Haverhill’s reputation as a thriving and appealing centre of industry and business has been well documented - but the town also has good reason to be very proud of its sports and leisure facilities.

Few towns of its size can boast what Haverhill has to offer: A first class Leisure Centre offering a host of activities for all ages. A magnificent Arts Centre including a cinema. Tenpin bowling alley. Indoor go-kart racing centre. 18 Hole golf course. Clubs catering for just about any sporting interest and many local organisations representing art, music, theatre, dance and multimedia plus social and sports clubs for all ages.

The superbly equipped Haverhill Leisure Centre has something for all the family including two swimming pools, a sports hall, fitness studio, squash courts and dance studio. For the youngsters, there is Kidzown, reckoned to be Suffolk’s best interactive adventure play area for children.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the building now known as Haverhill Arts Centre, was built to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of a local mill owner, Daniel Gurteen. It was subsequently given to the people of Haverhill for social use and now provides a focal point for a whole range of activities.

The Arts Centre houses a 210-seater auditorium offering a wide and varied programme of live theatre, dance, music and recent films. Literally, at the push of a button, the 210 seats concertina into the back wall, opening up the hall for dances and other social events. Many community and educational groups use the main hall or rooms at the Arts Centre for their meetings.

The town’s Local History Centre houses a collection of photographs and artefacts from Haverhill’s past, as well as publications relating to the history of the area. Haverhill also boasts a year round programme of arts and leisure activities, which includes an annual arts Festival, open-air music and theatre, fireworks display and numerous other events for all the family.

Budding Michael Schumachers can put their driving skills to the test at Haverkart Raceways, which offers indoor go-karting. Racers come from far and wide to enjoy the very special thrills and challenges which this exciting sport provides. There is a thriving inter-company league and a Saturday morning cadet club for youngsters.

Golfing enthusiasts can be assured of a friendly welcome at the Haverhill Golf Club. There are usually vacancies for new members; however, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a round of golf as the club welcomes societies and green fee players. The club was founded in 1973 as a municipal course. It was “rescued” by its members in the mid-80s and is now thriving with an attractive parkland course which was extended to 18 holes in recent years.
 
 

And what of all the other sports such as football, rugby, cricket, tennis, hockey, bowls and many more? You name it and you won’t have too much difficulty in finding it in Haverhill, whether you want to take part or simply go along and watch.