Time to Thrive
Swimming is more than just exercise for older adults. It helps you or your loved ones maintain mobility, support circulation and enjoy calm, relaxing moments. In the Reigate & Horsham area, there are several leisure centres offering warm, accessible pools and welcoming spaces that support wellbeing and social connection. Whether you benefit from gentle aqua classes, peaceful laps or simply floating in the water, there is a venue to suit your pace and comfort.
Here is your full guide to the best leisure centres for the elderly to go swimming and relax in Reigate & Horsham, and how Walfinch carers can support you or your loved ones with warm, caring assistance.
1. Horley Leisure Centre – Horley
Horley Leisure Centre features a six lane, 25 metre fitness pool and a teaching pool with ramped access, supported by accessible changing and parking facilities. They offer “Swim for All” for relaxed swimming and “Swim for Fitness” with lane options suited to varied paces.
Tips for your visit:
- Join a “Swim for All” session for ease and calm.
- Visit mid morning or mid afternoon to enjoy a quieter experience.
2. Donyngs Leisure Centre – Redhill
Donyngs Leisure Centre provides a 25 metre swimming pool, a teaching pool and accessible amenities including wheelchair access and pool hoists. The range of aqua sessions and swim lessons caters to adults at all stages.
Tips for your visit:
- Opt for less busy times like weekday mornings for comfort.
- The friendly team helps support individual needs thoughtfully.
3. The Pavilions In The Park – Horsham
Run by Places Leisure, The Pavilions offer a leisure pool, gym and group exercise classes in a fully accessible centre. It’s a family friendly, inclusive venue with pathways suitable for gentle movement.
Tips for your visit:
- Comfortable spot for a casual swim followed by refreshments.
- Accessible features make it safe and easy to navigate.
4. Bluecoat Sports Swimming Pool – Horsham
Bluecoat Sports provides senior only lane swimming sessions designed for quiet and personalised access for those over 50. They also offer aquafit, deep water classes and a relaxing sauna for post swim comfort.
Tips for your visit:
- Senior lane sessions are ideal for peaceful, structured movement.
- Use the sauna for added relaxation after your swim.
5. Horsham District Inclusive Swimming Programme
Horsham District Council runs inclusive swimming sessions through partnership programmes to support those who may find swimming otherwise difficult. While often aimed at disability access, these sessions are well suited to gentle, supported senior swimming.
Tips for your visit:
- A gentle, assisted environment ideal for beginners or returning swimmers.
- Consider booking these to combine movement, wellbeing and support.
Why Swimming Supports Healthy Ageing
Swimming provides multiple benefits that support physical and emotional health:
- It encourages gentle movement that supports joint flexibility and muscle strength.
- It aids cardiovascular health while being low impact.
- It eases stress, promotes calm and helps with restful sleep.
- It encourages social engagement, routine and emotional wellbeing.
How Walfinch Reigate & Horsham Can Help
At Walfinch Reigate & Horsham, our carers provide more than practical support. They offer companionship, reassurance and confidence. If swimming is important to you or your loved one, we provide:
- Supportive companionship. Gentle encouragement and company from the moment you prepare to your return home.
- Mobility and practical help. Assistance with transport, pool access, walking aids, changing and retrieval.
- Tailored outings. Care aligned to your comfort, routine and social preference.
- Reassurance for families. Peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe, supported and enjoying a positive experience.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Swim
- Choose centres with accessible pools, calm lanes and warm water.
- Visit during quieter hours such as mid morning or early afternoon.
- Bring essentials: towel, non slip footwear, water and any medication.
- Wear comfortable, easy to change swimwear and layered clothing.
- Consider having a Walfinch carer accompany you for confidence and ease.
Helping You or Your Loved Ones Return to Swimming
Returning to the pool after time away can feel overwhelming. Begin gently. Observe a session, dip a toe or float briefly. With the caring support of a Walfinch companion, swimming can again provide calm, confidence and enjoyable movement.
Final Thoughts
From Horley’s inclusive lanes to Donyngs’ accessible facilities, and the senior focused peace of Bluecoat Sports, Reigate & Horsham offer excellent options for older adults to swim with comfort and confidence. These centres promote wellness, calm and connection in thoughtful, supportive settings.
At Walfinch Reigate & Horsham, we are honoured to support you or your loved one. To thrive through care, companionship and restorative swims one gentle step at a time.
