Free bus service for swimming while the leisure centre is closed
22 April 2026
As work gets underway on Atherstone’s new leisure centre, keeping people active and connected remains a priority. During the construction period, a free bus service is in place to help residents continue accessing swimming at nearby leisure centres.
The service is designed to support pool users while the local site is closed, making it easier to get to sessions during this interim period.
This sits alongside other temporary arrangements that focus on continuity and value for members, while investment is directed towards delivering a modern leisure centre that will serve the community long into the future.
When does the service start?
The free bus service will begin week commencing 27th April and will operate on selected days each week.
Where does the bus go?
All journeys will start and finish at Atherstone Bus Station, and travel to:
- Pingles Leisure Centre, Nuneaton, or
- Bedworth Leisure Centre
What sessions can I travel to?
The bus service supports access to swimming sessions, including:
- Lane swimming
- Aqua sessions
- Family swimming
These sessions take place at the neighbouring leisure centres listed above.
Weekly bus timetable
To help you plan ahead, the service will run as follows:
How do I book?
All journeys need to be booked in advance.
The bus should be booked via:
- The North Warwickshire Borough Council leisure booking system
- The North Warks Leisure App
Swimming sessions should be booked directly with the leisure centre you are visiting.
Further booking guidance, along with wider information about leisure arrangements during the closure, is available in the FAQs on the website.
Why is this service in place?
A range of temporary leisure options were explored during planning for the new centre, including pop up pools and gyms. Following detailed assessment, these were found not to represent good value for public investment.
Instead, the Council agreed a practical package of support that includes:
- Relocating some fitness classes to The Queen Elizabeth Academy
- Providing a free bus service to established neighbouring pools
This approach balances cost, reliability and continuity of service, while allowing investment to remain focused on the long term future of leisure provision in Atherstone.
Share your memories and moments
If you’re someone who’s used the leisure centre regularly over the years, you’ll know that it’s been more than just a building. For many, it’s been part of daily routines, milestones, achievements and shared experiences.
As plans move forward for the new centre, we’re inviting people to share their memories and moments from Atherstone Leisure Centre and the Memorial Hall. Whether it’s learning to swim, attending classes, community events or simply time well spent, those experiences matter.
What you share helps shape how the past is recognised and how the future facility reflects the community it serves.
You can share your memories at any time via the Share your Memories form.
Published:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
