October Half-Term Swimming 2025

This October Half-Term swimming programme at Horizon Leisure is designed to give children the chance to boost their skills, grow their confidence, and have plenty of fun in the water. Running from Monday 27 October to Thursday 30 October at our Waterlooville site, the 4-Day Intensive Course provides the perfect balance of learning and holiday excitement.

Swimming is one of the most important life skills a child can learn. Whether your little one is just starting out in the splash pool or is already a confident swimmer progressing through the stages, our intensive courses give them the chance to build on their abilities in a supportive environment. By practising over four consecutive days, children are able to make quicker progress, reinforce what they have already learned, and grow their confidence in the water.

Course Details

Each morning between 8.30 am and 10.30 am, children will be grouped into sessions suited to their stage of development. Younger swimmers begin in the splash pool, a shallow and comfortable environment where children can focus on water confidence and early technique without feeling overwhelmed. Those progressing through the higher stages move into the main pool, where they can put their growing skills to the test in a larger, lane-based setting.

Over the four days, swimmers will work on everything from basic floating and breathing techniques to more advanced strokes and stamina-building exercises, depending on their level. Our experienced instructors are on hand throughout, offering encouragement, guidance, and the personalised attention that makes such a difference to young swimmers.

The Mermaid Experience

Adding a little extra magic to the half-term, we are also running a Mermaid Experience session on Tuesday 28 October from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm. Children will have the chance to slip on a special mermaid tail and learn how to glide through the water just like their favourite mythical creatures. It’s a unique activity that blends fun with fitness, offering something truly memorable for your childs October half-term swimming experience.

Family Fun Floats

Alongside the intensive course and Mermaid Experience, families can also enjoy our October Half-Term swimming floats. From Tuesday 28 October to Friday 31 October, join us from 1.45 pm to 2.45 pm for a fun-filled session in the pool. With floats, inflatables, and plenty of laughter, it’s a brilliant way for families to spend quality time together during the school holidays. Tickets are £6.00 per person, with under-3s just £1.00. Please remember that accounts need to be made for anyone who has not used our centre before.

Why Choose an Intensive Course?

Regular weekly swimming lessons are fantastic for long-term development, but intensive courses offer a number of unique benefits. The consecutive-day format helps children retain and build upon what they’ve learned more quickly, boosting both skills and confidence in a short space of time. For children who may feel nervous in the water, repeated exposure across several days often helps them overcome those worries much faster.

Parents also love intensive courses because they provide structure during the school holidays. With sessions running in the mornings, children can start their day with energy and achievement before enjoying the rest of their half-term break. And with family floats and the Mermaid Experience also on offer, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family active and entertained.

Half-Term Family Open Day

We’re inviting families to a Free Family Fun Open Day on Saturday 25th October. Following the success of last year’s event, this year promises to be even bigger and better, offering something for everyone.

Throughout the day, children can enjoy the AirXtreme inflatable, while younger visitors can make the most of free soft play sessions. There are also THRIVE taster sessions, including Boxercise and Scooter Club, as well as Active8 Minds holiday activities to keep young minds engaged and active. Hampshire Healthy Families will be on hand to provide advice and support for families, and visitors can take a tour of the party rooms to see how Horizon celebrates birthdays in style.

The open day is the perfect opportunity to explore the centre, try out new activities, and enjoy quality family time all completely free. Sessions can be booked online from 18th October to secure your spot.

Book Your Place Today

Spaces for our October Half-Term swimming courses, floats, and the Mermaid Experience are limited and always popular, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Visit our booking page or book via the app to secure your child’s place and give them the chance to learn, improve, and have fun this October Half-Term at Horizon Waterlooville.