Category: Sports & ActiveSee venue photos

Sports & Active

The Dolphin

Haywards Heath, West Sussex· RH16 1LY

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 19 public reviews (Apr 2025 – Apr 2026) · Good confidence

38/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Breakdown

NoiseChallenging

Crowds & queuesMixed

Staff supportOK

PredictabilityMixed

Calm spacesMixed

Book well aheadFriendly staffClean facilitiesLimited off-peak slotsClear signage neededMultiple pool lanes

Parent summary

The Dolphin has genuinely helpful features—the app booking, quick entry, clean facilities, and friendly staff are real strengths that many families appreciate. The main thing to be aware of is that the booking system is quite rigid (you need to book 15 days ahead for exact time slots), and popular sessions can sell out quickly, so advance planning is important.

What visitors say

Visitors praise The Dolphin's friendly staff, clean facilities and easy app-based booking, with many highlighting the range of lanes and single-sex shower options. However, some have found the booking system rigid and sessions can sell out quickly, whilst a few have noted occasional issues with lane markings or changing room signage during their visits.

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 sessionsaccessible facilitiesdisability swimming clubsSEN events and activities

Dedicated SEND roller disco sessions monthly with £10 entry and free carer place
Accessible parking, building, toilets and changing facilities noted by SEN communities
Seahorses Swimming Club offers additional needs swimming sessions at the venue
Mid Sussex Marlins runs Starfish group for swimmers with disabilities at Haywards Heath
SEN-friendly annual events including Swimarathon with sensory considerations mentioned

Sourced from SEN community organisation, local council, disability sports club, forum 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 7am

6am2pm9pm

Weekends (Sat to Sun)

Typically quietest around 7am

6am1pm7pm

QuietModerateBusyVery busy

⏱ People typically spend 1-1.5 hours here

Potential challenges

Booking system requires advance planning (15 days minimum) and sessions for popular times sell out quickly—worth noting if flexibility is important to your family
During busier periods, the environment can be noisier and less predictable
Limited gym sessions for juniors (only 2 daily), so these may be harder to access
Some visitors have noted that changing room signage could be clearer, and the group changing room does not have shower facilities

What works

Easy app-based booking and quick entry process
Multiple pool lanes available, which can help with different sensory or confidence needs
Single-sex showers provided
Clean, well-maintained pool and changing areas
Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful
Long-term membership option available

Photos

Facilities

Cafe / food on-site Quiet / SEN sessions

Quiet / SEN sessions

S.E.N.D Roller Disco sessions run 3-4pm, specifically designed for disabled young people and those with additional needs.

Tips for your visit

Swimming lessons available for all ages and abilities, including 'Swim Happy' programme. Gymnastics and trampolining courses are adaptive for all abilities. Creche available. Health suite and treatment room on-site. Contact General Manager Andy Jones (01444 457337) for specific SEND requirements and support.

Pricing

From £31.00 per person

Membership-based pricing. Premium: from £62/month (gym, swim, classes). Swim only: from £35/month. Premium 16-18: from £31/month. Premium 19-25: from £40/month. 15 days' advance booking required for sessions. Promotional code 10OFF saves £10 on memberships.

Opening Hours

Monday06:15-22:00

Tuesday06:15-22:00

Wednesday06:15-22:00

Thursday06:15-22:00

Friday06:15-21:00

Saturday06:15-19:00

Sunday07:15-20:00

Carer & disability info

Free carer entry

Access Card accepted

One carer enters free with each paid admission for SEN roller disco sessions.

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 The Dolphin

Quick answers drawn from our venue data and review analysis.

Is The Dolphin autism friendly?

The Dolphin may be challenging for sensory-sensitive children, with an overall SEN score of 38/100 from our analysis of parent reviews. The Dolphin has genuinely helpful features—the app booking, quick entry, clean facilities, and friendly staff are real strengths that many families appreciate. The main thing to be aware of is that the booking system is quite rigid (you need to book 15 days ahead for exact time slots), and popular sessions can sell out quickly, so advance planning is important.

Does The Dolphin have quiet sessions or sensory-friendly features?

Yes. The Dolphin offers quiet or relaxed sessions. S.E.N.D Roller Disco sessions run 3-4pm, specifically designed for disabled young people and those with additional needs.

Does The Dolphin offer free entry for carers?

Yes. The Dolphin offers free entry for a carer or essential companion accompanying a disabled visitor. One carer enters free with each paid admission for SEN roller disco sessions.

Does The Dolphin accept the Access Card?

Yes. The Dolphin accepts the Access Card, which communicates your access requirements without needing to explain them each visit.

When is The Dolphin least busy?

Based on Google visitor data, The Dolphin is typically quietest on Saturday around 6am. Term-time weekdays during school hours are generally calmer than weekends and school holidays.

Is The Dolphin indoors?

Yes. The Dolphin is an indoor sports & active in Haywards Heath, so it works as a rainy-day option regardless of weather.

Do I need to book in advance for The Dolphin?

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

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