can be unhelpful. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** The Sands Centre, Carlisle, CA1 1JQ [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.8997689%2C-2.9342324) **Category** Swimming & Leisure Centres **Guest rating** 4.3 / 5 (1,236 reviews) **Suitable for** Ages 13+ **Setting** Indoor **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Carlisle [More attractions in Carlisle](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions) ★ 4.3 (1,236 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/carlisle/the-sands-leisure-centre?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01228 633766](tel:01228633766) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Carlisle **Postcode** CA1 1JQ **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C6VV3X8+W8 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487d1a239c937443:0x9c7e7dfe843ccaa8!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487d1a239c937443:0x9c7e7dfe843ccaa8!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487d1a239c937443:0x9c7e7dfe843ccaa8!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Carlisle Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DCarlisle%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of The Sands Leisure Centre? The Sands Leisure Centre is open Mon–Thu 6:30am–10pm; Fri 6:30am–9pm; Sat–Sun 8am–4pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is The Sands Leisure Centre any good? The Sands Leisure Centre is rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1,236 Google reviews. ### Is The Sands Leisure Centre indoors or outdoors? The Sands Leisure Centre is indoors, so it works on a rainy day. ### What ages is The Sands Leisure Centre suitable for? The Sands Leisure Centre is best for ages 13+. ### Is The Sands Leisure Centre wheelchair accessible? The Sands Leisure Centre has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at The Sands Leisure Centre? Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact The Sands Leisure Centre? Call The Sands Leisure Centre on +44 1228 633766. ## More near The Sands Leisure Centre ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Cartref Guest House ★ 4.8 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/hotels/cartref-guest-house) - [Ashleigh House ★ 5.0 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/hotels/ashleigh-house) - [Brooklyn House ★ 4.4 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/hotels/brooklyn-house) - [Crown & Mitre Hotel ★ 4.1 · 0.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/hotels/crown-mitre-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Stanwix Cottage ★ 5.0 · 0.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumberland/cottages/stanwix-cottage-uk39902) - [Fern Lee 0.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumberland/cottages/fern-lee-syk1129683) - [Rosehip 1.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumberland/cottages/rosehip-ukc9157) - [Knoll House 2.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumberland/cottages/knoll-house-ukc9190) ### Campsites nearby - [Dalston Leisure Certificated Location ★ 4.3 · 2.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumbria/camping/dalston-leisure-certificated-location) - [Green Acres Caravan Park ★ 4.8 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/camping/green-acres-caravan-park) - [Dalston Hall Holiday Park & Golf Club ★ 4.5 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/camping/dalston-hall-holiday-park-golf-club) - [Green Meadows Country Park ★ 4.1 · 3.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/cumbria/camping/green-meadows-country-park) ### Things to do nearby - [Bitts Park ★ 4.7 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions/bitts-park) - [Cumbrias Museum of Military Life ★ 4.7 · 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions/cumbrias-museum-of-military-life) - [Carlisle Castle ★ 4.4 · 0.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions/carlisle-castle) - [Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery ★ 4.6 · 0.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/carlisle/attractions/tullie-house-museum-and-art-gallery)