Category: Sports & ActiveSee venue photos

Sports & Active

Applemore Health & Leisure

Hythe and Dibden, Hampshire· SO45 5TN

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 30 public reviews (Dec 2023 – Jun 2026)

43/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

High confidence

Based on the 30 most recent of this venue's many Google reviews.

Breakdown

NoiseChallenging

Crowds & queuesOK

Staff supportOK

PredictabilityMixed

Calm spacesMixed

Book ahead for equipmentCan get crowdedGood soft play areaStaff stretched but helpfulLarge changing roomsFrequent maintenance issues

Parent summary

Applemore Health & Leisure has good facilities including a large gym, soft play area, and spacious changing rooms that many families find valuable. The staff generally work hard to help. The venue can be busier at certain times, which may affect equipment availability and atmosphere.

Best times to visit

Early mornings or mid-week daytime visits tend to have lower footfall, which may mean better access to equipment and a calmer atmosphere.

Worth avoiding

Peak times (evenings and weekends) can see higher footfall and activity levels.

What visitors say

Visitors consistently praise the venue's facilities—a spacious gym, well-stocked equipment, soft play area, and larger changing rooms. Staff are noted as working hard to maintain the centre despite capacity pressures. Some visitors have found customer service variable at reception, and equipment can occasionally be out of order during busier periods.

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 sessionsSEN-friendly swimming

SEN Sessions available at soft play facility with dedicated opening times
Swim teaching services offered, with SEN context mentioned in job postings

Sourced from official venue website 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 8am

7am12pm5pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 1-1.5 hours here

Potential challenges

Some visitors have experienced variable staff attitudes at reception
Equipment can occasionally be out of order during busier periods
Noise levels can be higher during peak times—worth considering depending on your child's sensory needs

What works

Soft play area available for younger children or those needing lower-intensity activity
Large, well-equipped gym with plenty of machines and free weights
Larger showers and changing rooms which provide more space and privacy
Convenient location for regular visits
Staff generally willing to support despite capacity pressures

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Toddler area Party rooms Wheelchair accessible Free parking Blue badge parking Quiet / SEN sessions

Quiet / SEN sessions

SEN sessions are available for soft play; specific times listed under opening times on their website

Tips for your visit

SEN Soft-Play Sessions specifically available - contact centre on 023 8200 0299 for details, times and booking. GymTots also offered for younger children. Activity Referral programme available. Swimming lessons (junior and adult) and multiple fitness classes offered. Book via reception, phone, online, or Freedom Leisure app. Public transport accessible via nearby bus stops.

Pricing

Pay as you go admission available, or membership required for regular visits. Membership options: Swim Direct (pool only), Gym Direct (gym and swim), Fitness Direct (all inclusive). Specific admission prices not listed on website.

Getting in & parking

Step-free entryYes
Disabled parkingYes
Wheelchair accessibleVisitors report yes
Accessible toiletYes

Accessibility details from Google.

Parking

Free parking on-site♿ Blue badge spaces

Free on-site parking available for all centre users. Specific information about disabled/blue badge spaces not provided on website.

Accessibility

Venue explicitly mentions 'accessible access' and is managed in partnership with New Forest District Council with an aim to provide 'inclusive' facilities. However, specific details about wheelchair access, lifts, step-free entry, accessible toilets, or Changing Places are not provided on the website.

Opening Hours

Monday06:00-22:00

Tuesday06:00-22:00

Wednesday06:00-22:00

Thursday06:00-22:00

Friday06:00-21:00

Saturday07:30-18:00

Sunday07:30-18:00

Frequently asked questions about Applemore Health & Leisure

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is Applemore Health & Leisure autism friendly?

Applemore Health & Leisure has a mixed SEN profile, suitable for some but not all sensory needs, with an overall SEN score of 43/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. Applemore Health & Leisure has good facilities including a large gym, soft play area, and spacious changing rooms that many families find valuable. The staff generally work hard to help. The venue can be busier at certain times, which may affect equipment availability and atmosphere.

Does Applemore Health & Leisure have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure offers quiet or relaxed sessions. SEN sessions are available for soft play; specific times listed under opening times on their website

Is Applemore Health & Leisure wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Venue explicitly mentions 'accessible access' and is managed in partnership with New Forest District Council with an aim to provide 'inclusive' facilities. However, specific details about wheelchair access, lifts, step-free entry, accessible toilets, or Changing Places are not provided on the website.

Does Applemore Health & Leisure have step-free entry?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure has step-free entry.

Is there disabled parking at Applemore Health & Leisure?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure has disabled (blue badge) parking.

Are there accessible toilets at Applemore Health & Leisure?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure has an accessible toilet.

Does Applemore Health & Leisure have parking?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure has free on-site parking. Free on-site parking available for all centre users. Specific information about disabled/blue badge spaces not provided on website.

When is Applemore Health & Leisure least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, Applemore Health & Leisure is typically quietest on Monday around 6am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is Applemore Health & Leisure indoors?

Yes. Applemore Health & Leisure is an indoor sports & active in Hythe and Dibden, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

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