Helly Hansen Watersports Centre

Ben Williams, Managing Editor

Going for a dip in the Manchester Ship Canal may sound like a bad punchline. But believe us, the water is much, much cleaner than it used to be. Because the water sports centre in Salford is run by Salford Council, there are forms to fill in and (reasonable) fees to pay before you can dive in for their hour-long open water training sessions on Monday and Thursday evenings. So, not the place to roll up on a hot day looking for aquatic relief – but a real find for the serious swimmers of the city.

15 The QuaysSalfordM50 3SQ View map
Telephone: 01618777252 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Tuesday9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Wednesday9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Thursday9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Friday9:00am - 9:00pm
  • Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday8:30am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Helly Hansen Watersports Centre

Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry
DanceMediaCityUK
Aakash Odedra: Songs Of The Bulbul at Lowry

Happening as part of Lowry’s 25th anniversary, Aakash Odedra’s five-star show, accompanied by a live orchestra, arrives in Salford for one special performance this May.

from £16.50
Myra's Story at Lowry
TheatreSalford
Myra’s Story at Lowry

Direct from London’s West End, a critically acclaimed play shining a light on homelessness, addiction and resilience through one woman’s unforgettable story.  

from £28.50

Where to go near Helly Hansen Watersports Centre

Manchester
Restaurant
11 Central

11 Central is a new bar and microbrewery launched by local brewing legends SEVEN BRO7HERS BREWING CO at the Central Bay site in Salford.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Central Bay

Central Bay is a new waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity, opening summer 2023.

Manchester
Gallery
Irwell Sculpture Trail

The 33-mile trail, which follows the River Irwell from Salford Quays all the way to Bacup in Pennine Lancashire, has been around for over a decade, but it’s recently been restored and expanded.

The Lowry Theatre and Gallery in Salford Quays Manchester.
Salford
Theatre
Lowry

With two theatres, galleries and a studio space, award-winning Quayside arts centre The Lowry combines the performing and visual arts to impressive effect.

Salford
Uswim
at Salford Quays

Jump into waters of dock 9 at Salford Quays with Uswim, they bring the benefits and freedom of open water swimming to the convenience of a central location.

The Quays
Restaurant
The Alchemist Mediacity

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Manchester
Shopping Centre
Lowry Outlet Mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall in The Quays district of Manchester sits opposite both The Lowry and MediaCityUK, Europe’s largest media hub and the home of BBC North.

Ice Rink
Manchester
MCUK Ice Rink
at Media City

Embrace that most Christmassy of activities and get your skates on outside of the chaotic city centre this winter. The Ice Rink at Media City will be serving festive fun till January 5th.

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Sextile
Music in the North

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Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
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