Howe Bridge Leisure Centre

Fantastic experience: This place makes me look fit

Negative experience: They have turned the rear of the sports Centre into an Open bin store. Waste is now littering the pathways and generally untidy. The rear accessway still has no lights despite concerns raised last year with the centre, pitch black at night when accessing the 3g pitch. NOTHING has been done. Someone will get hurt and its turning into a dump back there too. Take some pride!

Fantastic experience: Always welcoming, my grandson goes to swimming lessons on Thursday the lady instructor brilliant, friendly staff no problem’s at all would highly recommend

Positive experience: We currently hired a pitch on the all weather area... the lights for the pitches are really bad. In the centre circle area there isn't much vision and even the goal areas are not the best. Pitches are great but would be better if we could actually see.

Fantastic experience: Had the pleasure of using the climbing facilities at the leisure centre today and it was fantastic. There are a number of walls all with their own challenges and all pretty exhilarating to attempt. I was provided with instruction and everything needed to feel safe and secure allowing me to focus solely on the challenge of reaching the top! Mark who was running the session was always there to maintain safety but also give encouragement and reassurance, he was especially good in looking after the younger patrons making sure that they got as much out of the session as I did. His energy was immense and he was quickly there whenever we were ready to attempt a different wall. He was always professional and calm and ready to provide assistance or guidance. It really was exceptional value for money and far more enjoyable than a typical Sunday morning workout.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time this morning on the climbing walls. Great fun for all ages. Looked after by Logan who was professional and friendly and ensured we were safe and had the best fun experience. Loved it!

Negative experience: Just sit there ignoring the phone. from what it looks on the website I can only take my kids swimming this Saturday ? Almost a week away ? Cannnot confirm as they won’t answer the phone, anyway that’s crazy 5 days ?? Will go elsewhere

Fantastic experience: Team do training here.

Fantastic experience: Took my favourite little ones to make use of the climbing wall and indoor skate park. Excellent facilities and really helpful staff who could not have been more fabulous.

Fantastic experience: Amazing! I will recommend

Fantastic experience: I was super anxious starting the gym here but the staff and facilities are fab. I had an induction to the equipment and training programme to help me. I have long term health issues but they made a plan to support me and not push me beyond my limits. Equipment was easy to use. There is a fantastic key system that logs your activity so you can track your achievements and book classes.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant place to Go the staff are friendly and helpful

Fantastic experience: I went to the skate park indoors it was absolutely amazing the kids loved every moment well worth a visit they also have swimming, climbing and a large soft play and even an outdoor park.

Negative experience: Unfortunately, I had a very unpleasant experience with the leisure centre. I registered 3 months ago and I got a key to record my trainings. The staff was very helpful and friendly but somehow, the gym couldn't activate the key in the 3 months period, just sending me back and forth between the reception and the gym (4-5 times) without any luck. At the end, I had to cancel my membership. Of course, i had to pay for the key (unused, not activated), it was £10, non refundable. Otherwise the gym is well equipped.

Fantastic experience: My grandkids really liked the climbing walls and enjoyed the challenge that some of them presented. The climbing wall coach was patient and kind while still encouraging them to go that little bit further. We will be back

Fantastic experience: Great gym

Negative experience: Howe Bridge Atherton, My son is still in stage 4 since 2022, that's mean they are not good enough to train Children

Negative experience: customer service is disgraceful! much cheaper at places like pure gym and other local gyms.

Negative experience: I would give this leasure centre a zero if there was that option to be honest. I booked and paid for swimming lessons and never received any. The instructors don’t even bother teaching you anything. They’ll be at their own corner in a group chatting until the 30 minutes is over and you’re told to leave. I mean what’s the point of paying for a lesson and not get any? Came here twice with the same experience, no lessons at all, not even instructions. Never again, I’d rather go somewhere far from my house than coming here where no one is willing to help you

Negative experience: Booked a kids party here. Some of the apparatus wasn’t working and been ‘tapped’ off I say this because there was one piece of tape. No one told us this prior to the event and we had to get parents to sit around to prevent children from climbing on and hurting themselves. Party was supposed to be private, 2 random people walked in with their kids and I had to politely point out it was a private party. No barrier to the ‘party room’ so anyone could walk in. Trying to raise this with the centre afterwards was a nightmare. Finally was in contact with someone at be well in Wigan who refunded a small amount and give us some free passes. HB would get a 3.5/5. Stars However biggest complaint is CAFE IRIS - who you have to book the food though. As they hold a contract with Howe bridge. Trying to ring them and get through was a nightmare. They charged for party boxes of 5 items only provided 4! Asked for some sandwiches without butter due to allergies. The sandwiches had stickers on them but were placed inside boxes so you couldn’t tell which was which, they delivered the food late, chucked the boxes on the table which I was told they would leave them on the side for us to sort. Thankfully no children were actually affected but it could have been a different story. And served strawberry and apple flavoured drinks which got left as the kids didn’t like them, I was told on booking they would be blackcurrant and orange drinks. Waited a week for the owner to contact me. She admitted to missing 30 pieces of fruit from the boxes, and the drinks issue!! But didn’t see why she would have to refund me - she didn’t deliver and I was undersold! She was rude and obnoxious. She hung on me, blocked my number and blocked me leaving a review. Howe bridge won’t take responsibility as she isn’t part of them - even though you are forced to use her for the catering. They told me they would ask to call me again. She hasn’t! ZERO star rating

Fantastic experience: Really good centre, very clean and staff are friendly, spoilt for activities for the kids, recommend check in advance for availability

Positive experience: Nice basic pool. Lane swimming, slow lane is wide enough that people can swim around you.

Positive experience: My daughter visited with scouts, and we stayed through the visit. The entrance, it's bright, clean and spacious. My daughter is 12 and was there to enjoy time at the climbing walls. This area I felt was quite small, and for children of a younger age as she didn't find it challenging. Within the same area is a mini skateboard park, it is very small. The price wasn't particularly cheap, I thought, especially considering she was part of a scout group.

Negative experience: The changing rooms aren’t the cleanest, there is no baby changing table in the changing village itself which is poor when you are looking to dry off and change a baby’s clothing. the reception staff seem to not answer the phone on Sundays after ringing through for about 30minutes constantly to try and speak to someone today.

Fantastic experience: Went with our Scout Group for use of climbing walls and scooter ramps. Kids thoroughly enjoyed their evening. Many thanks to staff on reception and the instructors for their welcome and help.

Fantastic experience: V good value for money. Friday 4-6pm is £5 for skateboard/ scooter park, climbing walls and soft play area.

Fantastic experience: Clean tidy and warm pool showers red hot couldn't fault it really will defo be going again.

Fantastic experience: Great place for exercise and swimming with the kids there is food and drinks available and always someone to ask for any assistance you may need

Fantastic experience: For those using the skatepark, the leisure centre is open until 10 but the Skatepark shuts at 8 quite disappointing considering the distance, but the staff were really friendly and let us have a 15 minute session just before it closed

Fantastic experience: We went rock climbing. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend

Fantastic experience: We would like to say a big thank you to Logan at the climbing walls for today. He was so lovely with the children, very encouraging and friendly. The kids can't wait to come back!!

Fantastic experience: Great facility, the skatepark is super cheap and a great space for local people to enjoy

Positive experience: Great place , it will be criminal if the rumors are true and it closes for good.

Positive experience: The leisure centre itself is pretty decent. No complaints there. However, the cleanliness is poor. I emailed them with my concerns to give them an opportunity to set things straight. I got a decent reply saying the concerns would be dealt with. 4 weeks later, I'm still waiting. I feel a little bit like Victor Meldrew, but, other private gyms I have been to have much higher standards....

Fantastic experience: Just finished with the kids on the climbing wall, it was really good. The lads that were on duty, Logan and Caleb I think, were absolutely fantastic, very helpful and really good with the kids

Fantastic experience: The best place for activities with kids. My autistic son had a fantastic time here. The place was clean, staff was amicable and helpful.

Positive experience: Studios are both good, they are also clean. The spin bikes are actually the best i have been on. A variety of free weights and gym equipment but some of it is a little tired. Lots of variety of class choices (both virtual and instructor) I haven't used the swimming facilities so can't comment on that

Fantastic experience: Just loving the availability of classes, Viv's yoga class a definite , Tai chi throughly enjoyable and Aqua Aerobics a laugh and getting you fit as well.

Fantastic experience: Good facilities, plenty of parking, and the hash browns looked delicious

Fantastic experience: Went for a child's birthday party, looks a really good leisure centre.

Fantastic experience: Great good. Always freshly made. I dine here daily.

Fantastic experience: Update: no change really but some of the floors can be grubby if you're doing a barefoot activity - it's variable so they could improve on their cleaning/frequency. Seems like a pretty modern, well maintained place. Lots of parking but was very full when I was there on a Thu evening,even in winter.

Fantastic experience: Has everything you need. Value for money too. Staff is very very friendly. Skate park has a very fun mini ramp.

Negative experience: Went to view the gym today, but couldn't due to lack of parking and absolutely no control over it, cars all over the place, no clear one way system, but not enough room for two cars to pass. Appreciate there was a fair going on next to the leisure centre, but if I was a paying member I would be annoyed at not being able to access the services I would be paying for. I also don't know how much of the parking was for the fair or was for the leisure centre. If events are going to be happening nearby then some control needs to be in place so only leisure centre users can use the car park. Lost at least two potential gym members today as will not pay for membership to something I may struggle to get access to.

Fantastic experience: Just a visit to small pool with my granddaughter. All clean and showers working OK.

Positive experience: Regularly use for playing walking football on all weather pitch. Good parking. Let down by litter in pitch area. New goal nets and wheels on smaller goals. Has new checkin system with app on phones but often does not work!

Negative experience: Attended this place for a kids pool party. The reception is lovely and modern with a little snack bar but the changing rooms and conveniences were dirty and not well maintained.

Fantastic experience: Great facility with a massive array of options for people of all ages. The centre is also looking to branch beyond the brilliant sports facilities and family areas - with community support groups and sessions starting to run too. The cafe in the reception area was a pleasant surprise when I visited and whilst I only tried the latte (excellent by the way), the wide selection of hot, cold and sweet options looked great!

Negative experience: Went for sauna and steam. Two teenage lads came into the spa area fully dressed (including trainers) and used the facilities clothed. Another older dude was spitting on the floor next to him in the steam room. Absolutely grim

Positive experience: Kids play centre was good. The changing rooms and toilets definitely need a returb

Positive experience: Have only just used it to take my 4yr old grandson to adventure play and he loved it and asking when can go again

Fantastic experience: We had a really good time at the fun dat

Fantastic experience: It's really good place for kids to learn swimming and there is a gym as well and can do family swimming as well. Ample space in the car park . Separate pool for little ones

Fantastic experience: Been to a few birthday parties including my own little boys at the soft play here and everyone has a great time, staff are friendly and its clean & in good condition & it’s reasonably priced which is a bonus. Highly recommended.

Positive experience: Lets start with positives! Fitness classes are absolutely the best ever ! Trust me , I've been to many gyms and you won't find instructors like here ! Huge shout out to :Gareth, Chantelle( love you babe ! ) , Stacey and Rob !!! Energy and motivation is amazing ! They will squeeze every last drop of sweat of you. Soo be ready for a challenge Gym floor is a joke ..Space is soo limited!i If you even a little bit into weightlifting...its a nightmare. always busy, overcrowded! It's hard to use any machine . You can feel uncomfortable most of the time ..while trying hard not to hit anyone while having even basic workout! Changing rooms temperature is appealing.. too hot ,hard to breath and moldy ... Gaz , Chantelle , Rob and Stacey You are the best

Fantastic experience: Fantastic facilities for all of the family also, the staff are highly skilled and very attentative

Negative experience: If you want your children to be terrified of swimming and never want to go again, this is the place for lessons. We paid for lessons and lasted two weeks of watching our daughter being berated and belittled for nothing more than a healthy fear of water. She fortunately decided she wanted to go with me, and did 11 lengths in her swim vest last week, unfortunately her school goes here instead of the pelican centre on a monday now, so sunday nights are tearful events because she doesnt want to go here but does enjoy swimming and doesnt want to miss out. In short an outdated and twisted mentality to teaching, based around shouting and shaming, whilst remaining bereft of any encouragement or reward.

Negative experience: We took our 6 year old today for the wall climbing a little disappointing compared to other places we have been. 1 staff member trying albeit badly to supervise 7 young climbers. Stood talking about safety for the first 5 minutes, stood again waiting while supervising two at a time on the wall. Then left to your own devices which a lot to ask when parents have to stand outside the area can only shout encouragement or advice from the side lines. Ended up leaving about half an hour later even though the session is an hour. Our little girl has climbed miles better at other places.

Fantastic experience: Lots of great facilities, ranging from a swimming pool and gym to soft play and a skate park! Much more than your average leisure centre. And the cafe is open now too. Great value for money and you could make a full day out of all of the things on offer here

Positive experience: Change facilities are in desperate need of upgrade. Also don’t think they are being checked regularly as floor filthy towels were black when we were trying to get dry. The small cafe was lovely and the pool itself was absolutely fine

Fantastic experience: Good gym, friendly staff, good, modern equipment, and not too busy at all during the day.

Positive experience: Great climbing wall and ramps boys had a great time

Positive experience: I cant belive gym is closing at 4p.m on saturday and sunday. Really?

Negative experience: Locked into a 12-month contract without ever seeing the terms until I tried to cancel. Explained that I am an apprentice, just had a baby and my bills have increased by 25% which is leaving me and my family struggling. Be Well Wigan prioritise people paying their gym membership over feeding their kids and heating their home. I am shocked at the lack of compassion, especially as they are part of Wigan Council.

Positive experience: The gym here is decent and rarely busy. The place is well maintained and cleaned regularly.

Positive experience: Decent facilities, seem recently updated and well looked after. Swimming pool is ample sized, “fun and floats” session was about 12 floats in the pool and that’s it!

Positive experience: Took my son to his swimming lesson, large pool but pretty cold.

Negative experience: Don’t bother!!! Took the kids to “fun and floats” in the pool, it looked promising after seeing the pictures on their website. It was horrendous! Nothing like it was advertised. 9 square/round floats and nothing else. Other kids asked for other stuff to play with but the staff were rude and obnoxious to them. The cupboard door was open to where everything was kept and all the floats etc were in there (in plain sight) the staff obviously couldn’t be bothered. This was again reflected by the utter state of the changing rooms. They were filthy. No wonder there was hardly anyone in there in the summer holidays. Seriously don’t waste your money.

Positive experience: Great place for the kids. Only thing that let's it down, when you need to book sessions ie inflatables, no one answers the phone and you can't book on line!

Negative experience: Cafe closed. Sign of the times and cutbacks to local authorities. Why is this? Was looking forrward to a freshly made coffee and sandwich. Very disappointing visit!!!!

Fantastic experience: Children love the climbing wall. Reception staff really helpful in person and on phone. Climbing wall supervision excellent and can even get a cup of tea whilst they climb.

Fantastic experience: My son went for an activity day, he loved it, we are going to go back with family

Fantastic experience: 1 st time at aqua aerobics here loved it the changing rooms are better still need more work on disabled shower No head on the shower and the plug area was grim

Fantastic experience: There is an extensive range of exercise and leisure facilities at Howe bridge. Classes and gym are excellent and staff are always friendly and helpful.

Positive experience: There is a huge variety of activities for young people. Really enjoyable.

Positive experience: Most of the staff are lovely here. Some locks on the doors and even a cubical door needs replacing in the female changing rooms. It would be nice if they sorted the area that has been boarded up for ages too so there was extra changing space so people don't have to wait for a cubical. Positive note the showers have been sorted out no more loud noises from the pipe work scaring the younger children.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, fabulous Les Mills classes and instructors.Exercise is key for mental health and wellbeing #loveHBa

Fantastic experience: Awesome place, extremely polite staff and welcoming, really helpful 10000%

Fantastic experience: Skate Park was awesome. Empty for a Tuesday at 15.45pm, so had time to practise. Will return again.

Fantastic experience: Great centre with something for everyone. Gym is well equipped and they have loads of classes on to. They have a climbing wall and even an indoor skate park. Cant recommend this enough

Negative experience: Went down to take my boy swimming. Rang up first and was advised we could just turn up. No need to book. Turned up and was turned away to being full

Fantastic experience: Excellent leisure centre, all you could want or need, great staff

Positive experience: Good for lots of activities climbing skate boarding swimming gym exercise classes nice little children's park at the front too

Positive experience: This review is about the skatepark, no other gym facilities. I’m in my 30s and I’ve been forced to take up skateboarding. This was the first skate park I went to. Cheap skate park at £4, less than half of most other indoor skateparks but the time limit is about two hoursish. Gives you the right amount of ramps and area to practice in to get a feel for the sport. Lots of kids during after school hours, but there’s a general unwritten etiquette to the sport so it’s never been a problem. The park is a little on the small size, but some might find that a good thing as groups stay together. No music plays so people do tend to bring a speaker with them so be prepared for that. It’s very clean and well staffed. They have a little shop that sells drinks and snacks and a seating area for all the mums. Large car park, but it does get a little full. The road to the building is normal. It’s free to park. Because of it’s cheapness, ramps, and ease of access, I could see this place being my regular practice spot.

Fantastic experience: Our three children have swimming lessons here. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: The skatepark is a great indoor Park, especially for the price. Great for skaters of all levels

Fantastic experience: Swim Tots is great here. Perfect length at half an hour for youngsters. My 8 month old really engages with the nursery rhymes and the mini swimming session before and after. Facilities are good and the changing rooms and small pool are warm. There is a viewing area where people can watch the session too, so nice to being a family member or friend along. Great value and cheap. We'll be back!

Fantastic experience: Great place to go, we did the aqua swim and enjoyed our morning

Fantastic experience: A nice place, recently revamped and the kids pool is a good temperature. They’re still doing some refurb work but you can see that it’s going to make it a better place when finalised. There’s plenty of parking spaces and a nice small park for after the kids have done swimming. They converted the sports hall to an adventure play area, climbing area and skate park though so no badminton space and the squash courts aren’t available for now

Negative experience: Changing rooms dirty and like a building site. Surely Wigan Council can finish a job they start.

Negative experience: Takes forever to get through on the phone I have never known anywhere worse. Update 1 year later they still never answer the phone

Negative experience: If you want to call up and book spaces for the family swim you're better sending it via carrier pigeon. Been ringing and ringing for 10+ minutes over numerous days (I work!) and unable to get through to staff. Whenever I visit to do lane swim there is always just one person on reception. The changing rooms haven't changed much from when I visited 20 years ago apart from there are more cubicles. Lockers are touch and go, some don't take your token so you then have to search about for another one in your swimming gear and luggage. The male showers currently do not work so everyone is in the female showers which I don't like for obvious reasons. The female toilets are abysmal. The locks are out of line with the catch so you have to hold it shut. The floors can sometimes be mucky but not nice to drag dirt into the pool. Baby pool is fine, nice temperature however some tiles need replacing. They have broken off and are going black with mould. Main pool is okay, provides you with what you have come to do. I only come here as it is suitable for other people that I attend with.

Positive experience: Booking system is a little confusing but everything inside is very clean and well organised

Fantastic experience: Excellent wellness centre. Went for Smalltots baby swim session and everything was organised exceptionally well. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: I've only used the swimming lesson part ant the swimming instructor's are excellent

Fantastic experience: The centre caters for all, the staff are friendly and will help with anything they can . It’s got a climbing wall Soft play area And also a skate park Fully equipped gym Sauna Steam room Any other activity go on the website Very easy to find . And it’s got loads of parking

Positive experience: Very friendly and helpful staff. Always a pleasant experience.

Negative experience: No one knows what facilities are re-opening and when. The staff should be able to inform the customers.

Fantastic experience: The leisure center is fine, the swimming pool is good. But if you need to change an activity booking, you have to phone, so far I have been on the phone for over 20 minutes and no answer. An update on this just after, I sent this review, someone did answer the phone and changed my booking and I was also phoned back about the email complaint I made. Well done Wigan Be Well

Fantastic experience: Howe Bridge Leisure Centre is a fantastic place for all sports activities. It has a gymnasium, swimming pool, football and rugby grounds, tennis courts and cricket. No joke it even has an adventure playground for children. Massive free carpark spaces for coaches and buses and obviously cars. Plus absolutely brilliant for dog walking just as long as it's under control.