1-2-1 Swimming Lessons

A great place to take on the water and learn to swim

Amazing 1-2-1 teaching with our experienced teachers

Whether you are just starting out or trying to improve, our teachers at Cheltenham Lido can help you.

We understand that everyone has different abilities, and our teachers will work with you to improve on specific skills and fitness.

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Book a 1-2-1 lesson with Dom

I am a qualified teacher with many years experience in Gloucestershire schools – Having retired from ‘the classroom’ I transferred my knowledge and skills to the sport I have always loved, swimming! I now focus teaching skills to ensure swimmers make progress.
I love swimming teaching because It’s a life skill, and a sport that is truly accessible for all ages and all abilities. I enjoy making a difference and ensuring people make progress and enjoy seeing their confidence grow and their skills and knowledge improve.
My favourite stroke is front crawl as it’s so good for fitness, but breaststroke will always be up there – supportive and rhythmic and of course helps with lifesaving backstroke!

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Book a 1-2-1 lesson with Pip

I have extensive experience working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to competitive athletes, including toddlers through to older adults. I strongly believe that it is never too late to learn to swim—whether the goal is to build confidence in the water or to refine and improve technique.

Alongside my coaching, I am also a primary school teacher, which has given me valuable expertise in supporting children’s learning and development. This background enables me to deliver clear, engaging instruction while adapting to individual learning styles.

My coaching approach is highly personalised, with each lesson tailored to suit the needs and goals of the swimmer. I have coached both teenagers and adults to improve confidence, enhance technique, and develop speed—whether for competitive preparation or to build overall swimming ability.

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Book a 1-2-1 lesson with Ant

Hello Swimmers,

Anthony Davies is a highly experienced swimming and water polo coach with over 50 years of continuous teaching and coaching at all levels of the sport. Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked extensively across Cheltenham, including running his own successful swim school, delivering programmes within local authority facilities, and teaching in many of the area’s leading independent schools.

Anthony’s coaching philosophy centres on developing strong, technically sound stroke mechanics while fostering a genuine enjoyment and lifelong love of swimming. He believes that confidence in the water and correct technique go hand in hand, forming the foundation for both recreational swimmers and competitive athletes alike.

His coaching experience spans junior, senior, and masters levels, and he has played a significant role in the development of numerous high-performing swimmers, including several who have gone on to compete at Olympic level. His depth of knowledge, patience, and commitment to each individual swimmer have earned him a reputation as a respected swim teacher.

Anthony’s long-standing connection with Cheltenham Lido and its vibrant community has brought him back for the 2026 season, where he looks forward to continuing to share his expertise and passion with swimmers of all ages and abilities.

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Book a 1-2-1 lesson with Laura

Hi, I’m Laura, an Open Water Coach and swimming teacher at Cheltenham Lido, specialising in adult technical stroke improvement. I work with swimmers of all backgrounds, from heads-up breaststrokers and nervous front crawl learners to confident swimmers and competitive triathletes.

My coaching is person-centred and adult-focused. That means no generic drills, no child-style teaching, and no pressure, just clear explanations, thoughtful progression, and sessions built entirely around your goals.

I was trained by Olympic 10km silver medallist Keri-anne Payne, and combine high-level technical knowledge with a calm, supportive coaching style. Together, we’ll identify what you want from swimming and create a clear, achievable path to get you there, whether that’s swimming with confidence, efficiency, fitness, or joy.

I can help you with:

·        Moving from heads-up to relaxed, heads-down swimming
·        Transitioning from breaststroke to confident front crawl
·        Stroke improvement and efficiency at any level
·        Building confidence and maintaining motivation
·        Event preparation for open water swims and triathlons
·        Open water skills and cold-water confidence
·        Adaptive swimming for people with disabilities or long-term conditions

I swim outdoors year-round and have completed lake, river, and sea events, so I understand both the physical and mental demands of open water swimming. I’m passionate about sharing not only technical skills, but also the huge physiological and mental health benefits of swimming outdoors.

Alongside coaching, I’m a Director of Level Water, the charity that gives children with disabilities access to swimming lessons, raising funds through iconic events such as the Dart 10K and the 24-Hour Swim Series.

If you’re ready to improve your swimming, gain confidence, and enjoy the water in a way that works for you, I’d love to help.

Suitable for swimmers aged 14+ with prior swimming experience.
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Book a 1-2-1 lesson with Maddie

Hello! I absolutely love the water and when I am not in it I am on it rowing! I enjoy working with children to find what they enjoy in the water and working on those skills to develop their passions. I teach beginners from their first time in the water through to coaching and developing strokes to either a competitive or pleasure level. I have been teaching for 6 years at a variety of pools across Gloucestershire, my favourite stroke is breast stroke and I love diving! I am enthusiastic and bring lots of energy to all of my lessons making sure that they are adapted to suit each child individually. My approach to teaching is relaxed and reassuring, making sure that all swimmers have a positive experience in the pool and want to come back for more.

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