Nottingham families have a current opportunity to use selected public swimming sessions without paying a swimming-entry fee. Active Nottingham’s October 6 announcement lists free sessions from October 18 to November 1, 2026 for Nottingham city residents who are school-age children under 16. The programme is local and eligibility-based; it is not a national offer for all visitors. Read the official October programme.
What the current offer covers
The operator lists sessions across its leisure centres, with weekend availability at selected locations. Timetables differ, so the relevant booking is a particular free-swimming session, rather than any activity happening at that centre during half term. The announcement says an account in the child’s name is needed for booking, and children under eight need an accompanying responsible adult in the water throughout.
Practical details in the operator’s FAQ
The official programme FAQ says each eligible child can book one free session per day, up to seven days ahead, subject to availability. It advises selecting the ticket that matches the child’s age so supervision ratios can be maintained. Booked places are held for 15 minutes after the start; late spaces may then be released. Walk-ins depend on available space and safe pool capacity, so advance booking is recommended. The FAQ also says additional teaching support is available for children who are non-swimmers or lack confidence, and gives a route to ask centre staff for help.
A useful way to prepare as a family
Build the outing around the confirmed session rather than a general holiday-activities page. Our suggested planning note has five entries: the child’s eligibility, the correct account, the centre and session, who will accompany them, and the booking confirmation. Keep the operator’s current admission conditions with that note.
Before packing, ask the centre what the session permits and what it supplies. A free entry offer does not by itself answer questions about lessons, equipment hire, additional activities or suitable personal accessories. Making those checks first also prevents an unnecessary purchase for something the session does not require.
If your plans change, release the booking promptly so another child can use the space. For equipment you already own, checking condition and fit before the visit is more useful than replacing items solely because a holiday session is coming up.
TRIMIX can help with a specific item from its catalogue: send the product name and your fit or specification question. Questions about eligibility, accompanying adults and session availability belong with Active Nottingham.
Programme announcement: October 6, 2026. Programme dates: October 18–November 1, 2026. Announcement and FAQ checked October 22, 2026. The FAQ does not display a publication date. Availability and admission conditions can change.
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