Make a splash at LC

Below is my “Big Day Out” column from the Saturday, October 8, 2011, Swansea edition of the South Wales Evening Post.
 

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Make a splash at LC

A big day out!
RICHARD THOMAS heads to ... LC in Swansea.

 
WHY? Located on the main Oystermouth Road adjacent to the National Waterfront Museum, the LC is Swansea’s premiere leisure complex offering entertainment
and adventure for the whole family.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The LC is the most visited paid attraction in the whole of Wales and with so many different activities to choose from it’s easy to see why. You can make waves in their fantastic family-orientated waterpark that features an exciting network of pools, rides and slides, including the much loved wave pool! Or, if you prefer to stay dry, you can put your nerve to the test on the 30 foot climbing wall, the perfect place to experience the excitement and challenges of rock climbing! There’s also a sports hall where you can play games and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as a luxurious spa to relax in, and even an interactive play area for the kids.
ANY HISTORY? Opened by the Queen during her silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, the original Swansea Leisure Centre featured modern and groundbreaking facilities, such as the first wave machine to be installed in a leisure centre in Wales. It became one of Wales' top leisure facilities and a substantial tourist attraction. At its peak it attracted more than 800,000 visitors annually. The Swansea Leisure Centre was closed, however, in 2003, which resulted in the loss of a major wet weather visitor attraction and a major facility in which families and people of all ages could enjoy a range of recreational activities. Following a review of the options available to them, Swansea Council decided that the refurbishment of the Leisure Centre was the most effective option and work soon progressed in developing the site into a 21st century leisure complex. Rebranded the LC, the refurbished facility was officially reopened by the Queen in 2008.
LOOK OUT FOR? The LC’s Indoor Surf Experience, offering all the fun and excitement of catching a wave, in a safe and controlled environment, has to be highlight. As is the waterpark’s very own white knuckle roller-coaster style ride the Master Blaster!
WHAT TO TAKE? If you want to visit the waterpark tickets cost £7 per adult but children (under 3-years old) can swim for free, and if you prebook on the LC website or by telephoning (See TELL ME MORE) you can jump the queues! You’ll need to bring a towel and swimming trunks/bather with you. And children who are not confident swimmers yet should wear arm bands. But if you do forget to bring these with you, or are missing something, don’t worry because goggles, swim wear, towels, arm bands and other pool accessories can all be bought from the LC Shop based in the main reception area. Food is available to buy in the LC Coffee Shop.
WHEN TO GO? The LC is open 6.30am to 10pm Monday to Friday. The waterpark opening times are 4pm to 9pm during Term Time and 9am to 8pm on Weekends and during School and Bank Holidays.
TELL ME MORE More information about ticket prices and opening times, etc. can all be found on the LC website at www.thelcswansea.co.uk.
You can contact the LC at the following address: LC, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST. You can also telephone on 01792 484672 or Email at enquires@the-lc.co.uk.