October Half Term 2026 swimming crash courses
🏊♀️ October half term swimming crash courses – Build skills and confidence in just 5 days!
Looking for a fun and effective way to boost your child’s swimming skills this October half term?
Our Swimming Crash Courses are the perfect way to help children aged 4 and above gain confidence in the water, improve technique, and stay active during the half term break.
💧 What’s Included:
- A 5-day course with a 30-minute lesson each day
- Small group sessions led by qualified, friendly instructors
- A focus on water confidence, safety, and skill development
- Suitable for beginners and improvers alike
With prices starting from just £6.32 per lesson, it’s a cost-effective way to give your child a head start in the pool.
📅 Course Dates & Locations:
📍Poplar Baths Leisure Centre
📆26 – 30 October 2026
🕛30-minute lessons available between 9am and 12pm
⭐ Stages 1-3
📍Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
📆26 – 30 October 2026
🕛30-minute lessons available between 9am and 12pm
⭐ Stages 1-3 and SEND courses available
🖱️ How to Book:
Click the button below to view available sessions and secure your child’s place. Just select the centre you’d like to book for and select ‘Junior group swimming lessons.’
🧒 Who Can Join?
These courses are open to children aged 4 years and above. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their technique, our crash courses are tailored to support their progress in a fun, safe environment.
Spots are limited and fill up fast—so don’t miss out on this splash-tastic opportunity to make waves this October half term!
*New* SEND Course info
Our new SEND courses follow the Swim England alpha step awards that are tailored to children who made initial support. Alpha step awards are great for encouraging shy/timid children, nervous individual and individuals with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Our SEND groups are kept small and teachers teach based around needs and offer guidance to both children and accompanying adults on all aspects of swimming and safety.
Please note our SEND courses require an accompanying adult to be in the water.
📍Available at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
*New* Adult Crash course
By popular demand, we’re now running crash courses for adults too!
Our adult crash courses are aimed at beginners and those looking to improve their water confidence. Whether you’re new to the water or have some experience, our crash courses will accelerate your swimming progress in just 5 days.
Course dates and locations
📍Mile End Park Leisure Centre
📆Monday 19th – 23rd October 2026
Course 1: 7:00 – 7:45am
Course 2: 7:45 – 8:30am
📍Poplar Baths Leisure Centre
📆Monday 26th – 30th October 2026
Course 1: 7:00 – 7:45am
Course 2: 7:45 – 8:30am
£48 per person
Summer Holiday Activities 2026
Family fun starts here!
Join us this summer across our six centres for swimming, sports, play and more.
From toddlers to teens, we have something for everyone. Book today and make the most of your summer!
Check out all our activities and courses below, with activities as little as £4.99!
Book by selecting the relevant centre and select ‘Summer activities’
John Orwell Sports Centre
Multi Sports Camp (Ages 8+)
A high energy camp offering a variety of sports and activities.
Monday to Wednesday
9.30am – 12.30pm (session 1)
2pm – 5pm (session 2)
£15 per session
Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
Parent and child pool time with soft play (under 2s)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am – 12pm
Sundays 12.30pm – 3pm
£4.99 per session
SEND sensory play sessions
Inclusive sessions designed to support children in a calm welcoming environment.
Under 8s: Tuesdays 10.30am – 11.30am and Saturdays 2pm-3pm
Over 8s: Thursdays 10.30am – 11.30am
£4.99 per session
Poplar Baths Leisure Centre
Soft & Wet Play
Bouncy castle, tumble and wet play sessions
Wednesday
9:30-10.15am (2-5 years)
10:45 – 11:30am (6-8 years)
12.00 – 12:45 (2-5 years)
Thursday
9:30-10.15am (2-5 years)
10:45 – 11:30am (6-8 years)
12.00 – 12:45 (2-5 years)
£10.50 per session.
Tiller Leisure Centre
Parent and child pool time with soft play (Under 2s)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays 10am-12pm
£10.50 per session
Pool inflatable sessions
Family friendly sessions packed with fun and play
Sundays 1-2pm
£10.50 per session
Please note, children must be able to swim and will have to do a short swim test before starting the session.
Whitechapel Sports Centre
Badminton Course (3 week programme)
Structured sessions focused on skill development and teamwork
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-11am, and 11am-12pm
Course dates: 10 – 28 August
£45 per course
Football course (3 week programme)
Structured sessions focused on skill development and teamwork
Tuesday and Thursday 10am-1pm
Course dates: 11 August – 27 August
£35 per course
Cricket club (2 week programme)
Structured sessions focused on skill development and teamwork
Tuesday and Thursday 10am-12pm
Course dates: 11 August – 27 August
Price per course £35
York Hall Leisure Centre
Parent and child pool time (under 2s)
Currently not running due to York Hall closure
A calm, supportive space to help little ones build confidence in the water.
Monday: 10.30am – 11.30am
Tuesday: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Wednesday: 10.30am –11.30am
Thursday: 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Friday: 10.30am – 11.30am
£4.99 per session
Summer 3 for 2 Offer 2026
Feel good this summer with a Be Well membership
Looking for a way to stay active, feel your best and make the most of the summer months? This summer we’re making it easier than ever to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
Join by 30 August and get 3 months membership for the price of 2 with our Be Well Student Membership.
Be Well Student Membership : great value fitness
Stay active for less with:
- Unlimited gym access
- Swimming
- Group exercise classes
- Health suite access (excludes Be Well The Spa access)
- Access across 6 Be Well centres
Designed to fit around student life and budgets, it’s a flexible and affordable way to keep moving all summer, whether you are home for the holidays or staying local.
With the 3 for 2 offer, you’ll save £32.90.
Join this summer.
From yoga, self defence classes, swimming sessions to saunas and steam rooms, there’s something for everyone.
Join by 30 August 2026 to take advantage of this limited time offer.
Live well with Be Well.
Offers available for Be Well Student Memberships only.
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer available until 30 August 2026 only.
Watch the biggest matches live at York Hall ⚽
Watch the World Cup live on our giant screen at York Hall Leisure Centre
Join fellow fans and experience the World Cup live on the big screen at the iconic York Hall. A welcoming space for fans, families and friends to enjoy the biggest matches together.
What’s on
⚽ Kids activities
⚽ Games before kick-off
🏆 Prize draw
🍾 Drinks available for purchase
Your first drink is on us!*
We’ll be showing the following matches
Quarter finals – Thursday 9 July at 9pm, Friday 10 July at 8pm, Saturday 11th July at 10pm
Semi finals – Tuesday 14 July at 8pm, Wednesday 15 July at 8pm
Final – Sunday 19 July at 8pm
How to get involved
Just £5 entry. Free entry for kids!
Entry includes a FREE drink*
Book online or turn up on the day!
You can book a table for up to 10 people for £40 (save 10% on entry if you bring 10 people!)
No food, drink or liquids to be brought into the venue. Security checks including searches prior to entry. Entry subject to venue admission rules. *Free drink options include 1 soft drink, 1 bottle of beer, 1 draft beer or 1 x 187ml of wine. Free drink does not include spirits.
Bookings
Semi finals
Summer 2026 swimming crash courses
🏊♀️ Summer swimming crash courses – Build skills and confidence in just 5 days!
Looking for a fun and effective way to boost your child’s swimming skills this summer?
Our Summer Swimming Crash Courses are the perfect way to help children aged 4 and above gain confidence in the water, improve technique, and stay active during the holidays.
💧 What’s Included:
- A 5-day course with a 30-minute lesson each day
- Small group sessions led by qualified, friendly instructors
- A focus on water confidence, safety, and skill development
- Suitable for beginners and improvers alike
With prices starting from just £6.32 per lesson, it’s a cost-effective way to give your child a head start in the pool.
📅 Course Dates & Locations:
|
Week |
Start Date |
Centre |
Time |
|
1 |
20/07/2026 |
Mile End |
9am – 12pm |
|
2 |
27/07/2026 |
*No course* |
*No course* |
|
3 |
03/08/2026 |
Poplar |
9am – 12pm |
|
4 |
10/08/2026 |
Mile End |
9am – 12pm |
|
5 |
17/08/2026 |
Tiller |
9am – 12pm |
| 6 | 24/08/26 | *No course* | *No course* |
🖱️ How to Book:
Click the button below to view available sessions and secure your child’s place. Just select the centre you’d like to book for and select ‘Junior group swimming lessons.’
🧒 Who Can Join?
These courses are open to children aged 4 years and above. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their technique, our crash courses are tailored to support their progress in a fun, safe environment.
Spots are limited and fill up fast—so don’t miss out on this splash-tastic opportunity to make waves this summer!
Exercising during hot weather
Hot weather doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising, but there are a few things you can do to keep yourself well and comfortable.
When exercising during hot weather remember to:
💧Drink plenty of water regularly – don’t wait until you feel thirsty
🧊 Take breaks as needed and allow yourself time to cool down
🌡️ Avoid overexertion, especially during the hottest part of the day (usually mid afternoon)
👕Wear light and comfortable clothing where possible
⚠️Be aware of signs of dehydration such as dizziness, headaches, or fatigue
Our centres are air-conditioned, so exercising indoors can be a great way to stay active while keeping cool.
Water is available on-site – please make use of this and stay hydrated throughout your visit.
If you feel unwell at any point, please stop your activity and speak to a member of staff immediately.
Be Well Summer Holiday Club 2026
27 July – 20 August 2026
Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium
Looking for a fun and active way to keep the kids busy this summer? Our Summer Holiday Club at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is the perfect choice for children aged 5–15.
With the long break just around the corner, it’s a great time to help your child stay active, try something new, and enjoy time with friends in a safe and supportive environment.
Running from 27 July to 20 August, our full-day Holiday Club takes place Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm, giving you flexible, reliable childcare throughout the summer.
You can book as many or as few days as you need, making it easy to fit around your summer plans, whether that’s a single day, a few days, or multiple weeks.
Every day is packed with a variety of exciting activities designed to keep children engaged, energised and smiling. Activities include:
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Trampolining
- Football
- Tennis
- Arts and crafts
- Bouncy castles
- And plenty more to discover
Our programme blends physical activity with creative play, helping children stay healthy, build confidence and make new friends along the way.
All sessions are led by our friendly, qualified team, who are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe and enjoyable experience for every child.
Bookings are now open.
Simply click ‘Book now’, select Mile End as your location, then choose Holiday Club to secure your place.
Your child may be entitled to a free space!
There are funded spaces for children who attend a Tower Hamlets School, are aged between 5-15 years and are in receipt of benefit related free school meals. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis for applications satisfying the eligibility criteria.
For more information and bookings please visit the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme portal.
Summer Holiday Club terms and conditions and rules/regulations apply. Please check with Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium.
Top tips for getting started

Wendy, Be Well Health and Fitness Manager
Whether you’re completely new to exercise, returning after some time away, or simply looking to try something different, taking that first step can feel both exciting and a little daunting.
At Be Well, we want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. There’s no pressure to be at a certain level, and no expectation to “get it right” straight away. This is your space to explore what works for you. Everyone’s fitness and wellbeing journey looks a bit different.
Here are some top tips from our Health and Fitness Manager Wendy, who leads many of our classes!
1. Go at your own pace
Starting slowly is not only okay – it’s often the best way to build your confidence and create a routine that lasts.
You might begin with:
- A short 10–15 minute visit to get familiar with your local centre
- A gentle session on the treadmill at a walking pace
- Light stretching or mobility exercises
For example, incline walking on the treadmill can be a great starting point. By slightly increasing the incline, you can add intensity without needing to run.
If you’re unsure how to adjust the settings, speak to a member of staff and ask for a demonstration. They’re there to help!
Small, manageable sessions can help you feel more confident each time you visit.
2. Choose what feels right
There’s no single “right” way to be active. What matters most is finding something that suits your preferences, your lifestyle, and how your body feels.
Our facilities offer a wide range of options, including:
- Gym workouts using easy-to-follow equipment
- Group exercise classes such as yoga, pilates, aqua, or low-impact fitness
- Cardio-focused activities like cycling or cross training
- Swimming sessions which offer a great low impact workout (swimming lessons are available for all ages if you’re new to swimming!)
If you’re new, you might want to try a few different things before deciding what works for you. Some people enjoy the structure and community of a class, while others prefer the flexibility of the gym. It’s whatever works for you!
The best activity is the one you enjoy, and feel comfortable in.
3. Support is always available
You don’t have to figure things out on your own. Our Be Well team is here to support you every step of the way and help you feel confident in our centres.
We can help with:
- Showing you how to use equipment safely and correctly
- Offering simple ideas for a starting routine
- Suggesting alternatives if an exercise doesn’t feel suitable
- Adapting movements to support different needs, abilities, or health conditions
If you’re unsure where to begin, even a quick conversation with a member of staff can help point you in the right direction.
We’re here to help, so please don’t be afraid to ask us questions. We’re more than happy to support you.
4. Use gym equipment safely
We know using new gym equipment can be a bit daunting, but here’s some tips to get you started.
- Ask before you try. If you’re unsure how to use a bit of equipment, don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff for a demonstration. We’re here to help 😊
- Start light and build gradually. Begin with a lower resistance or weight and increase slowly over time.
- Check your set up. Make sure the equipment is comfortable for your height and range of motion. Look out for handles that can help you adjust things like the seat height.
- Focus on control over speed. Move steadily with control rather than rushing through exercises
- Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Stop if something feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar and ask for guidance if needed.
Having gym equipment set up correctly will help you feel comfortable and get the most out of your sessions.
5. Listen to your body
Everyone’s starting point is different, and your body will guide you in what feels right. Some days you may feel full of energy, while on others you may need a slower pace – both are completely normal.
It’s important to:
- Take breaks when you need them
- Stop if something feels uncomfortable
- Adjust the intensity or duration of your session
- Build gradually over time
Progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. Taking your time and being consistent is what helps build long-term confidence and wellbeing.
6. Every step counts
Getting active isn’t about doing everything perfectly – it’s about making small, positive changes that work for you.
Whether it’s:
- Visiting the gym for the first time
- Trying a new class
- Spending a few minutes moving more than you did before
Each step is an achievement. Over time, these small steps can add up to improved fitness, better wellbeing, and a stronger sense of confidence.
Being active should feel like something that supports your life rather than something that adds pressure to it.
7. Feeling part of your community
Be Well centres are more than just a place to exercise – it’s a community. Many people find that over time, they feel more familiar, more confident, and more connected simply by coming regularly.
Whether you prefer to keep to yourself or enjoy the social side of classes, there’s space for everyone here.
If there’s anything we can do to help you on your fitness and wellness journey, please do come speak to us!
Sports courses and lessons are back!
Gymnastics, tennis, football, trampolining and more sports courses!
After a short break our sports lessons at Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Stadium are back.
With courses available for 2-16 year olds we’ve got something for all ages and abilities!
Our new sports courses timetable will be as follows:
Football
Baby Ballers: 2-5 years, Wednesdays: 4-4.45pm
Little Ballers: 6-8 years, Wednesdays 5-6pm
Junior Ballers: 9-12 years, Wednesdays, 6-7pm
Gymnastics
Club – Advanced (invite only), Sundays 8.30-10am
Pre School (under 5 years), Sundays 10-11am
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 11-12pm
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 12-1pm
Fundamentals 5-16 years, Sundays 1-2pm
Tennis
Juniors 5-7 years, Sundays 9-10am
Juniors 8-11 years, Sundays 10-11am
Trampolining
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 4-5pm
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 5-6pm
Beginners 5-16 years, Fridays 6-7pm
