Make us your staycation destination!

The word ‘staycation’ officially entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2010.

A blend or portmanteau of the words ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’ – the word gained popularity in the US during the financial crisis of 2007-2010, which saw many families unable to afford normal summer holidays away. In the UK, the term became more widely used after a weak pound in 2009 made overseas holidays significantly more expensive.

Now a part of our normal, everyday language, staycations aren’t just a trendy word – in the world of Covid-19, they’re a necessity.

So, as the days get ever-longer and the temperatures begin to rise, now is the time to plan your hometown ‘holistay’ and make the most of these long summer months and, for the first time in over a year, begin to live life to the full again.

For all of us at Places Leisure, the summer forecast predicts fun! Rain or shine, our fitness playground is always open, so why not make us your staycation destination and enjoy all of the amazing activities we have on offer. We can keep you and the entire family entertained all day, every day, all summer long.

Find your local centre

Here’s some of the best and most popular activities we have to offer across our Places Leisure sites. Activities vary per location and some are only available during the summer school holidays, so be sure to check your local centre’s website throughout the summer for a full list of activities and opening times.

Tennis anyone? Channel your inner Laura Robson or Andy Murray and pick up a racket and play with your teenager. Don’t like tennis? Many of our centres offer squash courts and/or badminton.

Or, why not cool off and splash away the Covid-cobwebs with swim sessions? We offer Fun Splash with giant floats, balls and toys as well as ginormous inflatable obstacle courses that provide hours upon hours of entertainment. Or, why not make your own fun and buy some swim toys from our on-site stock of swimming essentials and bring them into the pool. Prices start at £5 and you can use them all summer long!

Like a little adventure? Why not try the super-fun, super-easy Clip 'n Climb climbing arenas. Or, one of our rock climbing walls, with taster sessions available throughout the summer holidays.

We also run a range of holiday activities and short courses including, tennis, trampolining, football, gymnastics, and intensive swimming courses. All sessions are coached and/or supervised with fully structured planned activities.

For children who are ready to flex their independence, we also offer junior gym sessions for 11-15 year-olds. Once they’ve had their induction and have been shown how to use all of the equipment safely, the teen/pre-teen in your life can attend junior sessions on their own, or with an adult (mum/dad/carer) at other times.

Why not try Clip 'n Climb at Andover Leisure Centre, The Bridge, Dover, Places Leisure Camberley, or The Triangle?

With so many options for fun, while being active and making the most of life outside of lockdown – why not make us a part of your plans this summer. The fun begins now! Find your local Places Leisure to see what's on offer.