This month, young people can look forward to a bumper selection of classes, activities and attractions at BH Live Active leisure and sports centres across Portsmouth and the BCP region.
Registered charity and social enterprise BH Live operate many of the sport and leisure centres in the region in partnership with their respective local authorities. Recently they have expanded their junior activity programme to encourage children of all ages and abilities to have fun staying active throughout the October half-term.
Swimming crash courses, gymnastics camps, basketball, athletics, tennis skills sessions, trampolining, Bounce & Play sessions, sports holiday clubs, and much more will be on offer with tons of fun to be had whatever the weather.
There are activities suitable for children of all ages including babies, pre-school and juniors up to the ages of 17 – visit the school holiday timetable to see what classes are available at your local centre.
Additional inflatable sessions will run to encourage more children to jump, bounce and play throughout their autumn break. In Bournemouth, these include The Crusher pool inflatable at Littledown. AirJumpX, an indoor bounce attraction at Sir David English Sports Centre, and Raptor Run at Pelhams, a brand-new pool attraction that opened this summer. Soft play for tots aged 5 and under is also available at Terrace Cafés at Littledown, Pelhams and Corfe Mullen in Bournemouth and East Dorset.
Those looking for a spooky fix can enjoy Littledown’s Halloween disco, which will take place from 1pm-5pm on Thursday 31 October 2024. Visitors can expect games, dancing competitions, fancy dress competitions, and tons of disco fun. More information can be found on Littledown’s Facebook event page.
In Portsmouth, young people aged 8+ are challenged to tackle pool attraction AquaDash! at Mountbatten Centre. Navigating a hump, demolition ball, basher wall, and much more, children will dash across this epic aqua obstacle course before making a splash on the 5ft challenge slide. Extra public swimming sessions, including Wet & Wacky, have also been added to Mountbatten’s swimming timetable following customer demand.
Additionally, Portsmouth’s largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction – Exploria at Pyramids in Southsea – will hold multiple sessions throughout the holidays, allowing children to play interactive games, climb, whizz down themed slides, jump into foam pits, and much more. On Sunday 27 October 2024, themed Play & Bounce Halloween sessions will be taking place between 3pm-5pm with live DJ music, games, and a raffle. More information can be found on Exploria’s Facebook event page.
Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared:
“We’re delighted to offer an abundant programme of activities this October half term to keep young people, and their families engaged and active. Thanks to additional investment into new attractions this summer, there’s lots more for young people across Portsmouth and the BCP region to see and do when visiting their local leisure centre.”
Facilities and timetables vary per centre – please visit the BH Live Active app or bhliveactive.org.uk and exploria.org.uk for more info.
Some activities and classes are included as part of BH Live Active’s junior membership (T&Cs apply) – more information is available at bhliveactive.org.uk/junior-membership.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Driven by a mission to improve communities BH Live is dedicated to providing inclusive cultural experiences and promoting physical activity for all.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us: LinkedIn, X – @BHLIVE_UK | Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Littledown Centre
Littledown is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in 47 acres of parkland, Littledown has some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country.
It is ranked among the top performing leisure centres in the UK, is accredited by quality scheme QUEST and is a National Fitness Award winner for the Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year and finalist for the Best Group Exercise Gym of the Year.
It has more than 1.2 million attendances a year and is home to clubs including BH Live’s Swimming Academy, Swim Bournemouth, Littledown Juniors Football Club and Play Football. Indoor facilities include 25-metre and 17-metre swimming pools for lane swimming, public swimming sessions, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a splash pool, steam room and sauna.
The venue has one of the largest gyms in the region complete with activity programmes for young people, and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with a long-term health condition. There are multiple training zones with ground level and lift access. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness with cardio equipment, free weights and functional fitness training space. Hundreds of group exercise classes run seven days a week such as Group Cycle sessions, circuits, yoga, Pilates, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and Les Mills™ classes including BodyBalance, BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Sprint and more.
There is a large sports hall for events and multi-sport activities including trampolining, badminton, table tennis, football and gymnastics. Open to members and non members is Littledown’s Terrace Café (with soft play for under 5s) and Lookout at Littledown Bar (18+ only), each with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors for al fresco refueling, eating, drinking and socialising.
Outdoor features include six floodlit 3G rubber crumb training pitches, grass football pitches, parkland for recreation and events, a cricket pitch and pavilion, lake, children’s playground, a paddling pool (open summer months only), outdoor catering and free customer parking for up to three hours seven days a week. Littledown Park is also home to Littledown Miniature Railway.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Littledown. Customers get free customer parking for up to 3 hours seven days a week. Charges apply for longer stays.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @littledowncentre
About Pelhams Park Leisure Centre
Located in Kinson (North Bournemouth), BH Live Active, Pelhams is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
A vibrant community hub, the team at Pelhams works closely with the local community and health groups to provide fitness and social activities for all.
High-quality fitness facilities include a recently refurbished gym (2023) with natural daylight and park views. Equipment includes Techniglym’s cardio, resistance equipment for strength and toning, free weights and functional fitness space. An exercise referral team provides guidance and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with long term health condition.
Swimming facilities include two pools with lane swimming, public swim sessions, pool-based classes, fun for young people, lessons and more. There is also a sauna for post workout relaxation.
Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Sprint, Dance, Lifting Techniques, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and so much more. There also a dedicated Technogym Group cycle studio with daily classes.
Pelhams is home to BH Live Active’s only Wellness Hub. With power-assisted exercise equipment and classes, this specialist area is a great introduction to being more active. (not included in standard adult membership; extra charges apply).
Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Outdoors there are outdoor tennis courts for hire plus floodlit 3G rubber crumb artificial training pitches.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @pelhamsparkleisurecentre
About Sir David English Sports Centre
Sir David English Sports Centre is operated by the reigistered charity BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth School Charitable Trust.
Located on East Way close to Castlepoint shopping centre, the centre has lots of high-quality fitness facilities including a well-equipped gym complete with with cardio zone, free weights area, resistance machines and functional fitness spaces.
It has a multi purpose group exercise studio with a timetable of group exercise classes running seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core, circuits, Pilates, yoga, family gym sessions and more.
The centre also is a community sports venue and a hub for club activities, promoting grassroots sports development and working closely with neighbouring schools to encourage young people to be active.
Outdoors there are three six-a-side 3G rubber crumb training pitches and eight netball courts where teams regularly train and compete on a local, regional and national level.
The centre is also home to AirJumpX, a super-sized indoor inflatable obstacle course with a giant side, jelly mountain, wipe-out balls, and assault course. Public sessions and birthday packages are available.
A brand-new Terrace Café is set to open during summer 2024.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/sir-david-english
Get social with us:
X and Instagram – @bhliveactive | Facebook – @SirDavidEnglishSportsCentre
About BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen
BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen is situated in East Dorset. It is a lively community hub, with high-quality fitness facilities for all.
It is operated by the registered charity BH Live.
The gym has two levels, each with lift, access to a cardio zone, free weights, resistance machines for strength and toning, plus functional fitness areas.
There’s a packed programme of group exercise classes running seven days a week. They include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Legs Bums and Tums, Sprint, Dance, Bootcamp, Health circuits, HIIT classes, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and much more. Plus, there is a dedicated group cycle studio with daily classes.
The swimming facilities at Corfe Mullen are bright and welcoming offering lane swimming pool-based classes and lessons. There are also steam and sauna facilities.
Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
The centre is a winner of Sporta’s Impact of New Facility award, and was a Newcomer of the Year finalist in UK Active’s National Fitness Awards.
Find out more at bhlive.org.uk/corfe-mullen
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @bhliveactivecorfemullen
About Stokewood Leisure Centre
Stokewood opened as a public baths in 1930.
It is now operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in the heart of the Winton/Charminster area of Bournemouth, Stokewood is a thriving community leisure centre with circa 300,000 attendances a year.
There is a well-equipped gym which is split over two levels with lift access. The group exercises class timetable is extensive with more than 70 classes each week spanning from HIIT to spin to yoga.
In 2024, the centre’s poolside changing rooms were completely transformed with new shower facilities, lockers and toilets. Accessible changing rooms are also available.
The centre is home to local sports clubs for activities including triathlon, water polo, lifeguard training, and Kanku Shotokan Karate. Stokewood is also popular for hosting pool parties, school swimming lessons and Bournemouth Swimming Academy activities.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/stokewood
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @stokewoodleisurecentre
About BH Live Active, Queen’s Park
Situated close to Queen’s Park Golf Course near Charminster, BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is open to all seven days a week.
It is operated by the registered charity BH Live.
There are multiple well-equipped gym rooms over two floors with a full range of cardiovascular, resistance machines, free weights, functional fitness equipment, and workout zones.
Dedicated wellbeing areas and fitness studios include a brand new Technogym Group Cycle experience and a studio for mindfulness and relaxation.
There is a weekly timetable of classes and activities including Les Mills TM BodyPump, BodyBalance, Sprint, RPM, BodyAttack, yoga and Pilates.
Additional features at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park include a Terrace Café complete with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Entry into BH Live Active, Queen’s Park is via a set of stairs – there is no ground level access into or around, the building. Alternative facilities with ground-level access and lift facilities are available at Littledown, Stokewood, Sir David English Sports Centre and Pelhams Park.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Queen’s Park. All visitors must register vehicles in centre on arrival to get free customer parking for up to 2.5 hours per visit.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/queens-park
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @bhliveactivequeenspark
These leisure centres are owned by Portsmouth City Council and run by registered charity BH Live.
Mountbatten Leisure Centre – Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large well equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. Dedicated training areas have lots of cardio kit to choose from, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, group cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and an eight-court sports hall where multi-sport activities and events are held throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non members a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
From August 2024, ANPR will be in operation. There is free customer parking for up to four hours seven days a week with accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten
Get social with us: X & Facebook @mountbattenlc | Instagram @bhliveactive
Pyramids Centre – BH Live Active, Pyramids is situated in Southsea overlooking the beach and Solent. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness. The centre has state-of-the-art Technogym fitness equipment in an airy spacious gym with a wide range of functional fitness, strength and cardio activities. There is a dedicated assessment area for those who are new to exercise complete with fitness tracking technology to help set activity goals.
Pyramids has four activity studios. The Glasshouse and Solent each have stunning seaviews. There is also the region’s only dedicated HIIT studio running circuits style HIT classes and a Technogym Group cycle studio. Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Group Cycling, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Yoga, Pilates and classes as part of the Les MillsTM programme including BodyPump, BodyCombat and Core.
As part of BH Live Active’s multisite membership, members can also use the gym, pools and classes at Mountbatten and Charter.
Next to Pyramids is a public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. Up to 90 minutes of free parking is available for customers attending the gym or a class – ask or register in centre. There is also free roadside parking along Clarance Esplanade after 6pm. This car park adjacent to Pyramids is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/pyramids
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @Pyramids.Centre
Exploria – Exploria at Pyramids in Southsea opened in 2021. It is Portsmouth’s largest indoor soft play and bounce attraction. With a range of exciting experiences, Exploria stimulates play for children aged 6 months and upwards. A tantalising sense of wonder and extreme fun across three connected worlds gives children plenty of action to amaze and delight. Everything, from floor to ceiling, evokes a sense of mystery with lots of jumps, leaps and thrills. All safely rightsized to inspire juniors, toddlers and babies alike.
The bounce zone is great for burning off tons of energy. The diving tower with air bag is perfect for the bravest of explorers. There are interactive games, themed slides. agility parkour, battle beams and foam pits too. Our play zone features ball pits, spider’s web and cargo climbing, a rope bridge skywalk, bash bags, tunnels, rollers, beams plus a dodge ball shoot out. And the baby and toddler zone has all things Exploria, but downsized for little ones of preschool age. There are quieter SEN play and bounce sessions plus a dedicated sensory room with stimulating lights, sound and touch. Four themed party rooms based on Volcanos, an underwater world, Mayan Ruins and Egyptian tomb – great for celebrating special occasions and birthdays, A dedicated Exploria café serves delicious snacks, light bites and drinks. And there’s toilets, accessible facilities, baby change, lockers, and a buggy park too. Exploria can accommodate school group bookings too – a great way to reward a class or year group.
For more and to book online visit exploria.org.uk
Get social with us on Facebook & Instagram @exploriauk
Exploria is located at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3ST.
There is a pay and display public car park with 154 parking spaces including six accessible spaces. This car park is managed by Portsmouth City Council and parking charges apply. – see website for details https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/
“Great fun, good place to go with family and kids. nice, clean, friendly. I recommend this place for families and kids.”
Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre – Located in Hilsea, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre and next to Mountbatten, Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre is one the leading gymnastics facilities in the country.
A purpose-built gymnastics training facility provides young people and adults the opportunity to develop to a competition level with an artistic and acrobatic gymnastics club programme.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/gymnastics-centre
Get social with us:
Facebook @PortsmouthGymnasticsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Portsmouth Tennis Centre – Situated in the north of Portsmouth (Hilsea) next to Mountbatten. Portsmouth Tennis Centre consists of four indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts.
There is a comprehensive coaching programme caters for all ages and abilities. Sessions are available for tots, juniors, adults and also includes variations of the sport such as cardio tennis and touch tennis.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/tennis-centre
Get social with us:
X @PortsTennis | Facebook @PortsmouthTC | Instagram@PortsmouthTennisCentre
Wimbledon Park Sports Centre – Located a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre has a large sports hall with access to activities such as badminton and indoor sports.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/wimbledon-park
Get social with us:
Facebook @WimbledonParkSportsCentre | X & Instagram @bhliveactive
Charter Community Sports Centre – Located in Portsmouth’s busy university district, a five-minute drive from Portsmouth city centre, Charter Community Sports Centre offers access to swimming, gym, group exercise classes and sports hall activities. There is also an outdoor multi-use games area.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/charter
Get social with us: Facebook @CharterCommunitySC | X & Instagram @bhliveactive