Discover 15 hidden gems at local leisure facilities across the South – plus 15 more to explore nationwide
Looking for fun, affordable ways to stay active with your family this summer? National leisure centre operator Parkwood Leisure launches activity-packed list highlighting the “things you probably didn’t know you could do at your local leisure facilities” which won’t break the bank!
As many parents gear up for the school summer holidays, the cost of living, coupled with the lack of accessible activities, can fill them with dread. Summer holidays should be a time for adventure and making memories, but for many children, they mean weeks of inactivity. While the solution seems obvious in the shape of holiday clubs, the average cost of holiday clubs surged past £1,000 in 2024, making structured activities increasingly out of reach for many families.[1]
Parkwood has created a list of 15 exciting activities across the south of England – from scuba diving training and roller skating lessons to line dancing and walking sports, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
15 Unexpected Activities in the South of England
- Atlantis Splash
- X-treme Air
- Rowing boats and pedalos
- Scuba diving training
- Roller skating lessons
- Line dancing
- Aerial yoga
- Walking football and netball
- 50s and over classes
- Good Boost sessions
- Bowls club
- ESCAPE-Pain Programme
- Deaf badminton
- Arthritis Action coffee mornings
- Body composition analysis
But why stop there? We’ve also put together 15 more activities from all corners of the country to inspire your next adventure. Whether planning a day out or a weekend trip, these nationwide options are perfect for families looking to explore new places and try new things, all while staying active and having fun.
15 More to Try Across the UK
- Accessible golf sessions
- Ziplining
- Rock climbing
- Archery
- Raft building
- Active Reality
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Surf clubs
- Caving
- Gorge walk
- Sword fighting
- Martial Arts
- Underwater hockey
- Ski and snowboard training
- SEN sessions
Glen Hall, Managing Director at Parkwood Leisure, said: “Most people view leisure centres as just a place for gym and swim, but the reality is leisure provision has significantly evolved, with a huge range of activities designed to be accessible for all. Parkwood Leisure is at the heart of local communities across the UK, providing inclusive spaces where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can stay active, learn new skills and connect with others. This campaign is a testament to the vital role leisure facilities continue to play in fostering inclusivity and improved wellbeing for local communities.”
From adrenaline-pumping sports to inclusive community-led programmes, Parkwood’s centres continue to find creative ways to keep people active and engaged, proving that fun and fitness go hand in hand.
Visit www.leisurecentre.com to discover the full list of activities and the leisure facilities in your local area and beyond.
For further information, please contact [email protected]
Full list of activities:
- Good Boost sessions/MSK Hub
- Arthritis Action coffee morning
- X-treme Air
- Body composition analysis
- Sword fighting
- Atlantis Splash
- Bump Boost sessions – AI personalised workouts
- Accessible golf sessions
- Conquer the outdoors [ziplining, rock climbing, archery, raft building]
- Scuba diving training
- Physiotherapy
- See a GP
- Martial arts [Kuk Sool Won, Karate, Kobudo (only one in the UK)]
- Underwater hockey
- Walking netball (walking sports)
- Active Reality (VR workouts)
- ESCAPE-Pain Programme
- Blood donation
- Aerial yoga
- Caving
- Gorge walk
- Rookie lifeguard training
- Over 50’s activities
- Roller skating lessons
- Ski and snowboard training
- Surf lifesaving clubs
- SEN sessions
- Rowing boats and pedalos
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Litter picking
About Parkwood Leisure
Parkwood Leisure’s mission is to create strong, lasting partnerships, built on a foundation of efficient and effective delivery, to encourage happier and healthier lifestyles.
Parkwood Leisure offers bespoke management services for a range of leisure & cultural facilities and health & wellbeing services. Our unique approach is backed by more than 25 years of experience, which has seen the organisation grow to managing more than 85 leisure, golf, theatre and visitor facilities across England and Wales, working with our subcontractors Lex Leisure CIC, Legacy Leisure, Creating Active Futures and our subsidiary company 1Life.
Consumers can find their local leisure facility at www.leisurecentre.com
[1]Coram Family and Childcare: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c10lq89e053o
