Get ready for a fun filled summer in the Vale
Children, adults and families across the Vale are gearing up for a jam-packed summer of fun with free and low-cost activities and places to visit.
Throughout the summer, the council’s Active Communities team will host a variety of events, including community walks and football sessions – there will be something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Families looking to explore can enjoy many beautiful parks and gardens across the Vale, offering great play areas and open spaces for games.
As we approach the peak summer months, work is in full swing to get the splash pads ready for everyone to enjoy this summer. The splash pads at Abbey Meadow in Abingdon and Wantage Memorial Gardens will open just in time for the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
The kiosk at Abbey Meadow will also open that weekend, staying open on weekends until the outdoor pool opens on 19 July ready for the summer holidays. The kiosk, splash pad and pool will then be available for all visitors to use every day over the summer holidays through to 7 September.
The Abbey Meadow splash pad, managed by Better UK on behalf of the council, will be open daily from 9am to 6pm each day.
At Wantage Memorial Gardens, the splash pad, maintained by the council’s Parks Team, will be available daily from 10.30am to 7pm.
The local leisure centres – White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon, Faringdon Leisure Centre, and Wantage Leisure Centre will also offer a range of fun activities during the May half-term and throughout the summer, including tennis, family fun swims, and soft play. You can find more details on available activities here.
The Beacon in Wantage will feature classes, shows, and entertainment for all ages, including Family Art Play: Outer Space and Meditate and Create: Slow Stitching in July.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Cabinet Member for Leisure Facilities, said: “It’s exciting to see the Vale preparing for a summer full of fun activities. We’re looking forward to reopening the pool, splash pad and kiosk in Abingdon and can’t wait to welcome lots of happy visitors. It’s always wonderful to see children and families enjoying the splash pad.
We understand how important it is for our community to have free and low-cost options to stay entertained over the summer, and we’re proud to provide residents and visitors with such fantastic ways to make the most of their holidays.
Our Active Communities team will be running fun weekly activities for all ages and abilities, and there’s plenty happening at our leisure centres and arts centres too.”
Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Waste, added: “Our parks team works hard all year to maintain our parks and play areas for everyone’s enjoyment. We’re excited to see everyone enjoying these facilities.”
Kevin Williams, GLL Partnership Manager for South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse said: “We know that the pool and splashpad at Abbey Meadow are hugely valued by local residents and visitors and after a very successful 2024 we’re looking forward to reopening the splash pad in May followed by the outdoor pool in July.”
Check back during the coming weeks for more activity updates: www.southandvale.gov.uk/south-and-vale-holiday-activities
Find out more here on the Active Communities webpage and by following the team’s Facebook page.
