Nottingham to offer free holiday swimming for under-16s

Nottingham City Council has announced a free swimming programme for under-16s, providing 22,000 free swimming spaces during school holidays from July 2026 to February 2027. Backed by £197,000 of investment, the programme will help more children and young people across the city to access swimming.

The scheme will run across 49 school holiday days, offering free, structured public swimming sessions at all six Active Nottingham Leisure Centres owned by Nottingham City Council: Clifton, Djanogly,Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Ken Martin, Southglade and Victoria Leisure Centre.

Sessions will take place on weekdays during school holiday periods (excluding bank holidays). Support will also be available to help children who are non-swimmers or who lack confidence in the water. The scheme is open to Nottingham City resident school-age children under the age of 16. In line with the Pool Admission Policy, children under eight must be accompanied by a responsible adult or person aged 16+, who will be able to attend at no cost.