Evie: Ashleigh, how did Kettering Leisure Village begin, and what makes it such a unique place today?

Ashleigh: Kettering Leisure Village has been serving the community since the early 1990s. The site was built in 1993, closed in 1994, and reopened in 1995 — and it has continued to evolve ever since. That resilience and adaptability are a huge part of who we are.

What makes us unique is the sheer variety and scale of our offering. We bring leisure, fitness, entertainment and family fun together in one destination. Today, we’re home to the Lighthouse Theatre, Balance Health Club, Arena Sports and Tigers Indoor Play — a vibrant hub for visitors of all ages.

People are often surprised by our size too. We have a 2,000sqm arena, and that’s just one part of the site. Over the years, we’ve also been home to an ice rink, outdoor rapids, a wave machine and even a nightclub. Reinvention is in our DNA.

Evie: So much variety. With a site offering so much, you must have some incredible standout moments...

Ashleigh: We've had some fantastic achievements. We’re incredibly proud of the recognition our businesses have received. Balance Health Club has been awarded Northants Telegraph's Gym of the Year, and the Lighthouse Theatre has celebrated multiple theatre awards — a real testament to the dedication of our teams.

Evie: That's incredible. Is there anything exciting coming up in 2026?

Ashleigh: 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant year. We've recently secured planning permission for three brand‑new padel courts, which marks an exciting new chapter for the site. This will bring one of the UK’s fastest‑growing sports to Kettering, adding even more variety to our leisure offering.

We’re also investing in solar panels as part of our sustainability commitment, and we’ll continue improving the site to enhance the visitor experience. Our focus is on evolving, improving and ensuring the Village thrives for future generations.

Evie: I'm sure the padel will bring a fantastic new audience and it will quickly become a go-to spot. Do you have a particular favourite spot on site?

Ashleigh: The terrace outside Balance Health Club on a summer’s evening. It overlooks the lake and is perfect for a post‑workout treat or a relaxed pre‑theatre drink before a show at the Lighthouse Theatre. It captures everything the Village is about — community, relaxation and enjoyment.

Evie: That sounds idyllic. Do you find that there's a particular experience that proves popular time and time again?

Ashleigh: I'd say our most popular “experience” or "product" is actually the variety itself. Families can enjoy indoor play, friends can see a theatre show, fitness enthusiasts can train at the gym, and large‑scale events can fill our arena — all in one visit. There really is something for everyone.

Evie: You certainly get that impression! With so much variety I bet you get such a wide range of feedback from visitors, too?

Ashleigh: We do, however, a standout theme is how strong our customer service is. No matter which business people visit, the feedback is consistently about the warmth, friendliness and professionalism of our teams. That shared commitment ties the whole Village together.

Evie: With it being English Tourism Week, is Kettering Leisure Village celebrating in any way?

Ashleigh: English Tourism Week is about celebrating the places that bring communities together and tell local stories — and we’re proud to continue playing that role for Kettering and the surrounding area.

We’re also excited to celebrate World Theatre Day from 28th March to 1st April at Wicky Bears Theatre at Wicksteed Park. Plus, visitors can book a Backstage Tour of the Lighthouse Theatre on 31st March (pre‑booking essential).

Special offers:

• Robin Hood Easter Monday performance: £12.50 tickets with code RobinSchool

• Balance Health Club: WIN 1‑month complimentary membership! Full details over on the Discover Northamptonshire Facebook and Instagram channels.

• Corporate gym rate: Special rate for Balance Healthclub if you quote the phrase 'ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK' when signing up before the end of 31^st of March 2026.