Young people in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas have even more opportunities to get active over the Easter holidays thanks to BH Live’s expanding programme of junior activities for all ages.
Whatever the weather, there is lots for families to see and do at their local leisure centre.
Swimming crash courses are running to help youngsters top up on their water skills. Extra Wet & Wacky sessions are also running at BH Live Active Pelhams, Littledown, Stokewood, and Corfe Mullen to encourage more children to have fun in the water. Extra pool inflatable sessions are running too on Crusher at Littledown and Raptor Run at Pelhams
There’s even more fun at AirJumpX, a giant indoor bounce attraction and obstacle course at Sir David English Sports Centre.
New for this year are multi-sports holiday camps at Sir David English Sports Centre. Full of action-packed games and activities for children aged 5-11 years, spaces can be booked online via the BH Live Active website. Providing young people with activity and food during the school holidays, some places are also available for children in receipt of benefits-based free school meals via BCP Council’s HAF (Holiday Activities and food programme) funding*.
There are lots of opportunities for families to get active together too, such as Athletics, Family Gym sessions, Mini Movers for tots, and Trampolining. There are also soft play areas for under 5s at Terrace Cafés at Littledown, Pelhams and Corfe Mullen.
Charles Cole’s Easter Special Family Fun returns to Littledown Park from Saturday 5 April – Monday 21 April 2025, bringing family rides, crazy golf, and meet and greet with costumed characters.
In addition, eagle-eyed visitors may also spot some Julia’s House Great Tail Trail sculptures at Littledown, Pelhams, and Sir David English Sports Centre. More information about the Great Tail Trail can be found online.
In the BCP region, BH Live Active, Queen’s Park and Corfe Mullen are operated by BH Live. Sir David English Sports Centre is operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth School Charitable Trust. Littledown, Pelhams and Stokewood are operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Rob Cunningham, BH Live’s Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared:
“During the school holidays, there’s a packed programme of classes, activities and attractions to keep young people across the region entertained and active. With our ongoing commitment to investment and the creativity of our incredible programming team, we’re bringing more fun than ever to our centres to ensure everyone has a memorable and active holiday experience.”
Facilities and timetables vary per centre. For class and activity timetables and to book head over to the BH Live Active app or visit bhliveactive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*HAF funding provides free holiday activity places for children and young people in receipt of benefits-based free school meals, from reception year to age 16.
A meal is also provided whilst the child or young person is at the activity. Additionally, the programme provides nutritional education for children and their families and signposting to other support services for families.
More information about the scheme and eligibility can be found online.
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. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
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 | Instagram @bhliveuk
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 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 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 Technogym’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. A £240K investment to refurbish the five-a-side football pitches completed in November 2024.
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 registered 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 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 opened in 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, 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
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, 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