Littledown Centre Bournemouth
A vibrant leisure centre offering fitness, family fun, and community programs, with highly-rated aqua classes and a popular kids' play area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for aqua classes
Littledown Centre Bournemouth
Best Time
Ideal for aqua classes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant leisure centre offering fitness, family fun, and community programs, with highly-rated aqua classes and a popular kids' play area.
"Thanks to these classes I'm already feeling more confident in my abilities and getting stronger day by day."
🎯 Book Aqua Classes Early
These popular sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot. :admission_tickets:
🧼 Check Pitch Conditions
Football pitches can sometimes have litter. Inspect before your game or consider alternatives. :soccer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aqua and Hydro Therapy
Pools
Gentle yet effective water-based workouts for all ages and abilities, perfect for recovery and fitness. Feel the difference!
Family Funland
Indoor Play Area
Kids love the 2-hour play sessions with numerous rides, offering great value for family outings. A dinosaur sighting is a bonus!
Community Fitness Programs
Various Facilities
Programs like CHAIN offer support and education for those with hip arthritis, fostering a welcoming community.
Christmas Market
Littledown Leisure Centre
A festive gathering with handmade crafts and unique gifts, perfect for holiday shopping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Classes
Pitch Conditions Can Vary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Aqua Classes Early
These popular sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot. :admission_tickets:
🧼 Check Pitch Conditions
Football pitches can sometimes have litter. Inspect before your game or consider alternatives. :soccer:
💰 Locker Coin Issues
Locker mechanisms can be faulty; your coin might fall through. Be prepared! :moneybag:
🧖♀️ Spa Access Times
The spa area's limited hours are a drawback for some. Inquire about extended access if needed. :sauna:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Aqua Classes Early
These popular sessions fill up fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot. :admission_tickets:
🧼 Check Pitch Conditions
Football pitches can sometimes have litter. Inspect before your game or consider alternatives. :soccer:
💰 Locker Coin Issues
Locker mechanisms can be faulty; your coin might fall through. Be prepared! :moneybag:
🧖♀️ Spa Access Times
The spa area's limited hours are a drawback for some. Inquire about extended access if needed. :sauna:
✨ Family Funland Value
Two-hour wristbands are great value for kids, offering plenty of rides for the price.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Littledown Centre receives praise for its effective aqua and hydro classes, which are highly beneficial for recovery and fitness, and its Family Funland offers great value for kids. However, some visitors have noted issues with the maintenance of football pitches and the cleanliness of changing rooms and showers, alongside concerns about spa access times.
"This place has changed my life. A referral made by my physio after a long recovery from slipped discs and sciatica, I headed here to meet Rachel. She helped by talking through the plan going forward after hearing my story. I have a gym membership now and have started by swimming and attending aqua classes which you can book easily on line when available. They are amazing! So far I've done the hydro classes on weekday mornings, and the rehab class on a Wednesday evening. Different instructors each time but all have been so enjoyable. A great workout which you can do to your comfort levels. Each time I've left the pool I've felt like jelly without having the discomfort during the class. Thanks to these classes I'm already feeling more confident in my abilities and getting stronger day by day. All ages and abilities are welcome and I would highly recommend."
Lala BeeGee
"Returning to Littledown to play football for the first time in a number of years I was incredibly disappointed and frustrated.
1. The pitches are covered in litter. No one is taking pride in the state of the pitches. Cigarette butts, banana skins, wrappers of every description all over.
2. The goal nets have numerous holes.
3. Kids (who definitely hadn’t paid to be there) without adult supervision, were hanging off the goals, tipping them over, on their bikes on the pitches.
4. The sun wasn’t visible and the lights didn’t come on for 30 minutes of the game. They also turned off 5 minutes before the end of the session which we pay for.
5. When I called reception it just rang endlessly no one ever answered.
Overall it was a pretty poor experience and have moved our weekly games to alternative venues.
Suggestion for the team at Littledown, someone take ownership. Structure into the working week a cleaning schedule for the mess & have a staff member down by the pitches for general enquiries (eg why have the lights turned off) & stopping the abuse of the facilities (normally by ignorant kids with no zero consideration)"
Jake Street
"Not sure why I am paying £33 a month for me and my child to shower in actual mould. Absolutely disgusting women’s showers. Also the bottom of the locker mechanisms have gone so your coin falls straight on the floor and rolls away, when you open your locker. The changing rooms and showers were also filthy despite there being numerous mops leant against walls."
Ryan Glover
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Littledown Centre is accessible by car and public transport. Several bus routes serve the area, making it convenient for visitors. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Littledown Centre for visitors.
Local bus services provide good connections to the Littledown Centre from various parts of Bournemouth.
Cycling is a great option for local visitors, with facilities likely available for bike storage.
Located in Bournemouth, the Littledown Centre is a well-known facility, making it relatively easy to navigate to.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry costs vary depending on the activity. For example, Family Funland wristbands are around £10 for a 2-hour slot.
It's highly recommended to book popular classes like aqua and hydro sessions online in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
Opening hours can vary by facility and day. It's best to check the official BH Live website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, various membership tiers are available, offering access to different facilities and classes. Some members have expressed dissatisfaction with shower conditions despite paying monthly fees.
The spa area, including saunas, is available but its opening hours may not align with other facilities, which some users find inconvenient.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
Littledown offers a range of activities including swimming, aqua classes, gym facilities, football pitches, and a Family Funland.
The pools are generally well-regarded, especially for aqua and hydro classes, which are praised for their effectiveness and enjoyable instructors.
The Family Funland is a hit with kids, offering a 2-hour play session with numerous rides that provide good value for money.
Some visitors have reported issues with litter and damaged goal nets on the football pitches, suggesting a need for better upkeep.
The atmosphere can be mixed. While many find the fitness classes welcoming and effective, some users have reported negative experiences, including xenophobic incidents and poor facility maintenance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on specific food and dining options within the Littledown Centre is limited in user-generated content. It's advisable to check their facilities directly.
Specific policies on bringing outside food are not detailed in the provided content. It's recommended to check with the venue.
Details about a cafe are not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews or social media posts.
Bournemouth town centre, a short distance away, offers a wide variety of dining establishments.
While specific dining is not highlighted, the Family Funland suggests it's a family-friendly destination, so casual options might be available.
📸 📸 Photography
While not a primary tourist attraction for photography, the Family Funland offers fun shots of children enjoying themselves.
Photography policies in swimming areas can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful of other users' privacy.
The Family Funland and any special events like the Christmas market or fireworks display are likely the most photogenic areas.
As a leisure centre, its photogenic appeal is more focused on activity and events rather than scenic views.
General rules of public spaces usually apply. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in changing rooms or private areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a perfect spot for a fun-filled day out, especially during holidays. Remember to check the booking requirements for specific time slots to ensure your visit goes smoothly. While the Family Funland is a hit, be aware that other areas like the football pitches might have maintenance issues.
💪 Fitness Enthusiasts
For those seeking rehabilitation or specific health programs, the CHAIN programme for hip arthritis offers a supportive environment.
While the gym facilities and pitches are available, be mindful of potential maintenance issues on the pitches. 🚶♀️ Individuals Seeking Recovery
The CHAIN programme is another excellent resource for those dealing with specific health conditions like hip arthritis, offering a structured and supportive environment.
The gentle nature of water-based exercises makes them ideal for regaining mobility and reducing discomfort. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fitness and Wellness Programs
Beyond the pool, the centre offers gym facilities and football pitches. However, potential visitors should be aware that the maintenance of the football pitches has been a point of criticism, with reports of litter and damaged equipment.
The spa area, including saunas, is available but its operating hours have been a point of contention, with some members wishing for earlier access to align with workout recovery needs.
Family and Community Events
It's a place where children can have a brilliant time with friends, and sometimes even encounter a dinosaur! Beyond regular facilities, Littledown hosts various community events. These include markets, such as the Little Pickles Market
and a festive Christmas market, where local artisans and vendors showcase their goods. The centre also participates in larger community events, like hosting firework displays on Bonfire Night. While the centre aims to be a welcoming space, there have been isolated reports of negative social interactions, including a xenophobic incident reported by a user.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit