Registered Charity No. 1146522
Woodvale Community Centre
Meadow Lane, Woodvale, Southport · PR8 3RS
Two centres
Woodvale & Ainsdale
Mon–Thu
9am – 4pm office
01704 573084
Main office
DDA compliant
Both buildings
Woodvale & Ainsdale Community Association — WACA — is one of those organisations that does genuinely important work without making much noise about it. They have been running community activities in this part of Southport since 1992. The community centre on Meadow Lane was purpose-built in 1999 after local residents persuaded the council to build it. The recreation centre on Orchard Lane came later. Between the two sites, they cover pretty much everything from chair-based fitness classes to youth sessions to school holiday programmes.
If you live in Woodvale or Ainsdale and have not connected with WACA, it is worth knowing what they offer. If you are visiting and have family in the area, this is the kind of place that keeps a community working. Run as a registered charity, not commercially driven, staffed by people who care about the area. That comes through in everything they do.
Registered Charity No. 1146522 | Private Limited Company No. 7795806
Two Sites
The Two Centres
Woodvale Community Centre
Meadow Lane, Woodvale
Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3RS
Main office, daytime classes, youth sessions, community hub
Next door to Kings Meadow Primary School
WACA Recreation Centre
Off Orchard Lane, Ainsdale
Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3RG
Activity and event spaces, recreation facilities, outdoor field access
Adjacent to Sandbrook Park recreational grounds
The two centres are within half a mile of each other. Both comply with DDA regulations. The main office for all enquiries is at Meadow Lane.
What Goes On
Activities and Classes
WACA runs a full programme of daytime and evening activities. The timetable changes across the year — the activities below are those running currently, but contact the centre to confirm dates and book ahead where required.
Chair Based Exercise
Most popularOne of WACA's most popular classes. A bubbly, social session that improves mobility, balance and confidence. Booking is essential and must be made one week in advance. Teas and coffees after the class. Good for anyone looking to get moving in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
Booking essential — 01704 573084
Craft Group
Every Monday, 10:30am to 12:30pm. A sociable session — come for the crafting, stay for the chat and the cuppa. Booking essential; one week advance booking per session.
Every Monday · 10:30am–12:30pm · Booking required
Afternoon Lunch Club
FreeA home-cooked meal, a chance to make new friends, and a relaxed social atmosphere. Run on the first Tuesday of each month. Booking is essential — call the centre in advance.
1st Tuesday of the month · 12:30pm–1:30pm · Free · Booking required
Woodland Project
FreeHands-on volunteering in the local wooded area. Tasks include laying woodchip on paths, litter picks, and general maintenance. Good outdoor activity with a practical impact on the local environment.
10am–12pm · Free
Community Café
FreeA relaxed space for you, friends, and family. Hot drinks and mixed refreshments, no agenda, everyone welcome. A good one if you are new to the area or just want somewhere comfortable to come.
12pm–1:30pm · Free · Everyone welcome
Course Sessions
Short courses and varied sessions for adults 18 and over. Subject to funding, so the programme changes — check WACA's Facebook page for the latest. Past courses have included Origami, Painting, Japanese Arts & Crafts, Cookery, and First Aid. Worth keeping an eye on.
Adults 18+ · 10am–12pm (times may vary) · See Facebook for current schedule
Youth Sessions
Evening youth activities run on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5pm to 7pm. Activities, skills, and programmes for young people in the local area. For details of the current youth programme, contact the centre directly — the schedule changes across the year.
Mon–Tue evenings · 5pm–7pm · Contact for current programme
School Holiday Programmes
WACA runs activities during school holidays. Good for families in the Woodvale and Ainsdale area looking for structured, supervised activities during half terms and summer. Contact the centre ahead of each holiday period for the current programme.
School holiday periods · Contact in advance for schedule
The full activity timetable is available on the WACA website. Sessions change across the year, so always confirm by phone or email before travelling. View timetable
Hire
Hire the Space
Both centres have flexible community spaces available for hire, subject to availability. If you are looking for a space for a community group, workshop, meeting, class, or event in the Woodvale or Ainsdale area, it is worth contacting WACA directly.
Access
Accessibility
Both WACA buildings comply with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) regulations. If you have specific requirements, WACA are happy to discuss arrangements in advance.
For detailed accessibility specifications (entrance layouts, toilet locations, disabled parking), contact WACA directly on 01704 573084 before your visit.
Getting There
Parking and Transport
By car
Both sites have small car parks directly outside. Additional street parking is available in the surrounding residential roads.
By bus
Both centres are accessible via local transport routes. Buses serving the area include:
Contact
Get in Touch
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm
Hours may vary. Mon–Tue also 5–7pm for youth sessions.
Main Office
Meadow Lane, Woodvale
Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3RS
Support WACA
WACA is a registered charity that relies on community support to keep its services running. One practical way to help is through their Amazon Wish List, which lists items the centres actually need. Any purchase goes directly to supporting the work they do in Woodvale and Ainsdale.
View Amazon Wish ListTerry's Take
I have lived in Southport my whole life and places like WACA are easy to take for granted if you do not need them. But they matter more than most people realise. The Woodvale area has had real challenges over the years and WACA has been a constant presence. They opened in 1999 and they are still going, still running classes, still looking after young people on Monday and Tuesday evenings, still making sure there is somewhere for people to go.
The Let's Get Digital sessions are worth flagging specifically. If you have an elderly relative in the area who is struggling with their phone or iPad, those Tuesday morning drop-ins are free, no-pressure, and run by people who actually want to help. That is harder to find than you might think.
Terry, Chief Editor — SouthportGuide
More in Southport
Curated Lists
Related Collections
Keep Exploring
Related Guides
Practical
Autism Friendly Southport
Sensory-friendly venues, quiet beaches, and honest advice for autistic visitors and their families planning a trip to Southport.
Practical
Accessible Southport
Wheelchair access, Sunflower-friendly venues, quiet hours, and practical guidance for visitors with visible and non-visible disabilities.
Southport Business?
Get Your Business in These Guides
SouthportGuide.co.uk reaches visitors actively planning a trip. List your business and appear in relevant guides automatically.