The Merrick
A community sports centre in Newton Stewart offering a warm swimming pool and tennis courts, ideal for local recreation and injury recovery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
The Merrick
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A community sports centre in Newton Stewart offering a warm swimming pool and tennis courts, ideal for local recreation and injury recovery.
"The pool is decent, water was pretty warm, and it was good fun. Would certainly visit again. "
🩴 Bring Footwear for Pool
Slippery tiles and dated changing rooms mean flip-flops or sliders are a must for pool visits. :athletic_shoe:
📞 Call for Hall Bookings
Website availability can be unreliable; phone ahead to confirm hall bookings. :telephone_receiver:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indoor Swimming Pool
Main Pool Area
Enjoy a warm swim, perfect for injury recovery or family fun. Lifeguards are always present for safety.
Tennis Courts
Outdoor Courts
Play a game of short tennis in a peaceful setting, often with the place to yourself.
Community Sports Centre
Various Facilities
A local hub offering sports and activities, including swimming and hall rentals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pool Safety First
Check Availability Online
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🩴 Bring Footwear for Pool
Slippery tiles and dated changing rooms mean flip-flops or sliders are a must for pool visits. :athletic_shoe:
📞 Call for Hall Bookings
Website availability can be unreliable; phone ahead to confirm hall bookings. :telephone_receiver:
🧦 Consider Pool Socks
Some visitors wear socks in the pool to avoid slippery tiles. :socks:
👍 Friendly Staff
Most staff are helpful and friendly, contributing to a positive experience. :grinningfacewithsmilingeyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
🩴 Bring Footwear for Pool
Slippery tiles and dated changing rooms mean flip-flops or sliders are a must for pool visits. :athletic_shoe:
📞 Call for Hall Bookings
Website availability can be unreliable; phone ahead to confirm hall bookings. :telephone_receiver:
🧦 Consider Pool Socks
Some visitors wear socks in the pool to avoid slippery tiles. :socks:
👍 Friendly Staff
Most staff are helpful and friendly, contributing to a positive experience. :grinningfacewithsmilingeyes:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Merrick is a community sports centre with a warm swimming pool and tennis courts, appreciated by locals and visitors for its accessibility and friendly staff. While the pool is generally good, some areas like the changing rooms and pool tiles could benefit from refurbishment to enhance safety and comfort. +1
"Staff were friendly and helpful. We played short tennis and had the place to ourself. The website could do with updating as did not show the availability for the hall but was fixed with a phone call. I would recommend a visit."
Nick Bone
"I have only used the pool to aid injury recovery. The pool is in need of some restoration, which apparently was only done a few years ago. The tiles in the pool are slippery so take care not to lose your footing, some people in the exercise class wear socks to reduce this. Some of the tiles are also a bit sharp on the edges. Most staff I have seen are great, however the exercise class is only once a week, with the same exercises and the same music, a bit uninspiring, but does the job. I feel there could be a little more imagination, to get the place busier. It is great to have the place in this lovely little town, I would hope that the council have plans to refurbish and make it safer, I think it would also inspire the staff."
Julie Neal
"Nice wee sports centre. Went swimming with my daughter while we were staying in Newton Stewart.changing area was just a bit old and tired but this would have been fine if I had flipflops or sliders. The pool it's self was decent. Water was pretty warm, life guard was there at all times and it was good fun. Would certainly visit again."
Nialsy999
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Merrick is located in Newton Stewart. You can reach it by car, with local parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable.
Yes, there is parking available at The Merrick, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary depending on the facility and day. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on opening times for the pool, courts, or hall.
Pricing for pool access can vary. Visitors have mentioned it's a decent price for a swim. It's best to inquire directly with The Merrick for current admission fees.
While some visitors have enjoyed the courts with the place to themselves, booking in advance is generally a good idea, especially during peak times, to secure your spot.
Yes, the hall can be rented for various activities. However, be aware that the website might not always show accurate availability, so calling is recommended.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The pool is generally warm and decent for swimming, suitable for both general use and injury recovery. However, some tiles can be slippery and sharp, so caution is advised. Lifeguards are present.
Some reviews indicate the changing areas are a bit old and tired. Bringing your own flip-flops or sliders is recommended for hygiene and comfort.
While lifeguards are present, the slippery and potentially sharp tiles in the pool area warrant extra supervision for children.
The Merrick offers a swimming pool and tennis courts. The hall can also be rented for other sports and activities.
There are exercise classes available, though one reviewer found them uninspiring and repetitive, suggesting room for more variety.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of food or dining facilities within The Merrick itself. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
While not a primary tourist attraction for photography, you can capture candid shots of sports activities or the local community feel. The surrounding town of Newton Stewart offers more scenic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏋️♀️ Fitness & Rehabilitation
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Pool Experience
Despite these concerns, the pool remains a valuable asset for the local community. The changing rooms, while functional, are described as 'old and tired,' prompting advice from visitors to bring personal flip-flops or sliders to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Booking and Facility Use
The sports centre also offers tennis courts, which can be a pleasant experience, especially when the facility is not crowded. Visitors have reported having the courts to themselves, allowing for an uninterrupted game.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit