Kentish Town Sports Centre

Negative experience: There are some good facilities here but it’s becoming increasingly dirty and unclean. The large black mats upstairs are often covered in hair and dirt and the men’s toilets and changing rooms throughout aren’t properly mopped so there’s a build up of grime around sinks and floors and an awful smell. At times it looks like nobody has cleaned in possibly weeks. They really need to get a grip on the hygiene of this place.

Negative experience: If you love swimming with filth, this is the right place for you!!! I attended this pool quite frequently but the state of cleanliness of the water is getting poorer by the day and I simply can’t bare it anymore. There’s algae all over the pool’s floor (when complained I was offered by a member of stuff to have a go and clean it myself!!), I was also advised that the filtering system is broken hence the accumulation of hair, plasters and other unidentified black bits floating around. When asked to talk to a manager, I was given an email to send my complaint to but no one bothered replying. I didn’t even get an automated response. So all in all it’s a lovely facility with a highly disappointing level of management. At this rate it wouldn’t surprise me if it will inhabit frogs, but I won’t be able to tell you when that day comes.

Negative experience: Quite annoying when you go to book the small pool and nothing comes up for what looks like weeks on the app? Seems to be no information online as to why its closed or for how long.

Negative experience: I don’t want a membership or to book in advance. I just want to see a timetable for when the pool is open so I can go for a swim with my toddler. This feels so basic - yet you make it so hard! Also that toddler pool is far too cold.

Positive experience: I’ve been attending this gym for a while, and while it does have some positives, there are several major issues that need to be addressed. First, the organization of the free weights is a disaster. There’s no system in place, and people don’t bother to return weights to their designated spots. While the staff makes an effort to tidy up, they simply can’t keep up with the constant mess left behind by members. The gym’s layout is another major downside. One section is always overcrowded, while other areas remain practically empty. This poor design isn’t just inconvenient; it’s also unsafe. Equipment is placed too close together, creating a risk of injury. Whoever planned the setup clearly didn’t consider functionality or safety. On the positive side, the natural light is fantastic. The large windows fill the space with daylight, creating a more pleasant environment. Additionally, the gym has plenty of new equipment, which is a definite plus. The swimming facilities are also a nice bonus for those who enjoy using them. However, cleanliness is a significant issue, particularly in the men’s toilets. They are consistently dirty, and the smell is unbearable. For a facility charging full price, this level of hygiene is unacceptable. Overall, this gym might be worth it if you qualify for a discount (e.g., for unemployment or disability). But at full price, there are better and more affordable options nearby.

Fantastic experience: Staff are always so friendly and the gym is always very clean.

Negative experience: I wish the baby pool was warmer. Even I get cold in this pool. It’s meant to be a certain degrees but as it’s a conservatory the outside air always feels cooler and I’m just not comfortable bringing my baby here after last two cold experiences (less than 10mins both times). PLUS, there is nowhere to put your baby in changing rooms. There should be a little temporary cot place to put them so you can get changed - have to leave prams at entrance and not leaving baby on floor or on changing table!!! Then, what do you do with baby when you need to get everything into the locker… put it on the hard cold dirty floor?? The baby pool was not thought out by someone with a baby.

Fantastic experience: We do the baby swimming classes on Saturdays. The instructor is amazing and the classes are perfect for babies. The pool is nice and warm too

Positive experience: It will be nice if swimming teacher can focus on all participants instead just focusing on 2 or 3 children after all classes are not free. 30 minutes lesson and teacher was just focused on 2 /3 children rest where like lost sheep

Fantastic experience: I love this centre, I use it for the pool and it’s by far the best one in the area. Changing rooms are clean enough and the showers are good. The pool is quiet and clean with lovely natural lighting. Crucially there’s a whole separate room for swim for fitness to the training pool, so no kids interrupting your lengths!

Negative experience: Unfortunately I have to give one star

Negative experience: Did not get the chance to get in or talk to people there is a a computer device so I did what I could have done from home

Fantastic experience: I go here nearly everyday for a swim and love it. Great pool, the staff are professional and polite. Can't fault it and the architecture is beautiful to admire while you do your lengths. Keep up the great work guys!

Negative experience: AVOID AVOID AVOID. Was trying out this pool for the first time and as I wasn't told anything about the session at reception, I assumed I could go with my friend who isn't as confident at swimming. My friend was swimming "too slowly" seemingly deemed arbitrarily and we were told to leave. I asked for a refund at reception as I didn't realise there was a minimum speed limit to use the pool and the woman at reception then told me I was a liar and refused to give me a refund. She tried to claim she told us about the minimum speed limit when she ABSOLUTELY did not. At which point 4 different people from reception all ganged up on us so we couldn't even try to get a refund. An email complaint has been sent to the centre manager but please if you don't want to be called a liar, stay away from this sham of a leisure centre.

Fantastic experience: Can't be beaten in peice or quality

Fantastic experience: Just arrived in London from the States, pretty clueless. Victoria, on the front desk was excellent. She helped me buy a monthly pass. Thank you. Victoria.

Positive experience: Weekly passes available. Cardio equipment wasn't up to my standards, but multiples types of machines available. Weight machines were ok, but limited and many patrons were impatient waiting for the equipment.

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool, friendly staff

Negative experience: PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING This pool is absolute trash!!!! Yes you heard me ! When i walked in to changing room i had a feeling i had to leave and i wish i did ! First of all in their WOMEN CHANGING room there is a guy fixing floor !!! This is women changing room where else am i supposed to get changed!?!?? Whats the point of having women and men changing room if there is no privacy!!! Staff were walking on wet area with their shoes leaving black marks all over floor And lastly their LIFE GUARDS are super rude!!!! I know how to swim but i get tired sometimes and i need to hold onto the wall for like a short second ! This woman who was sitting and was the life guard asked me to leave because i hold onto the wall for once to rest my body a bit !!!!!! When i refused there was this guy who came saying they cant have people who cant swim the whole length at once and going back without rest! I was in slow lane so i asked if i could at least go to some part and take a turn there and his answer was no!!! When i questioned why and there is no such a role in other pools he had nothing to say but the decision is made !! Avoid going here find another pool !

Negative experience: Went here for a physio appointment, girls at the front desk couldn't care less, told me to wait for the physio to collect me but didn't bother to inform the physio that I had showed. Not until 20 mins after my appointment she decided to use the tannoy to call a physio down, each appointment is 30 mins long. Not really sure why she couldn't have done that at the start especially as I spoke to her twice that the appointment was late. Physio couldn't see me until after her work day was completed because the girl with the attitude was just lazy. Meaning the physio also ended up going home late.

Fantastic experience: Really helpfull staff friendly greeting and directions for a newby, lovely pool with great changing rooms, showers and lockers, thankyou

Positive experience: First time back here for 40 years. Nice use of natural light in Willes Pool. Good sized changing area with communal shower & 2 shower / changing cubicles for the shy. Small gripe, bottom of pool looked a bit grubby with assorted, nondescript detritus.

Fantastic experience: Excellent 1930's style pool very clean, tokens for lockers but only comunual changing for men expensive at 7.20

Positive experience: Came here on a Friday evening to use the pool. TL;DR: + nice, clean, spacious pool + nice architecture + not overly busy for a Friday evening - only one of three hair driers worked - had to pay 30p for a locker which is off putting —— Pretty easy to find - tucked away on a quiet side street off Prince of Wales Road. The entrance is wheelchair accessible. One of the staff members proactively asked if I was OK as I walked in (as I looked visibly lost!) which was nice. She answered all my questions very helpfully. Plenty of changing room space and lockers to use. There are a couple of pools here so make sure you know which one you need! The layout is a long corridor with lockers lining it and some unisex changing cubicles, a baby change and hair dryers (although only one worked) at the front end of it. Near the end there are doors to go into the male and female changing rooms, which have showers, toilets, and benches. The main 30.5m pool is further down the corridor. I was very disappointed to be told that the lockers were chargeable at 30p each. There is a machine at the front which accepts contactless, but it is beyond me why we can’t just have lockers with our own padlocks. People were leaving their stuff at the side of the pool which is risky if someone swipes something! The pool itself is lovely. It has retained all of its old features and there is a very nice glass skylight at the top which lets light in. The pool was mostly very clean (except for a plaster) and not overly chlorinated. The tiles are quite slippery so take extra care walking in the shallow end. The grips at the sides of the pool (especially for the deep end) are quite high which made my hands hurt after an hour of swimming - I don’t like tumble turning, so normally hold onto the side to turn. There were three lanes and at most 5 or so people were using a lane at any one time. The lanes were very wide - you could easily overtake people without fear of clashing. The pool temperature was just right - not too warm, and just cold enough to make you want to immediately start swimming! Overall a nice swimming experience once I was in the pool. I would come here again but will probably limit how often because of the padlock charge.

Positive experience: Good gym but recent upgrade seems to have focused on weights rather than cardio plus installation of LED strip lighting everywhere. Better before.

Negative experience: Rude front office staff and they are very unprofessional never recommend to ANYONE but the swimming teachers are nice.

Fantastic experience: Lovely place and two great pools. Good gym facilities and classes for a good affordable membership fee. Best of all the staff are very friendly, professional, helpful and engaged. It's a well run centre and I use it frequently. One thing to ask is to please stop people changing at poolside, there are perfectly good changing facilities for men women and families so we don't have to have people in outdoor clothing taking off the layers poolside and not showering....

Fantastic experience: I love the pool, it's rarely busy and a great place to swim. Staff are really friendly and make it a real pleasure to come here. More than worth 5 stars!

Fantastic experience: I went to the gym today in Kentish town.

Fantastic experience: It’s not a fancy one but The gym looks decent and has everything necessary The dressing rooms are OK and have private rooms and hairdryers I cannot comment on the pools or showers as haven’t ever used yet But everyone who I’ve been to a fitness class with is amazing and HIIT with Derrick is the best!

Positive experience: Love the swimming pool, a bit crowded around 6:30 pm on weekdays but it's to be expected. People are very friendly and respectful and the staff polite and welcoming however I noticed that, they don't reinforce the swimming pool rules and if someone is complaining about other distrespectful costumers, they acknowledge it but don't act. This is the reason I'm giving 4 starts and also for the changing room which is a bit dirty and doesn't seem very looked after. The showers are very spacious and comfortable but a bit rusty, this is something that could be improved. Overall it's a nice environment and I'm now a regular!

Positive experience: I love the pool, the staff are wonderful but I'm absolutely gobsmacked by how many people don't shower before going swimming, even choosing to undress by the side of the pool, just walking in fully clothed with outdoor shoes on and no one says a word.

Positive experience: Swim here regularly - for a public pool clean and well maintained on the whole. Booking system is a little (actually really) confusing to start with, but once you get the hang of it efficient and easy to use.

Fantastic experience: Clean and proffesional staff

Positive experience: Good gym and swimming pool. The classes are great as well as teachers. Friendly staff.. some refreshing could be made in the woman changing rooms by the pool.

Fantastic experience: All good

Fantastic experience: Swimming pool is really clean and has great shower facilities. Plus very cool architecture, would recommend!

Fantastic experience: The Willes Pool is a gorgeous 30.5 m pool with the calming light coming through the glass on the ceiling.

Negative experience: My recent experience at Kentish Town Better Gym was highly disappointing. During my visit on 30/05/2023, I encountered disruptive behaviour from another gym user and witnessed unprofessional conduct from the staff in handling my complaint. Despite my attempts to seek assistance, no staff member was available on the gym floor. When I finally spoke with the Assistant General Manager, Gordon, he displayed an aggressive attitude and showed a lack of professionalism. This entire experience has left me deeply upset and raised concerns about the gym's adherence to basic health and safety standards, as well as the competence and professionalism of the staff.

Fantastic experience: Lovely staff ,great pool.

Negative experience: The pools are good hence the 2 stars However the Gym 1. Poorly maintained with machines often broken and taking weeks to repair. 2. The water fountains are filthy. One is currently broken and has been for months! 3. Technogym has confirmed that GLL Better is not paying for all the services Technogym offer, hence the Mywellness App will not work! 4. Gym equipment at least 10 years old. 5. The male toilets stink even after they have been cleaned. Staff are nice & friendly, but passive. I'm guessing their hands are tied by HO so have given up! Camden Council need to review the contract!

Fantastic experience: The staff really make this place different from other leisure centres, great service and kept clean. Great job all round

Fantastic experience: We arranged a childrens swimming party in the baby pool and I cannot speak highly enough of the support given by Michael and his team. They were very positive to our ideas for how it would work and their suggestions helped make it a great party. Will definitely do it again, and would highly recommend.

Positive experience: I actually go to the gym mostly every Wednesday and its nice but it is a really busy place at night.

Positive experience: It's ok but wish they had more accessibility to a general pool, and I didn't know how to use the tokens with the lockers so I had to buy another one. That wasn't very cool. But other than that, standard sports centre.

Positive experience: The facilities offer a diverse range of swimming pools, including deep and long pools for serious swimmers, as well as smaller pools designed specifically for kids. If you're a frequent visitor, it's worth considering a monthly pool subscription to make the most of your trips.

Negative experience: Splendid building , gym and all equipment fantastic ! The reception staff is 5 stars, lovely team ! the only real downside is the swimming lessons. the coaches look all depressed, they seem always unhappy to be there . and most kids hate the lesson as a result . this is a real pitty since those are the only affordable lessons in London

Positive experience: Good and reliable gym with friendly staff. Doesn’t get too busy most of the time either, and booking classes/swims etc can be done through the Better Leisure app (swims don’t require booking, but the option is there). One criticism? Their phone service is terrible. Impossible to get through or speak to anyone without either emailing Better or going into the gym in person - this can be annoying when you have membership queries.

Fantastic experience: I've been swimming here regularly for many years, and I really love the place. The main pool is clean and flooded with natural light, and rarely too crowded. I recently had reason to make a complaint, and the management really went out of their way to understand the problem and put it right. I was impressed by the time they took to listen, and their willingness to find a way forwards. It's so important to have facilities like this in our community - we're lucky to have this center.

Fantastic experience: Great session with Josh from CAmden musculoskeletal unit . Gym spotless and friendly too

Negative experience: Used to be my family gym but… we all stopped our memberships immediately 2 years ago as this place got unhygienic, filthy and poorly managed. Dirty changing rooms and pools. Zoomba teacher often attending his own classes high on drugs. Few moments after I accidentally dropped a piece of my clothing at the floor it was mopped away by a passively aggressive cleaner (didn’t even bother to check if the item was mine!). All our feedback emails were ignored. I’m surprised the ratings didn’t drop below 2 yet as I still see same negative feedback up to date. Disappointing

Positive experience: Only go on Friday night for disability swimming

Positive experience: Nice facilities, but cleanliness could do with some major work. People walk around changing areas with outdoor shoes so get outdoor mud etc and debris all o over floor. Too much litter. It would help if users were a little less gross, but given this would make sense to have more frequent and intensive cleaning.

Fantastic experience: Very beautiful and clean swimming pool. Amazing design and very helpful and friendly stuff. Lockers are quite big and there is also changing rooms. Drying machine for wet underwear and towels. I only swimmed in 30m swimming pool and it's not very crowded. It's open till late - 9:30. I'll edit once I'll check out the gym.

Fantastic experience: good experience but they use too much cholerine in the SWIMING pool AND burn your eyes and nostrils out , i had to see Gp got really ill last visit FOLLOW HEADACH

Negative experience: Always some equipment aren't working they never replace try to fix after few days same again,

Positive experience: I've only use the pools so far but I was impressed. Very cheap and good quality facilities. Positive: mostly clean with big pools, one for swimming lengths and one for just floating about. Negative: toilets were a bit filthy. Have to pay 20p to use lockers so annoying for those who don't carry change.

Negative experience: Possibly the most unhygienic place I’ve ever encountered. I saw the reviews regarding filthy changing rooms but thought I’d give this place the benefit of the doubt. Utterly disgusting. I can’t believe it’s even legal to operate like this. Changing rooms were visibly dirty and stank like rot and the pool had large chunks of yellow stuff floating in the corners.

Positive experience: Staff friendly and polite and helpful but the standard of the woman’s toilets are v low 2 toilets out of order for over a week and today a 3rd one. The Willes pool is really dirty on the bottom. The place used to be clean.

Negative experience: When ever any machine break down they will take few weeks to fix it. I had experienced with few other gym but they are not like this.

Negative experience: This center is probably under financial problems, the air conditioning hasn’t been working for months. That don’t even clean the toilets anymore. Stay away from this place

Fantastic experience: Peaceful swim in the lovely Grafton Pool which feels brand new. Water temp just right. Plenty of changing cubicles.

Fantastic experience: Great place lots to do.....swimming pools are great, my sister uses the gym and enjoys going there .

Positive experience: only downside is the lockers which only accept 20p coins that you don't get back. don't have 20p? leave your things by the pool

Fantastic experience: I been there really a nice and big. Also there is available swimming pool.

Positive experience: Great place for fitness classes. Zumba classes quickly filled due to limited capacity It's a shame, no sauna&steam ☹️

Positive experience: I got a 7 day pass 2 times for the gym since I was here abroad. The gym is nice, and as a female I felt at ease going here. The negative side of it is that the pass is VERY expensive! A 7 day pass costs £ 30 pounds, I even went to the gym to check if the price was correct. At home I don’t even pay that much for my subscription, let alone for a week.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities which are clean and extensive Staff are really helpful and seem happy to be there!

Positive experience: I've been a member for a few years and generally it's a great, bright, well-equipped centre, with friendly staff in a beautiful building. I enjoy the fact that I can use the gym, swim and book classes, as well as use other Better gyms in the area. The facilities I use are usually in good condition (I don't swim often but the pool's been fine when I've used it), sure the odd machine might break occasionally but it's usually repaired by my next visit. I go early in the morning when it's quiet so cleanliness is fine, but there have been instances where I've been later on in the day and the gym's been a bit of a mess and the showers could have done with a once over. That said, the staff are always attentive and helpful if I've ever reported a problem. I've used another gym in the area and while it was cheaper it didn't have the same facilities and was a bit dank. Personally I have no problem with the women only hours, the times (Sunday 4-6pm) don't affect me and if it's something that's been requested I commend the gym for providing the option

Negative experience: Used to be okay but now full of old people wearing chinos & slippers more like god’s waiting room than a gym ..NHS rehabilitation teams taking up most of the gym equipment if you have any real training goals this gym is not the one

Positive experience: The swimming pool has just 3 lines and each of them had 5 swimmers (which is quite a lot) To use lockers you need to have coins.. who does use cash in 2022? The changing room also isn't good, there were no drier, no washing gel, etc..

Negative experience: The pools are really lovely and warm - when I went everyone was incredibly respectful. My rating is based purely on the changing rooms as unfortunately they are absolutely disgusting. The showers are completely run down with rust and are not looked after. The changing rooms themselves look like they are not cleaned regularly. Considering how much they charge for a monthly swim membership (£35 a month) I would expect better facilities given that for a full membership (£61 a month) I could go to a Virgin Active or Nuffield Health. Sadly won’t be returning.

Fantastic experience: I feel so lucky to have this gym as my local! Unlike some cold, sterile gyms I've been to in the past, this place has sense of community about it. All of the staff are a delight and the exercise classes never feel intimidating to attend - there's always a real mix of types of people / a big age range and everyone is friendly to one another. Such a clean and lovely pool too....

Fantastic experience: Lovely swimming pool - lots of natural light

Positive experience: Very good gym with great floor space and studios for doing other things. Its a little questionable how camden thinks its boujee and adds additional prices to include this gym in your membership, because whilst it is a fully inclusive gym its not exclusive. That said, the option of having access to multiple better gyms in the area should you desire the membership means you will be able to go to very good environments where equipment, swimming and studios are available in abundance and your lack of options is hardly an issue.

Negative experience: You or your children might be photographed by non-paying visitors and leisure centre will take no action when flagged to them. This was my experience this week. Avoid.

Fantastic experience: Lovely reception area. Helpful, friendly staff. Great clean changing area. Lovely HOT private showers. Lovely pool. Easily accessible by public transport. What's not to like. Love it

Positive experience: I swam in the Willes pool yesterday. Haven’t been there since school in the 70’s so it was really nice to see the pool again. It’s a super building. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful. But… the pool, showers and changing rooms are just too grubby! There’s a layer of grime around the pool, just above the water line and the shower I used wasn’t clean. There’s a lot of hair lying around in the ladies changing rooms and no sign of anyone doing any sweeping or cleaning. Maybe this is due to staff shortages but I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to go back. I’m disappointed.

Fantastic experience: Great experience always helpful lovely staff have absolutely nothing bad to say about it

Fantastic experience: Great center swimming and gym very clean and the staff are really helpful ..

Fantastic experience: Great place for a swim, one problem there isn't many showers to use.

Negative experience: I feel conflicted rating this. The staff on site are helpful and friendly even though they are clearly hamstrung by 'the system' wrt how much help they can actually provide. However the overarching company is an utter shambles making any day to day customer service requirements a total non starter. They recently made things 'more efficient' by removing any way to contact the centres directly but of course the central contact point is constantly overwhelmed and if, after trying for too long, you do get through, they have no more info than you can glean for yourself on the website. Accordingly the enquiry inevitability results in being told that this is a matter you'd have to speak to someone 'at the centre' about and no, there's no way that you, or indeed the agent that you have laboured so long and hard to reach, can contact them directly. 'Better' is one of those dreadful combinations of a corporate behemoth that has grown too big to be in touch with its clientele while simultaneously hiding behind its status as some kind of quasi charitable, social enterprise thus it can can close its eyes and dismiss its own failings from the lofty altitude of its supposed moral high ground.

Positive experience: Lots of equipment are missing or out of order. No proper air conditioning, sometimes it’s way too hot to workout. I feel that for £60 they should have proper air conditioning and working equipment. Otherwise it’s alright

Positive experience: Pool fab. Staff great. Wish they would get a karcher and steam clean the showers..and invest in some proper showerheads

Fantastic experience: Beautiful old building. I used the gym where the kit was more up to date than my East LDN Better gym, and quiet at 7am. I also did a pilates class with Arvin, who was a fun and engaging teacher.

Positive experience: Very friendly and helpful staff. The lane swimming pool cool and clean, perfect for a hot day. Good showers. Good quality trunks for sale, mine cost £25 for a pair of speedos. Other swimmers are generally quite friendly. It was an all together good experience, though mainly focused on fitness rather than fun swimming in the lane pool.

Fantastic experience: This is a gem in the heart of Camden. The staff are warm and friendly. The facilities are great and the building is beautiful. A valuable part of the community.

Fantastic experience: Pool clean. Covid setup works well, change and leave bags etc at poolside, one way system when finished and leaving. Staff helpful. Will come again

Fantastic experience: You can have all the necessary things in here. Well maintained during this time.

Fantastic experience: Excellent swimming pool-the type of facilities this country is short of.

Fantastic experience: Excellent swimming for me, as I've had a Bad Stroke and I could swim in Grafton pool, it was Fantastic and Lovely staff, Daura and Ellie, they where so Friendly to me as well.... I hope I go there very soon !!

Negative experience: Leg press and leg extend both machines has brake down last three weeks but they did not fix yet . I reported to manager but he did not bother ....,

Fantastic experience: Top notch pool, the facilities are a bit on the older side however they do the job. The staff is extremely nice too!

Fantastic experience: Swimming pool is fun, and the lessons are good

Fantastic experience: Good equipment and facilities. Pools are clean and well cared for. Plenty of space. Covid secure and appropriate precautions taken. Good that you can book your slots on line at 10-min intervals so you avoid the on-the-hour rush at some other places. It's a beautiful building, and retains it's original exterior features.

Fantastic experience: Great gum facilities, not too over crowded during the morning sessions. Good variety of equipment. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: I went there for a swim last week for the first time and everything went smoothly. The area is clean and the swimming pool is beautiful.

Fantastic experience: A lovely centre, with all COVID measures in place. Went for a great swim there!

Fantastic experience: Love how organised the one way system is for swimming. It's great to be back in the pool! Only three, but wide, lanes for swimming, and they work soooo much better than the original five lanes! You must book in advance (seven days prior) to get a one hour slot, and the morning slots go within minutes, so set yourself a reminder! If you're not fussed about a set time to go swimming, you might be able to find available slots on the same day.

Fantastic experience: Probably has the best indoor pool I know of, I come here to swim on my lunch break every day, it's got all the mod cons, the staff are friendly, the pool is always a really nice temperature, and the almost panoramic roof of the pool makes you think you are swimming outside, great architecture.