New memberships
Available in Wandsworth Borough Council
How to get started
We are pleased to be able to offer a range of brand new memberships for our Wandsworth community.
Please see below for the different types of complimentary memberships available.
To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.
Once you have created your free Places membership, please take your proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will assign your membership to your account, and your membership card will be issued if and when required.
For more information, please take a look at our FAQs.
We have the following memberships available. Please click on the button to find out more.
Intensive Swimming lessons for all
From April 2024, we will offer free intensive swimming lessons for children aged 9-12 (school years 5, 6 and 7.) These lessons are specifically for children who cannot swim.
Lessons include five consecutive days of a 30-minute group, intensive swimming lessons (4 days on weeks with a bank holiday)
These sessions will run throughout the school holidays at Balham Leisure Centre, Latchmere Leisure Centre (Located in Battersea), Tooting Leisure Centre and Putney Leisure Centre.
We offer free intensive swimming lessons for children aged 9-12. These lessons are specifically for children who cannot swim.
To be eligible for this offer, children must be a resident of Wandsworth.
How do I register?
To register you're interest, please click the link below. Please ensure you select the 'Junior Swimming Lessons' option from the drop down box and state clearly in the additional notes that you are interested in the Intensive Swimming Lessons for all.
Once you have complete this, one of our friendly team members will be in touch to discuss timings and availability with you. All spaces are on a first come, first serve basis. Due to the high volume of enquiries, please do not call the centre.
How many children are in a class?
There will be a maximum of 12 children to 1 teacher, per 30 minute class.
What do I need to bring with me?
Children need to bring swimming attire and a towel (leggings and a t-shirt are not permitted.) Swimming hats and goggles are also recommended.
Can my child attend every holiday?
Children can only attend one course to ensure all eligible children in Wandsworth have this opportunity. If you miss a day within your booked week, we are unable to offer a make-up lesson.
What if my child wishes to continue learning to swim following the end of the course?
Please visit our online booking system to check availability and details on our weekly Learn to Swim programme. Click your centre below to view the corresponding online booking system.
For more information, please visit our website
Under 8's swim free
Free swimming for all under 8’s. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (one adult to two under 8’s). Must be a resident of Wandsworth to be eligible.
Free school meals memberships
We would love to offer a free 1 year membership for school children up to the age of 18 years old receiving free school meals in Wandsworth Borough Council.
Membership includes free off peak and weekend swimming, gym (junior gym times only for juniors) and sports hall bookings (squash, badminton, basketball, short tennis). Membership does not include use of outdoor pitches.
This membership applies to 1 adult and up to 2 children (children must be linked to the parent).
Under 8’s must attend with parent, as per ratios and centre rules.
Activities available are subject to change at any time.
For booking free swimming at Tooting Bec Lido please follow the same process, as detailed above.
Foster carers
If you are currently a foster carer in Wandsworth Borough Council, we would love to offer you a free 1 year Premium membership to use at any of our centres within Wandsworth.
You can add up to 4 juniors on this membership.
For more information on this membership and eligibility, please take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Care leavers
If you are an adult who has spent time in care whilst under the age of 18, we are offering you a 50% discounted Premium membership at just £20 per month
This membership is available to care leavers aged 16 – 25 years old.
You can add up to 4 juniors onto this membership.
For more information on this membership and eligibility, please take a look at our frequently asked questions.
Asylum seekers
How do I register?
To access your membership, you will need to create a free Places membership - please click this link to set this up.
Once you have created this, you will need to take proof of eligibility for your desired membership to your chosen Places Leisure centre in Wandsworth Borough Council. Our friendly team on reception will then assign your membership to your account, and membership cards will be issued if and when required.
What proof of eligibility do I need to show?
You will need to show your ARC permit.
What do I have access to?
You will have access to free off peak and weekend swimming and gym.
Do my children also have access? If so, what do they have access to?
Yes, your children are eligible for free swim and junior swim off-peak. No restriction on how many children, however we ask you limit the ratio to 2 children to 1 adult for swimming activities.
Can I upgrade to a Premium membership at a discounted price?
Any upgrade would be at a cost.
Which centres have swimming facilities?
Universal Credit
If you are receiving Universal Credit, we would like to offer you a free 6 month membership that includes free off peak and weekend swimming & gym.
Proof of eligibility check is required every 6 months for membership to continue. You will need to provide the most recent documents showing that you have received universal credit within the last 28 days.
For more information on this membership and eligibility, please take a look at our frequently asked questions.