Surrey Docks Fitness & Water Sports Centre

Fantastic experience: This is a great local gym and fantastic value for money. The gym upstairs has been totally refurbished. However, the reason I joined is the classes. There are lots of classes and a really good variety, inc yoga and fun dance classes. The classes are also an hour long. It's lovely doing yoga on a Saturday morning in a studio overlooking the Quay. Changing rooms are clean and also look newly refurbished. Fitness First was basically nearly 3 x as much £ a month. This is much better value.

Fantastic experience: Epic New Gym!!

Negative experience: I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding an incident that took place at your gym this morning, involving a staff member named Tilly. At approximately 9:30 AM, I requested permission from reception to use one of the empty class spaces to train with my best friend, who is also a member. Reception assured me it was fine, and we began our training. However, 10–15 minutes later, Tilly entered the room carrying a tablet and informed us, in a very abrupt and rude manner, that we had to leave because a meeting was about to take place. While I tried to explain that I had already received permission from reception, her attitude remained dismissive, and she implied we should have checked with reception—which we had already done. I found her approach to be unnecessarily unkind and unprofessional, and it made me feel undervalued as a member of the gym. In addition, I’ve noticed on other occasions that some staff members, including your manager, appear disengaged, rarely greeting members or fostering the welcoming atmosphere one would expect from a community gym. The only person who says hello is Ula. Not sure is the spelling of the name is correct). I wanted to bring this to your attention because I believe such experiences can negatively impact the sense of community and respect among members and staff. I hope this feedback can help improve communication and customer service moving forward.

Fantastic experience: Nice new gym :)

Fantastic experience: New look, new everything The gym looks and feels great! Love it

Fantastic experience: The spin classes at this gym are seriously good! Feel so lucky to have such a good gym available locally

Negative experience: The gym didn't open on time this morning. (Not the first time since Southwark council took over) the gym after refurbishing is worst in term of equipment. The equipment itself looks budget and the chunky machines are totally not accessible for disable or older people. The flor looks uneven and the set up of machines is not very functional. Sine the gym has been refurbished. it doesn’t seem the machines been cleaned by anyone. It a shame because it use to be a great gym and had a good vibe.

Positive experience: Gym itself is slightly small but the facilities are very clean. Of of the equipment is wearing off.

Fantastic experience: I just wanted to mention that the gym has the perfect view

Positive experience: Gym is fine, but not outstanding. Variety of machines, weights, treadmills, etc., incl. new equipment. However, changing rooms and showers require renovation. Some machines also have minor breakdowns. Price is relatively low as it is a council facility. Group classes are also available. Nice view of the docks from the gym. Can be quite crowded, especially in peak hours. Early closing on Saturdays

Fantastic experience: I went paddleboarding here for the first time in over a year. I was very rusty at the sport and completely new to the Surrey Docks centre, and it was a breezy day, which didn't help me much. What did help were the welcoming and friendly instructors who gave me some good advice to put into practice. Even though the water is shared with sailors and powerboaters, it wasn't daunting because the people are so nice. The changing facilities and showers are nice, modern and clean. I hope to be back next summer, if not sooner, and to maybe check out some of the courses!

Fantastic experience: Just so refreshing to have such facilities so close to home. My son really enjoyed his session and wants to work towards his award.

Positive experience: Staff is friendly but unfortunately the gym is not well furnished, old machines and is quite messy; also a lot of cardio machines that no one uses, this steal space for useful machines. A refurbishment was meant to happen in April but nothing changed. Hopefully will get it at some point.

Negative experience: I appreciate this is a council gym, so the price is really fair for the current climate, but the space is just far too small + the equipment isn't adequate sadly. It's really difficult to get machines/barbells when needed, as there are too many people for the space, unless you go as soon as it opens

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended

Positive experience: Muy limpio! Y buena atención. Solo que es muy pequeño y a veces hay que esperar para usar las máquinas.

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym overlooking the docks! Super clean with updated gym equipment.

Positive experience: Nice setting

Fantastic experience: water leisure sport in city

Negative experience: The showers are a disgrace. I have been complaining for over 3 years about the disrepair of the showers and management claim repairs have been scheduled but that was 2 years ago, I now use their other sites other sires.o

Negative experience: Awful experience, I'm owed a refund from August and they've messed me around constantly. Completely unorganised, impossible to deal with, no response to emails. Told me someone would be in to issue the refund, and made me travel for two hours and the person was off sick. Refusing to do this in anyway apart from in-person. They owe me £170 and won't give it back.

Positive experience: Newly renovated with excellent range of weights and equipment to fit everyone's need

Fantastic experience: I hired a SUP board and spend the whole morning in the dock. Very relaxing and quiet place with a nice view.

Fantastic experience: The place is a gem. If you live around and don’t sail you’re missing out.

Negative experience: Most of running lanes out of order

Fantastic experience: A gorgeous oasis of calm water and nsture in the heart of London

Negative experience: Not massively impressed with the place since ownership has gone to the council. I had a really negative experience in a class that I called up to discuss (Not normally the type of person to do this but I felt bullied and targeted by a teacher) and don't really feel like I was heard. Was told I would be called back which never happened and got the sense that they weren't bothered really. I won't go into details but what I experienced was horrible and really unacceptable and they just weren't bothered Gym upstairs is small but if you go at the right time has it's quiet hours and a nice view over the water. A lot of broken machines, some not even marked as such which is potentially dangerous. I hope it's just a difficult transition period as there are a lot of facilities on offer

Positive experience: Great for dragon boat racing, pirates and general keep fit and gym. Dragon boat racing for corporate events highly recommended as excellent for team building.

Fantastic experience: We love this sailing club, my son has been for a few years now and loves going back for either the sailing courses in the summer/holidays or the recreational sailing. It is relaxed and the trainers are absolutely lovely and keen to share their knowledge on. My son has had access to the boats but also to the kayaks, paddle board and windsurfs. The annual membership for sailing is great value as you get price reduction for the courses and access to the boats all year long.

Negative experience: Just far too busy in the weights area, at all times of the day. They've allowed far too many people to become members and the low monthly cost has naturally attracted a huge membership base. Forget having a workout plan or even a target muscle group, it's usually a case of just of waiting for any machine or equipment area to become free.

Fantastic experience: Such a lovely Gym!! The view of the lake is also breathtakingly gorgeous!! The docklands has a really pretty atmosphere provided by the big glass windows! A blissful sight to observe while I keep fit! Especially during spring and summer ️‍♀️⛴️☀️

Negative experience: Not happy with this place today. In April/May under the auspices of Everyone Active they were running a promotion whereby if you get a friend signed up you’d have an extra month added to your membership. I went with my friend to get him signed up but after three time consuming visits to reception and endless forms repeatedly completed the extra month was still not added in by the time Southwark took over. And Southwark are now making it very clear that they have no obligation or interest in honouring that offer. Difficult not to feel scammed.

Negative experience: The gym is awful - everything is dirty and broken - 4 out if 10 treadmills not working for more than 2 weeks when enquired about it a rude trainer answered ‘well it takes time’!!! I will ask for my money back

Negative experience: The gym and water sport are apart. Gym is great, water sport anual member is not worthy that money while you only sailling few times chance in whole year, the boat under their control may not release to you for sailing in nice weather as excuse, only windy allowed to use, do not waste money to join annual member

Fantastic experience: Brilliant. Great changing rooms. Easy to follow course. Great central city outdoor swimming. Also do water sports. Staff helpful and nice.

Fantastic experience: Great place for sailing. I would recommend sailing here.

Fantastic experience: Visited here in the winter but will be going back when the weather gets better for some out door activity Sheena was ever so nice and helpfull

Positive experience: It’s little but would do me but the other side with the heavyweights there are to many people for me to go over there

Negative experience: The gym has recently undergone some refurbishment, which introduced new equipment and a complete reorganisation. While the addition of new equipment is welcome, the reorganisation leaves much to be desired. Previously, the layout already had issues near the dumbbell area, often overcrowded due to the limited number of benches. Unfortunately, the new arrangement has made this area even smaller! The number of cable stations has also been reduced from four to just two, further limiting workout options. The main problem with this gym is the lack of space, which restricts both the type and quantity of equipment available. In such a compact setting, gym-goers tend to favour versatile exercises such as those using dumbbells, cables, or deadlifts. However, by reducing the space allocated to these areas, the gym only adds to members' frustration. This is a real shame, especially considering the ground floor houses four large rooms dedicated to classes. If the cardio equipment were relocated to one of these rooms, it would free up much-needed space on the upper floor for a more functional workout area.

Positive experience: Clean spacious changing rooms. Good cardio area but could do with more strength training equipment

Positive experience: The gym is just there. with cardio machines

Negative experience: ***update*** Years go by, but this place does not change. Still incredibly dirty, toilets out of order, not a single paper towel in the free weights room (that's 4 dispensers), no loo paper in some toilets. Never mind the lack of equipment and the genius idea to remove the steps as a safety concern. Keen to see how low it can go! Please, please employ someone who has a clue and cares. This doesn't not have to be a rich place or await a revamp for basic cleaning to be done out of respect for the users. *********** The resistance training machines are a little limited, but you can adapt and get your workout done. Not too busy in the mornings, even in January! Not overly clean..

Fantastic experience: Good awesome gym

Negative experience: The lady manager is very rude she has really really really bad attitude and the gym is close sometimes without any notice they should let the people know when they have to shut the gym for a day… in male side changing room all the showers are broken the hair dry is broken the management should really work on it specially they should do something about that lady manager because they will loos costumers because of her she is very rude

Fantastic experience: Amazing views whole building muscles

Positive experience: Small and busy gym. No swimming pool, but you can do some kayaking, learn yachting, etc. Staff is always helpful. I always enjoy running on the treadmill or the cross trainer while looking out over the waters. Very good yoga classes, but they can get pretty crowded and you need to book with a week in advance to get a place.

Positive experience: Love working out at this gym. Yes it is a very small gym but I just love the water view when working out. Can get quite busy which can be an issue as limited equipment. I get around this by going early in the mornings. The centre also has sailing classes for kids (during school holidays) and adults (on weekends) except during winter, but classes tend to get booked up quickly.

Fantastic experience: wonderful place

Positive experience: Good services although as your sole gym it is a little small and cramped with the bare minimum of equipment.

Negative experience: Poor experience. Got a late cancellation charge after centre confirmation that my name has been taken off the list for 11 Oct 6:15 PM HIIT class. Called 3 times and have been asked to bring proof of call log that I made the call because there is no record at their end. The first person I spoke to said - “I was going to take off the late cancellation charge but since you are rude to me I won’t do it now” which sounded discretionary and more upsetting. Apologised that I was upset on the surprise charge and been told that I did not make the call. Spoke with manager Spence then who was unhelpful and combative off the bat explaining the cancellation fees process. Asked me to call again in evening which I said I can’t as error is at their end and they should check internally. Despite that, called again in evening to see how unhelpful the Center is. Another new chap who said he can’t help. I have paid number of fines at this Center but as matter of principle this is not right if their is an error at centres end. And you can’t be making it personal if I am genuinely surprised and upset at this error. You should do the right thing irrespective. UPDATE: Paid the fine after another unproductive conversation

Positive experience: Great little gym and really enjoy the sailing and kayaking here in the summers as its local… it does need a bit of and update and would be even better with a pool… but good value for money as it is never the less.

Fantastic experience: I have been coming regularly to this gym and it is amazing! The equipments are truly a state of the art and maintained really well. The equipment appears to be cleaned regularly. The gym also has free parking spots for gym goers. My favorite feature of the gym is the view over the surrey docks and of canary wharf. It is quite the motivational view while working out. There are three studio rooms, first two are usually used for the free lessons like yoga, Zumba etc and the third is the spin classes. The bathroom facilities are mediocre, the hairdryer is not so powerful and the shower force is really low so I barely use the bathroom facility.

Negative experience: Regularly doesn’t open on time, particularly on the weekend. Small amount of equipment that is in desperate need of updating.

Negative experience: Worst, most unfriendly gym staff, especially the receptionists. Would avoid

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym and staff!

Fantastic experience: Love this little gym

Fantastic experience: Loved the Sunday morning Zumba class at the Surrey Docks fitness centre - based around a scenic waterfront.

Fantastic experience: Commenting on a kayaking taster my friend and I did... great fun and very experienced tutor. I have taught classes here in the past and really enjoy the huge windows, bright spaces and view over the dock and Canary Wharf

Positive experience: Local gym on Greenland Dock. Very small and often very busy and crowded. Also people spend so much time on their phones they block the equipment. Real shame as its a reasonably well equipped gym. Staff are friendly.

Negative experience: Staff are generally helpful. It's normally clean and well maintained. Can't comment about other facilities, but the gym is rather small and very poorly equipped.

Fantastic experience: Great staff and a good place to workout

Positive experience: Ok gym, but small with limited free weights. At peak there is very little room. Cardio area fares a little better. Machines don't seem to be connected so can't use their smart features.

Positive experience: Lovely place and area. Sailing and general water sports,are just relaxing pastimes...

Positive experience: Great location with nice view over the docks, and reasonably membership prices. The only downside is a rather limited number of weight machines

Positive experience: Great location with a lovely view of the dock, only flaw, taps are loose in the ladies

Negative experience: Shambles. Dirty. Rude staff. Unsafe.

Positive experience: Economic Gym with most of the necessary equipments. Their group classes are great.

Negative experience: Gym is really tiny and poorly equipped, we struggled to find a spot to do some deadlifts. They have a lot of cardio machines and dumbbells so of that's all you need for your workout you can get away with it, if you're more serious about your training it won't do it.

Fantastic experience: My children’s first experience of sailing with Tom & Tom. They absolutely love it! They look forward to their home education sessions and I feel completely confident knowing my children are in highly capable hands! Thank you

Fantastic experience: Amazing home ed sailing experience and opportunity!!! My children absolutely love their sailing sessions. Tom and Ben are extremely professional and I highly recommend them. Thank you so much!!!!

Fantastic experience: Nice gym with great views of the dock in Greenland dock. Very quiet in mornings, that’s when I usually come here. Staff are professional and the gym is clean.

Fantastic experience: Amazing views over the water from the gym. Cheap membership with classes included. Friendly atmosphere and everyone welcome. You have the opportunity to do watersports although this is extra. Gym equipment is up to scratch, although not many high tech machines the basics are there. Can be tricky to book classes as the spots go very quickly. It’s good value for money but if you want somewhere with longer opening hours or high tech machines look elsewhere.

Positive experience: The sailing course was fun and the instructors were really nice.

Positive experience: Good centre with decent equipment.

Fantastic experience: Love this gym and watersport centre.Great views of the river when in gym

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym. Would highly recommend

Negative experience: It’s impossible to book classes for people with regular membership even though Everyone Active advertises it as part of the deal. People with upgraded memberships have a priority and can book classes 2 weeks in advance, while for regular memberships booking opens only a week in advance. There are only 8 spaces per class, so obviously they all are always taken

Positive experience: Gym floor to small very easy to become busy. Not very clean but very convenient if you leave around the area.

Negative experience: Unfortunately the worse thing about this gym is their attitude. Avoid at all costs.

Fantastic experience: Clean and complete gym.

Positive experience: It's good but can be busy at peak times. Would like to see more equipment in the gym.

Fantastic experience: Good gym all you need

Negative experience: Disgusting hygiene. I went last week and the running machines were covered in sweat drops, none of the TV screens worked, and the place smelled disgusting. Great location, this could be a fab gym but it's been sub par for a few years now.

Positive experience: Overlooking the river... best atmosphere for training..

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere, lovely views and good value. Jo is a great personal trainer.

Fantastic experience: Really nice gym, free access to Southwark residents on weekends, lovely friendly staff

Positive experience: Update May 2024: The refurbished flooring in Studio 1 is great. Now, the noise of other people abruptly dropping their weights is somewhat dampened. Unfortunately, the Southwark Leisure app is still a tremendous failure. In-app notifications do not work, which means you are not notified about class free spaces. Overall, the app's UI and UX are just irredeemably bad and completely inconsistent with the Gladstone Go platform used by Southwark Leisure. For someone who's only visiting for a few days, consider buying classes on a pay-as-you-go basis. Make use of the email alerts (not the app alerts) to get notified about free spaces on your preferred classes. --- Update Feb 2021: On reflection, I think this review has been too harsh in terms of rating. The centre, variety of classes and quality of staff are all genuinely good (pre and post-lockdown). Any frustrations around the app/booking system/late cancellation penalties should be directed to Everyone Active head office, not this one centre in Canada Water. --- Original review from 2019: Good value for money membership. Great variety of classes for body toning, strength building and mental wellbeing. Most of the class instructors are good and attentive, helping you maintain correct form and go at the right pace. As with any gym, shared equipment can sometimes be dirty. The worst culprit is the boxing equipment. You should invest in your own for hygiene's sake. Surrounding area is scenic and gorgeous. You'll have a great view from the upstairs gym area. Update March 2020: A further downgrade to 2 stars. The new booking and waitlist system is poorly-thought out. You are charged £4 for not showing up to a class even if you showed up (and scanned your membership card on the way in.) The receptionists will suggest you are at fault for the no-show, because you didn't scan your card. When you ask them to take off the charge, they fob you off, saying they're not allowed and to speak to one specific person (single point of failure). This person isn't always around so you may end up waiting a few days with a charge on your account, unable to make new class bookings. Update Feb 2020: The centre recently switched to a new way of handling class bookings and waitlists. These changes have made it harder to book a slot onto my favourite evening classes. Waitlists are now removed within 4 hours of the class start time. This means you have to anally check the app to see if a slot has become free. If you cancel your booking within these 4 hours, and if someone does not book your freed up slot, then you will now incur a charge on your account, preventing you from making further bookings. I have had two instances of this since these changes came into effect. I have to wonder if this is an underhand tactic to get additional revenue for the Centre. I've lowered my rating from 4 stars to 3 because of these recent negative changes.

Fantastic experience: Clean, friendly staff, lots of classes.

Fantastic experience: A Beautiful place

Negative experience: Horrible sound system that they blast on the max, annoying everyone around the dock.

Fantastic experience: Grate fun day of water sports

Negative experience: The workout area needs to be bigger. A lot of machines are of poor quality or simply do not work

Positive experience: Tideway next door was better

Fantastic experience: Cool gym.

Fantastic experience: Great little spaces for hire. Lovely views and friendly/helpful staff!

Positive experience: Beautiful location for a gym

Fantastic experience: Excellent, Clean, Modern, Facilties . Highly Qualified, skilled , Personable tutors and staff. Calm, motivational environment.

Negative experience: If you're interested in water sports then it's probably worth joining, however if it's just for the gym then there are better and cheaper alternatives. Considering the limited amount of space and equipment it's very expensive compared to it's competitors. Small things like soap dispensers or the water fountain are most of the time broken. The staff seem to only care about selling you membership deals using hard sell tactics. Overall there are much better gyms around the area.

Fantastic experience: Amazing to find the opportunity to go sailing in Central London. The dock is surrounded by houses and will be of no interest to the seasoned sailer but a great place to learn. Excellent facilities and knowledgeable, patient instructors.

Fantastic experience: Nice strolls or lots of sports and water sports if you're that way inclined.