Category: Sports & ActiveSee venue photos

Sports & Active

Andover Leisure Centre

Andover, Hampshire· SP10 1QP

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 24 public reviews (Aug 2025 – May 2026)

38/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

High confidence

Based on the 24 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews.

Breakdown

NoiseChallenging

Crowds & queuesMixed

Staff supportMixed

PredictabilityMixed

Calm spacesOK

Book aheadMixed-age chaosSafety concernsFriendly staffSlippery floorsParking difficult

Parent summary

Andover Leisure Centre has helpful staff and a structured approach to bookings that many families appreciate. The pool itself offers a nice variety of equipment. However, pool safety management during busier times can feel variable—some visitors have reported mixed age groups and differing levels of supervision, so understanding session types when you book may help you find a better fit for your child.

Best times to visit

Structured, smaller group sessions or dedicated family swim times tend to have clearer predictability and may feel calmer. Contact the centre directly to ask about sessions with clearer age/ability separation and supervision levels.

Worth avoiding

General public swim times, especially during school holidays or peak hours, when the pool may experience mixed age groups and higher noise levels.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise the staff friendliness and structured approach at Andover Leisure Centre, with many noting successful swim sessions and well-maintained facilities. Some parents have raised concerns about pool safety during busier times—including slippery floors, limited lifeguard vigilance reported by some visitors, and mixed-age use—so checking the nature of sessions available and visiting during quieter times may give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionsswimming provisionaccessible facilitiesdisability sports programmes

Inflataplanet offers dedicated SEN soft play sessions alongside standard activities
Swimming lessons available; some families report difficulty accessing one-to-one instruction slots
Andover and District Sports Association for the Disabled (ADSAD) runs swimming programmes at centre
Centre noted as hosting specialist school activities (Grateley House School autism provision)
Changing Places facility available for those with complex disabilities

Sourced from Facebook parenting groups, leisure provider website, disability sports organisation, local council news within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

When to visit

Typical busyness patterns based on Google Maps visitor data. Term-time and school holidays will vary.

Weekdays (Mon to Fri)

Typically quietest around 6am

6am2pm9pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 5pm

7am1pm6pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 1-1.5 hours here

Potential challenges

Pool safety enforcement and lifeguard vigilance can vary—younger or smaller children may find themselves alongside older/larger swimmers during mixed sessions
Parking can be difficult; you may want to allow extra time for arrival
Floor surfaces around the pool area can be slippery; appropriate footwear or close supervision may be needed

What works

Friendly, accommodating staff who engage well with families
Easy online booking system
Structured induction process to help you get oriented
Good variety of toys and inflatables available
Changing rooms generally kept clean
Staff trained to support health and additional needs

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Changing Places toilet Wheelchair accessible Blue badge parking Quiet / SEN sessions Wheelchair loan

Quiet / SEN sessions

SEN-friendly sessions available for families with SEN children, siblings welcome. 45-minute sessions offered.

Sensory environment

Centre has partnered with 'What's It Like?' to provide sensory information for those with additional sensory needs. Specific sensory details (noise levels, lighting, quiet areas) available via What's It Like? resource but not detailed on main website.

Tips for your visit

Booking required for activities (15 days' advance booking available). Swimming lessons available including 'Swim Happy' programme. Gymnastics programme available, developed by British Gymnastics, suitable for building confidence and social skills. Soft play and splash pad available for younger children. Holiday opening hours differ from standard times. Contact General Manager Ian Souch (01264 347100) for specific SEND support and accessibility questions.

Pricing

From £29.00 per person

Membership-based pricing. Premium membership from £48/month (includes gym, swim, classes). Swim-only membership from £31/month. Discounted rates for ages 16-18 (from £29/month) and 19-25 (from £33/month). No day-pass or casual admission prices stated on website.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleYes
Accessible toiletYes

Visitors report: Blue Badge holders have specified car parking spaces and may park for free all day.

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Paid parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Accessible disabled parking available on-site. Website does not specify if parking is free or paid, or distance from entrance.

Accessibility

Good physical access: wheelchair ramps, accessible turnstiles, lift, accessible lockers, accessible showers, accessible pool chair, pool hoist. Changing Places facility available. Assistance dogs welcome. IFI accredited equipment. No information on accessible seating areas.

Opening Hours

Monday06:00-22:00

Tuesday06:00-22:00

Wednesday06:00-22:00

Thursday06:00-22:00

Friday06:00-22:00

Saturday07:30-18:30

Sunday07:30-18:30

Carer & disability info

Sunflower Lanyard recognised

This information is gathered from publicly available sources and may not be fully accurate or up to date. Please always check directly with the venue before visiting.

What are these cards?

Frequently asked questions about Andover Leisure Centre

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Andover Leisure Centre autism friendly?

Andover Leisure Centre may be challenging for sensory-sensitive children, with an overall SEN score of 38/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Andover Leisure Centre has helpful staff and a structured approach to bookings that many families appreciate. The pool itself offers a nice variety of equipment. However, pool safety management during busier times can feel variable—some visitors have reported mixed age groups and differing levels of supervision, so understanding session types when you book may help you find a better fit for your child.

Does Andover Leisure Centre have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre offers quiet or relaxed sessions. SEN-friendly sessions available for families with SEN children, siblings welcome. 45-minute sessions offered.

Is Andover Leisure Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Good physical access: wheelchair ramps, accessible turnstiles, lift, accessible lockers, accessible showers, accessible pool chair, pool hoist. Changing Places facility available. Assistance dogs welcome. IFI accredited equipment. No information on accessible seating areas.

Does Andover Leisure Centre have step-free entry?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Andover Leisure Centre?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at Andover Leisure Centre?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre has an accessible toilet.

Does Andover Leisure Centre have a Changing Places toilet?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre has a Changing Places toilet with the additional equipment and space needed by visitors with complex disabilities.

Does Andover Leisure Centre recognise the Sunflower Lanyard?

Yes. Staff at Andover Leisure Centre are aware of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard scheme and trained to offer discreet support to visitors wearing one.

Does Andover Leisure Centre have parking?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre has paid on-site parking. Accessible disabled parking available on-site. Website does not specify if parking is free or paid, or distance from entrance.

When is Andover Leisure Centre least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Andover Leisure Centre is typically quietest on Sunday around 6pm. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Andover Leisure Centre indoors?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre is an indoor sports & active in Andover, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

Do I need to book in advance for Andover Leisure Centre?

Yes. Andover Leisure Centre requires advance booking. Book through the venue's website or by phone before visiting. Same-day entry without a booking is not guaranteed.

Help us improve this listing

Spotted something wrong with our Andover Leisure Centre listing, or have feedback to share? Let us know.