Dalton Leisure Centre is proud to be a charity-run leisure centre, owned by The Dalton and District Recreational Charity Trust.
Everything we do is centred around supporting the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of our local community while welcoming visitors from further afield to make use of our facilities.
There are many ways you can support the work of The Dalton and District Recreational Charity Trust.
You can donate directly to the Trust through our JustGiving page, with every contribution helping us invest in the future of Dalton Leisure Centre and the community we serve.
We are also supported by the Friends of Dalton Leisure Centre, a dedicated group of volunteers who help raise funds through a variety of community events and initiatives. Their continued support plays an important role in helping the centre thrive.
If you'd like to find out more or get involved, you can visit the Friends of Dalton Leisure Centre Facebook group.
Registered Charity Number: 509901
At the heart of the centre is our 20-metre freeform warm-water swimming pool, complete with our popular Frog Slide and children's splash area. Alongside the pool, we offer a fully equipped gym, a varied programme of fitness classes, squash facilities, indoor cycling sessions and a welcoming café overlooking the pool, creating a space where the whole community can come together.
The centre officially opened on 18 September 1987 and was opened by Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.
Dalton Leisure Centre was built on behalf of The Dalton and District Recreational Charity Trust through the Community Programme of the Manpower Services Commission.
Between October 1982 and June 1987, the project provided employment for around 270 people, while countless volunteers also gave their time to help bring the vision to life. Thousands of unpaid hours were contributed by dedicated members of the local community before the centre officially opened its doors in August 1987.
The centre remains a lasting example of what can be achieved through community commitment and collaboration.
Dalton Leisure Centre is owned by The Dalton and District Recreational Charity Trust and is built on land leased to the Trust by Barrow Borough Council on a 99-year lease at a nominal rent. The Trust continues to oversee the long-term future of the centre, ensuring it remains a valuable community asset.
The day-to-day operation of Dalton Leisure Centre is managed by Dalton Leisure Services Limited, a limited company whose shares are owned by The Dalton and District Recreational Charity Trust.
The company's directors are appointed by the Trust and work to ensure the centre continues to deliver high-quality leisure facilities and services for the benefit of the local community.
The total cost of constructing and equipping Dalton Leisure Centre was £1,260,000.
This was made possible through funding from a range of organisations, alongside significant fundraising efforts by the local community.
Manpower Services Commission: £761,000
Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council: £199,000
The Sports Council: £20,000
Cumbria County Council: £17,000
The Rural Development Commission: £10,000
Community fundraising: £253,000
Community fundraising played a vital role in making Dalton Leisure Centre a reality.
The Dalton and District Baths Building Fund Association led fundraising efforts, with around 50 dedicated volunteers carrying out weekly collections between September 1979 and March 1987. Together, they raised £88,500 through regular collections alone.
Additional funds came from the Baths Shop on Station Road, special fundraising events organised by local groups and individuals, generous public donations and interest earned on invested funds. This remarkable community effort demonstrated the determination and support of local people to create a leisure centre for everyone to enjoy.
Dalton Leisure Centre, Chapel Street,
Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8DA
