Sands Centre
Carlisle's Sands Centre: A dual-purpose venue offering fitness facilities and a vibrant stage for theatre, music, and comedy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter for swims & gym
Sands Centre
Best Time
Quieter for swims & gym
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Carlisle's Sands Centre: A dual-purpose venue offering fitness facilities and a vibrant stage for theatre, music, and comedy.
"A great collection of different sized stalls for changing clothes and a few for people with babies. It is really well thought out."
🦺 Check Weather Advisories
Recent roof issues mean checking weather is crucial before attending events.
💰 Locker Coin Needed
Bring a £1 coin or token for lockers in the changing rooms.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Performances
Main Auditorium
Experience a variety of theatre, music, comedy, and tribute acts. A vibrant hub for entertainment.
Swimming Pools
Leisure Centre
Enjoy lane swims or family fun in well-maintained pools with clear lane speed markers.
Gym Facilities
Fitness Suite
A clean and spacious gym featuring modern Technogym equipment and a good selection of classes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Roof Concerns & Safety
Membership & App Woes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦺 Check Weather Advisories
Recent roof issues mean checking weather is crucial before attending events.
💰 Locker Coin Needed
Bring a £1 coin or token for lockers in the changing rooms.
🚗 Parking with Swim Ticket
Swim tickets may cover short-term parking; check machine details.
📱 App Issues Reported
Be aware of potential issues with the 'Better' app for bookings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦺 Check Weather Advisories
Recent roof issues mean checking weather is crucial before attending events.
💰 Locker Coin Needed
Bring a £1 coin or token for lockers in the changing rooms.
🚗 Parking with Swim Ticket
Swim tickets may cover short-term parking; check machine details.
📱 App Issues Reported
Be aware of potential issues with the 'Better' app for bookings.
🎶 Book Event Tickets Early
Popular shows sell out, so book your Sands Centre tickets in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sands Centre offers a mix of leisure facilities and entertainment, with many praising the swimming pools and gym. However, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with rising membership costs, app functionality, and customer service. Recent weather-related roof issues have also raised concerns about venue maintenance.
"The Sands Centre is part Entertainment district and part Leisure centre. I used the pools, although they have a gym, squash courts, a cafe and more.
The pool was great. They had separate ares for kids swimming lessons (which seems to be for schools during the day). There was lane swims set up with clear markers about the lane speed expected and the direction of swimming.
The change room facilities were good. There are lockers (you'll need to have a £1 coin or a coin token to use them) that come in a range of sizes. There are showers, and toilets blocks inside the change rooms. There is a great collection of different sized stalls for changing clothes and a few for people with babies. It is really well thought out.
I got a casual lane swim ticket. Which also covered the cost of my parking (they have a machine that you can type your registration number into that means your car is covered for a set amount of time). Make sure you double check how long you are allowed to stay, as its only short term parking you get with your swimticket.
I really enjoyed my experience there. Thanks!"
Dandy Mae
"Have cancelled my membership , it's just got more and more expensive, now double the price of many other gyms in the area and open half as much. Also forced to use an awful app that is often wrong and when there is an issue you can't call the centre to sort out you ring a national number who tell you to travel to the centre.
Have tickets to see a show in February but there is 0 chance of this happening as no work has been done on that part of the facility in the past 6 months although still advertising shows and taking people's money."
Niall Mitchell
"nice clean spacious gym, with techno gym equipment, a reasonable selection of plate loaded equipment, and pin loaded equipment, good amount of benches and dumbbells, squat rack, cable machines, modern cardio equipment. Also good selection of classes, pool and squat courts."
Mark Fisher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sands Centre is located in Carlisle city centre. It's accessible by public transport, with local bus services stopping nearby. If driving, there is parking available, though it's advisable to check if your ticket covers parking duration.
Yes, parking is available at the Sands Centre. Some tickets, like casual swim tickets, may cover a short period of parking. You'll need to enter your registration number at a machine.
While specific cycle racks aren't detailed, the Sands Centre is centrally located, making it accessible by bike for local residents.
Carlisle train station and the main bus station are within walking distance of the Sands Centre, making it easy to reach via public transport.
The venue generally aims to be accessible, with facilities like accessible changing rooms. It's recommended to contact the Sands Centre directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets for events at the Sands Centre online through their official website or potentially at the venue's box office.
Upcoming Sands Centre events are usually listed on their official website. You can also follow their social media for announcements.
Yes, the Sands Centre offers membership options, often managed by 'Better'. However, some reviews mention rising costs and app issues.
Discount codes for the Sands Centre are not widely advertised. It's best to check their website for any special offers or concessions.
Refund policies can vary depending on the event and circumstances. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the venue directly.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The Sands Centre offers a gym, swimming pools, squash courts, a cafe, and hosts various live entertainment events like theatre, music, and comedy.
Yes, the pools have dedicated areas for children's swimming lessons and are generally family-friendly.
The changing rooms are well-equipped with lockers (requiring a £1 coin or token), showers, and a good number of changing stalls, including some for babies.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments.
The Sands Centre hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, theatre productions, comedy shows, and tribute acts.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. For live performances, it's generally prohibited to use flash photography or record video. Check with the venue or event organizer.
The venue itself offers opportunities for architectural shots, and during events, the stage lighting and atmosphere can be visually striking.
For performances, focus on capturing the atmosphere and key moments without disrupting others. Consider the lighting conditions.
It's generally best to be discreet and respectful of others' privacy when taking photos in public areas like swimming pools.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions for the Sands Centre, but general aviation rules would apply.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏋️ Fitness Enthusiasts
🎭 Theatre & Music Lovers
The auditorium is well-sized with comfortable seating and good sound and light effects, creating an immersive experience for attendees. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sands Centre: From Gym to Gala
Beyond its leisure offerings, the Sands Centre is a key destination for live entertainment. The main auditorium hosts a diverse program, from touring theatre productions and musical acts to stand-up comedy. Past performers have included tribute bands and established artists, drawing crowds for memorable nights out.
While the venue aims to provide a comprehensive experience, some patrons have noted concerns regarding rising membership costs and reliance on a sometimes problematic app for bookings. Recent events have also highlighted the venue's vulnerability to extreme weather, with reports of roof damage following high winds.
This underscores the importance of checking advisories before attending events, especially during periods of adverse weather. Despite these challenges, the Sands Centre remains a significant cultural and recreational asset for Carlisle, offering a wide array of activities for locals and visitors alike.A Look at the Sands Centre's Event History
+1 It has also been a popular stop for touring theatre productions, including shows like 'Blood Brothers' and 'Dirty Dancing', indicating its capacity to host large-scale performances. Comedians such as Alan Carr and Jason Manford have graced the Sands Centre stage, drawing audiences for their stand-up routines. The venue's programming also extends to family-friendly shows, with mentions of characters like Fireman Sam appearing.
While specific event listings for past years like 'the sands centre events 2022' or 'the sands centre events 2023' are not detailed here, the consistent presence of diverse acts suggests a dynamic schedule. The venue's ability to attract both local talent and national tours solidifies its role as a central entertainment venue in Carlisle.
Social
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