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Council services over Christmas and New Year 2025/26

A guide to council services over the Christmas and New Year period when the council offices are closed to the public. 

Leisure

Dogs swimming in the pool at Abbey Meadow

October 21, 2025

Record-Breaking Season at Abbey Meadow Pool! 

Published 21 October 2025 This summer was a record breaker for Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon with nearly 30,000 visitors coming to enjoy the facility.  Vale of White Horse District Council and its leisure provider, GLL, who manage the pool, kiosk and splash pad for the council agreed a slightly earlier opening of the […]

These four images collectively appear to promote resources related to children's educational activities, particularly theatre, craft, and popular book-based themes.

September 29, 2025

Enjoy an action-packed half-term across South Oxfordshire and the Vale 

From theatre shows and craft workshops to outdoor adventure challenges and family fun days – there’s something for everyone this October half-term!  Families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can look forward to an exciting week of free and low-cost activities from 25 October to 1 November.  Free and low-cost outdoor activities, […]

A dog sat next to the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool

September 1, 2025

Outdoor pools season extended and doggy swims are back!

Published 1 September 2025 Swimmers and families will get to enjoy an extra week of fun at the Riverside outdoor pool in Wallingford and Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon! Both pools and splash pads will be open until Sunday 7 September. GLL who manage the outdoor pools and splash pads on behalf of South […]

Four photo sections, each shaped uniquely, showing kids engaged in different fun outdoor activities: Playing with a colorful parachute. Playing soccer. Smiling with helmets and pads—possibly at a skate park. Playing a game with a bat and ball (like cricket or baseball). Background elements include light blue line-art illustrations of various sports and outdoor items: whistles, trophies, soccer balls, tennis rackets, flags, etc.—emphasizing the fun and active summer theme.

July 10, 2025

Book now for FREE South and Vale Summer Holiday Activities! 

Secure your spot. Don’t miss out!

Abbey Meadow Pool

June 17, 2025

Early opening days announced for Abbey Meadow Pool ahead of June heatwave

Summer in the Vale is well underway and there is great news for families and swimmers with the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon set to open early this season! 

Silhouettes of six children standing and playing against a bright teal background, with outlines of various sports equipment such as footballs, table tennis paddles, bats, and balls in the corners.

May 16, 2025

Get active and join the excitement of half term with a free family fun day, shows and more!

Looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this May half-term? Come along to Abingdon Fun Day on Wednesday 28 May – a completely free day of games, sports, and family activities at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre!

February 10, 2025

Cleaner greener modern heating for council leisure centre

White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon will see even more activity than usual from this week as work begins on a multi-million-pound replacement of the centre’s heating system to one with a massive reduction in both energy costs and carbon emissions.

Close up of playing pitch

December 4, 2024

Vision for the future of sports pitches and leisure facilities approved

Published on Wednesday 4 December 2024 A vision for the future of sports and leisure facilities across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Districts was top of the agenda last week. Both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are committed to creating healthy and inclusive communities. The aim is to support […]

Outside view of White Horse Tennis and Leisure Centre

November 29, 2024

Revamp to White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre reception complete

A £160,000 full refurbishment of the reception at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon completed this month.

Gym - person on treadmill

November 14, 2024

Major £340,000 investment in new gym equipment at Vale Leisure Centres in Wantage, Faringdon and Abingdon

Several leisure centres across Vale of White Horse District will get an early Christmas present this year, with a major investment in new, state-of-the-art gym equipment.