Helly Hansen Watersports Centre
15 The Quays
View on Google MapsPhoto: Salford Watersports Centre
About Helly Hansen Watersports Centre
Get the family active on the water in Salford with kayaking, canoeing and raft-building adventures at this accessible watersports hub. Parking and picnic facilities make it easy for a full day out.
What's nearby
- Agecroft Rowing Club next door
- Quay House Beefeater next door
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester - Salford Quays by IHG next door
- Premier Inn Manchester (Salford Quays) hotel next door
- The Quays 300m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
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
- 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 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
What an amazing facility this place is and the staff are truly awesome. I've been swimming outdoors here since November and really look forward to it, wish I'd discovered it earlier. The staff really can't do enough to help, Jason, Jimmy, Sam and Ryan are superstars. Great facilities for all watersports, lovely warm changing rooms. Book in advance to avoid disappointment as it can be very popular. Lots of courses available.
· via Google
Brilliant facility and one of the best spots in Greater Manchester for open water swimming. I've taken part in the weekly sessions in Ontario Basin and can't recommend it highly enough. The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the whole operation is really well run. Safety is clearly a priority — sessions are supervised with lifeguards on the water — but it never feels stuffy or over-managed, just relaxed and well organised. If you're new to open water, that makes a huge difference; you feel looked after from the moment you arrive. The setup itself is great. There are marked 300m and 500m loops, plus a separate area if you're just getting started or want to build confidence before heading out further. The water is clean and well maintained (the basin is closed off from the ship canal, so it's a world away from what people might expect of "the docks"), and there's coaching available if you want to work on your technique, sighting or build towards a triathlon or event swim. Location is a real bonus too — it's right in the heart of Salford Quays, a short walk from the tram, with parking on site and changing facilities, so it's easy to get to whether you're driving or on public transport. If you've been thinking about giving open water swimming a go, this is the place to do it. Friendly, safe, well organised and genuinely good fun. I always leave feeling great. Highly recommend!
· via Google
Myself and my two sons attended the SUP session yesterday. It was my third time paddle boarding at the centre and a first time for my sons. Our instructor Ryan was absolutely amazing and made the session really fun and engaging. All 3 of us were confidently standing up on our boards within the first 30 minutes. My boys said that they learned so much and we can't wait to go back!
· via Google
Dock 8 open water swimming is amazing. Beautiful city views, clean water and gorgeous wildlife. The actual centre building is kept very clean by hard working staff. The Lifeguards are really friendly and helpful, so too are the other swimmers.
· via Google
People say this watersports center offers excellent open water swimming with marked loops, clean water, and various activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. They also highlight the well-maintained facilities, including clean changing rooms and warm showers, and appreciate the reasonable prices. Visitors consistently mention the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 15 The Quays, Salford, M50 3SQ Get directions
- Category
- Watersports
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (321 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 9+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Destination
- Salford