Edmonton's recently refurbished leisure centre — a 25-metre pool, splash pool and soft play in the Lee Valley
Edmonton Leisure Centre sits at the heart of Edmonton Green, a two-minute walk from the Overground station. A 7.5 million pound refurbishment completed in late 2025 overhauled the entire building, retiling all three pools, installing new LED lighting and reopening a purpose-built training pool for lessons and water confidence sessions.
The main 25-metre, six-lane pool runs family fun swim and aqua splash sessions alongside fitness lanes. A shallow training pool caters to babies, toddlers and nervous swimmers, while the splash pool gives younger children a safe, warm space to play. Upstairs, a soft play centre and spacious sports hall round out a full day of activity for families.
Edmonton Leisure Centre first opened in the 1980s as part of the Edmonton Green regeneration, serving one of north London's most diverse communities. By the early 2020s the building needed serious attention. Structural surveys revealed issues with pool tiling, mechanical systems and the changing village, prompting Enfield Council to approve a comprehensive overhaul. In late 2023 the centre closed its doors, and a two-year programme of works began — jointly funded by the council and GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates the venue under the Better brand.
The refurbishment cost 7.5 million pounds and touched every part of the building. The 25-metre main pool, training pool and splash pool were all retiled. New LED lighting replaced ageing fittings across all pool halls. The changing village was redecorated, and the gym, fitness studios and sports hall received updated equipment. The centre reopened in stages through 2025, with the main pool back in action by August and the training pool following in December.
The main pool runs a rotating timetable of sessions. Swim for All and Family Fun Swim slots welcome all ages and abilities, while Swim for Fitness lanes are reserved for adults doing lengths. Aqua Splash sessions add inflatables and toys to the main pool for children's parties and weekend fun. The training pool, kept warmer and shallower than the main pool, hosts the centre's swim school — group and one-to-one lessons for babies, children and adults, including parent-and-baby classes.
The soft play centre occupies a separate area upstairs and is designed for children under eight. Padded climbing frames, slides and crawl tunnels fill a brightly coloured, enclosed space with seating for parents alongside. The sports hall accommodates badminton, basketball, table tennis and five-a-side football, while the gym and group fitness studios offer classes from spinning to yoga throughout the week.
Edmonton Green station on the London Overground's Weaver line puts the centre within 25 minutes of Liverpool Street. The adjacent bus station connects to Wood Green, Turnpike Lane, Tottenham and Enfield Town. For drivers, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre opposite offers pay-and-display parking, and the North Circular is a mile south.
After a swim, families can explore the Lee Valley Regional Park — a 26-mile corridor of open spaces, nature reserves and sports venues stretching from the Thames to Hertfordshire. Picketts Lock, less than two miles east, hosts the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, an ODEON cinema and the campsite. The Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross is a short drive further north for rafting and kayaking on the Olympic course.
Under-threes swim free with a paying adult. Better members get unlimited swimming included in their monthly subscription
Family fun swim and aqua splash sessions fill quickly at weekends. Book through the Better app or website up to seven days ahead to guarantee your preferred slot.
The changing village has lockers but you need to bring your own padlock. Coin-operated lockers are not available, so pack a small combination lock.
Family fun swim sessions are the most popular slots. Arrive fifteen minutes before the session starts to get changed and poolside without rushing.
Pool sessions rotate between fitness lanes, family swim and lessons. Check the Better website or app for the current weekly timetable to avoid turning up during a closed session.
The Lee Valley park stretches 26 miles from Edmonton to Ware. After swimming, walk east along the towpath to Tottenham Marshes for a breath of fresh air.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026