Chingford Leisure Centre

Fantastic experience: I’m not one to leave reviews but I couldn’t be any happier with my experience at Chingford Leisure Centre and with the amazing swimming instructor Daniel. I’ve always wanted to learn to swim and I’ve never had the confidence, I decided to book an adult 1-2-1 lesson to see if I could pick it up! I have to say Daniel is such a nice guy he really took his time to explain to me what I needed to do and is super encouraging! A true professional who made me feel at ease. I’ve learnt to float after 1 lesson and it’s all thanks to him. It might not sound like much but it’s a big massive thing for me. Daniel if you read this thank you so much you are amazing! Also a big thank you to Tomasz the manager who set me up with the lessons as he promised he would, he also has come round whilst I’ve been practicing and encouraged me and praised me on my journey! Thank you Daniel honestly more than 5*!!.

Fantastic experience: We went here for the first time today and absolutely loved it! Free parking which is always a bonus! We recieved The most AMAZING customer service from Ellie! she took her time to explain everything correctly, she was so calm, patient, helpful and accurate with every bit of info she gave, she knows her stuff! The world needs more Ellies! The pool and facilities are really clean. Lots of staff about which makes you feel safe! It's not a busy place and everyone was so friendly. I accidentally left my locker unlocked and my keys, phone, bank cards and coins were still there! The teaching pool is so nice and warm! We will be regulars! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Fantastic experience: I am so grateful to this place and the staff that make it. My son attended swimming lessons here coming with the school. The progress he made not only in his ability but more importantly his confidence is down to the wonderful coaches. Georgina has been an amazing coach, she has worked wonders on his confidence. Thank you so much. We have continued to visit to use the pool as a family. All staff are always helpful and friendly. Thank you Daniel & Damian for all your work too. I highly recommend this place for all.

Fantastic experience: Nice experience, friendly staff and is always kept quite clean ✅

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience on several occasions. Well done all!

Fantastic experience: Had to drag nephew here for swimming lessons at the start. Now he asks me when I’m free to take him for a swim here. I’m happy with the outcome of his performance for months on end. Great stuff.

Fantastic experience: Amazing centre and a great staff would 100% recommend !!!

Fantastic experience: Just felt the need to say how impressed I am with this centre. The staff are always pleasant and helpful. The cleanliness is fantastic, as you would expect it to be. I really enjoy my visits here, I normally come when I'm feeling stressed out or down. I always leave here happier and happy I used this centre. Keep up the good work staff, you make my visits worthwhile . 5 ***** to you all

Fantastic experience: Staff are lovely and helpful, the changing facilities and pool is always clean. So happy to have this leisure centre local to me, my kids love swimming here!

Fantastic experience: I’m always happy with the service and the staff are always lovely and helpful. The manager with tattoos always helps my mum and communicates with her in Turkish so she can feel comfortable as well. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: went swimming with my kids there and had a great time. Manager and rest of the staff were extremely helpful looking for a misplaced phone, all staff were great and would definitely be coming again for a swim

Negative experience: There were two workers who were Repietidilly being racist one of them was an manger who had tattoos and the second one is ginger If I could rate 0 stars I would horrible expirnce wouldn't recommend

Negative experience: We went to this local centre a couple of times and was much better before, yesterday the changing room was not cleaned properly, smelling to pee. Plus the costumer service terrible, the girl in the counter was completely rude refusing to show us how something simple works and being rude to the previous costumers as well. Disappointing…

Positive experience: Aqua Aerobics. Great class...

Fantastic experience: Excellent place to visit if you want to go swimming

Fantastic experience: First of all the cleanliness is unreal, the way the staff are with students of all different abilities is amazing and the respect shown by staff towards my staff and students is amazing.

Negative experience: Racist and Islamophobic staff, worst experience would not recommend.

Fantastic experience: I was very impressed with this gym, quite small but very I loved it

Fantastic experience: Execellent local pool. Good changing rooms and showers..busy much nicer than the new Pool and Track pool

Fantastic experience: I love this place staff so friendly and helpful would recommend to anyone

Fantastic experience: A Very friendly place to Swimm or Exercise Free for over 60s that live in Waltham Forest. Stay Healthy

Fantastic experience: Very helpful the lady on the desk was very good at her job thank you

Positive experience: The pool use is too expensive in comparison to the facilities available both in changing rooms area and poolside.

Fantastic experience: Clean. Accommodating staff. And the pool is full of water.

Fantastic experience: Very clean and organised

Positive experience: Great gym with fairly clean facilities. Staff are friendly and helpful. Would recommend.

Positive experience: The centre itself is clean and modern, the only complaint is more with the swimming lessons as they seem to have different teachers every week which is a bit odd.

Positive experience: Used for swimming only. Changing rooms can be a little dirty after the madness of swimming classes but othewise a decent local pool with no frills (like slides etc). All kids must do a swim test to be allowed in the deep end - which is fair enough!

Negative experience: The blonde short bob haired eastern European woman on reception is so rude. She needs to go on some diversity training preferably conscious bias training, not unconscious bias. She needs to adapt to her surroundings.

Negative experience: I wanted to express my disappointment regarding our recent visit to the swimming pool with my 1-year-old and husband. I had called in advance to confirm if the leisure centre provided a swimming pool suitable for babies, and I was assured that they did. Additionally, I specifically inquired about the water temperature being appropriate for small children, and the customer service representative confirmed that it was. However, upon entering the pool, it was immediately apparent that the water was freezing. I confirmed my observation with other parents present, and they agreed that the temperature was uncomfortably low. Despite our attempts to continue the session, we had to leave abruptly as my baby's lips started turning blue due to the cold. It was disappointing that the pool staff did not address the issue, especially when they could clearly hear our concerns. I hope this feedback helps improve the experience for future visitors. I have sent a complaint through your website however upon looking at your reviews I can see many people have complain about the same thing yet you have done nothing to resolve it. You will respond to the review if it is involving additional complaints and yet not address the water temperature issue. How unfortunate.

Fantastic experience: Good size swimming pool, can get a little crowded at times. The staff and management are very helpful and friendly.

Positive experience: Nice establishment. Nicely laid out. Clean environment. Good customer service service. Well recommended. Thank you. Linda.

Fantastic experience: Really lovely instructors. The venue is clean, modern and reasonably priced the staff are extremely friendly and ready to help you in every situation.

Positive experience: Good facilities but quite small, but needs air con so bad I'm dying

Positive experience: Great Aquarobics sessions on Monday and Friday. Lots of lane swimming sessions available. Poor design of the toilets though. Difficult for kids and oldies to use flush button.

Fantastic experience: The services the best the pool just great my kids loved it and enjoyed alot thanks

Negative experience: 27+ degrees an no aircon in the gym?

Fantastic experience: First of all I need to say a big THANK YOU to Daniel and all the staff that works at Chingford Leisure Center, they are kind , understanding, helpful and always there when need it!!!! Always ready to listen and help! Thank you, thank you!!!! More than 4 years in this swimming with all my kids and always got to have good time … is clean and nice… the only thing that is not on is that are just 3 cabins of shower for such a big swimming pool and not always working all if them… but otherwise is AMAZING!!!

Positive experience: Nice but the water in the swimming pool is cold.

Negative experience: Doesn’t even deserve a star. Not ever I’m stepping foot in this swimming pool. The small pool was really cold. I’ve paid £16.00 for nothing (rip off) due to a load of floating foam sticks already in the pool. Moreover, swimming armbands were too hard for me to blow for the kids (didn’t even end up using it). And lastly, the staff have made us all go in the small pool even though there was an 11 year old knowing how to swim. It wasn’t fair because this time last year we were able to enter the bigger pool where there was at least an adult and a child in there. They should’ve at least said only one adult can supervise and accompany an 11 year old in the big pool in which it would have worked. Useless

Negative experience: Probably one of the worst swimming places to go to. Doesn’t even deserve a one at this rate. Staff (a blonde girl who I definitely know from school and white man) made us waste money by buying swimming foams and arm bands for the kids when they were already loads in the pool. They should’ve told us that they were already in the pool. Staff members were also rude when they made myself and cousins go to the small pool. We had a 12 yr old who knew how to swim but they still let all 6 of us stay in the small pool. Definitely a racist act as they were others who had the red bracelet who went to the big pool with their little ones. Will definitely not come back, you racist people!!

Positive experience: We took a one and a three year old to this leisure centre for the first time. The small pool was cold. 4 or five plastic balls were provided, no floats or noodles. If we had known, we would have brought some toys. Taking your shoes off before entering changing rooms is a great idea. You need a coin for the locker, which is refundable. Unfortunately the hot drinks machine was broken. Thank you for responding

Fantastic experience: Affordable price and a great choice of activities to choose from.

Positive experience: Fantastic Aquarobics session and soooooo much more easier to book in to here for Aquarobics and well worth the additional time driving to this centre than other Better leisure centres nearer to me that are always booked up. The trainer, Tracy is brilliant so much more dynamic, energetic, engaging and knowledgeable than other trainers. Will definitely be back for her sessions now. The Aquarobics was 5 stars, but not giving 5 stars for the centre, just because I found the changing rooms and lockers a bit cramped and the shower doors had no locks on them... no idea, what's that about!!!

Fantastic experience: Nice place to swim. Free car park

Positive experience: First time here and myself and my son thoroughly enjoyed it. Not to packed so you can swim and have a play around. Nice hot shower. One downside was the faffing around at reception for 20 minutes. Lucky we got there early.

Negative experience: I was just shocked how unprofessional the staff were. Management probably should take some responsibilities as such behaviour just repeatedly happen - either the blokes at the reception were ridiculous rude and patronising, or the swimming teachers made inappropriate comments on students. This swimming school just has the weirdest and most unfriendly vibe ever.

Fantastic experience: Went here for a birthday party and it was awesome I was just wondering if the main pool lane 2 ranges from 1 metre to 1.8 metres deep

Negative experience: Just visited to swim, only to find out that you can no longer just turn up to swim and pay to get in, you have to book online. The adult swim lane was empty, exclusion works.

Fantastic experience: Went to view with a friend, staff welcoming and friendly

Positive experience: Used the teaching pool with my two toddlers, they had lots of fun. The staff is friendly, facilities much cleaner than in the other pools we have been to

Positive experience: The swimming pool is nice. The gym could be made better by improving the free weight section, maybe having another rack, as there is only one, and it is needed for multiple exercises and at times there's been a queue for the rack.

Positive experience: Very nice place for swimming lessons, recommend.

Positive experience: It is affordable, and you would have your money's worth.

Negative experience: Said on Google it was open, but closed at 2pm

Fantastic experience: I went swimming last year l still remember it l miss it

Positive experience: Attended a yoga class, which was alright. Friendly crew

Negative experience: Gym is for older people … There is a lot of missing equipment .

Positive experience: Friendly staff OK price but there aren't locks of some of the changing room doors and the shower doors for the swimming pool

Positive experience: OK. mixed changing room. pool good size but pain when school swimming is on. so check before you go.

Fantastic experience: We use the pools. These are well maintained and the changing area is clean. Staff are friendly and helpful. There are clean toilets and showers, both poolside and in cubicles. Plenty of parking. Only downside is no proper cafeteria, just a couple of machines selling a limited range of refreshments.

Fantastic experience: Nice swimming pool I'm registered in and got my membership card and inside the area it's very beautiful I liked and very nice personal

Positive experience: The gym's pretty standard. It lacks equipment. It's pretty cheap tho, considering they've got a pool as well.

Fantastic experience: Good clean facilities, small so gets busy at times, staff very helpful.

Fantastic experience: The swimming teachers are so nice and the staff. Specially the lady for red and Amber level lessons. Thank you so much for smiling face. also thank you Tom...

Negative experience: Useless staff, as soon as I start talking she drop the line. Definitely heard me.

Positive experience: Very good facility, i come here for swimming sometimes and its very enjoyable

Positive experience: Well organised booking ,good size pool ,friendly staff, but cleanliness leaves alot to desire

Positive experience: Would be great if they had a sauna or steam room. Changing room floor often dirty, wet or hair everywhere. I do like the water Aerobics class though and the teacher is lovely.

Fantastic experience: We went to a birthday party (pool party) for 5 year olds, they allow you use of the smaller pool (v decent size though) and I have to say it was amazing, brilliant. The staff were outstanding, super friendly and even played with the kids which was a huge bonus in my opinion, well done.

Negative experience: To many people messing around especially the young ones

Fantastic experience: first time i went to a nice yee which was very clean and spacious

Negative experience: The lady at the counter was so miserable being the face to greet all members coming in she needs to find another job. Kids had a lovely time HOWEVER all the showers were freezing cold and not one member thought to inform us before entering. We told the pool staff who said there's nothing they can do.

Positive experience: The pool is great. The rest of the gym is quite small but works well.

Fantastic experience: Just using the steam room and sauna and doing a lots of swimming and yes I am thinking about you.got to go back to the skin clinic on Friday the 15 at 2:00 in the afternoon if you are busy at work I understand but the reality is I am dying to meet you and sit down and have a coffee together you're on my mind everyday you're beautiful and superintendent we should not be apart let's get this romance started please ❤❤❤❤

Negative experience: I joined the gym at the beginning of the month and have yet to use the facilities as the lift isn't working and due to disabilities I cannot use the stairs so no access to anything but the swimming pool which I don't wish to use. Nobody can say why its taking to long for the repair or when it's expected to be working again. Called head office to ask them to restart my membership as it's not my fault I cannot use the gym, was told they would call me back later that afternoon and I'm still waiting. Not happy!

Fantastic experience: We going swimming here, and the littleun has swimming lessons - good facilities, and the teacher is great. Big square pool for the younger kids to learn, and then a fair sized 25m pool for the adults, etc. Great car parking outside, and ok changing room - could do with a bit of a service though as a few things not working, hair dryers, etc - but overall worth the rating

Positive experience: *new build* My local gym.. clean and santized, helpful and friendly staff. Only downside is I wish the gym was bigger.. there's a handful of machines. Before 2pm/2.30pm it's less busy . From 3pm onwards you won't get much of a workout( peak times I guess)

Negative experience: I used this centre for a couple of weeks purely to use the pool. It’s not a bad price, £5.30, but there is a timeframe for your visit. 50m, including changing time. The pool is a decent size, 25m and there are two lanes for audits to swim in, one for slow swimmers one for medium swimmers. You do get a decent amount of time in the pool, if you time it right. The issue you have is the kids swimming lessons. Although they are in separate lanes, the instructors often use the slow lane as an extension to the swimming lessons which makes you feel slightly awkward. It’s also very noisy, as you would probably expect when there are 50 or so kids leaning to swim. Changing room is just that, one single room for everyone. With all the kids around it’s hard to have a shower afterwards or dry your hair if needed. The parents stand in the entrance to the pool, which makes it hard to get to and from the chainring rooms easily. There is also a group of parents that stand watching their kids swim. This also makes it difficult to get back into the changing rooms. Cleanliness is also a bit if an issue, with people wearing their shoes whilst waiting for their kids around the pool and around the changing rooms often meant mud was bought into the changing rooms. Toilets weren’t kept particularly clean either. Overall, I guess it’s ok for parents/kids but not if you simply just want to swim.

Positive experience: It is good start for first timers but lacks quality machine and sauna and jacuzzi

Negative experience: Not bad local leisure centre.

Positive experience: A place to relax and charge your energy ..just one suggestion is should give senior citizen a discount ..

Positive experience: Great vaccine center. Well organised and good people structuring. Smelt a bit like chlorine, though. Thought I was having a stroke when I came out

Fantastic experience: Good and clean swimming pool with affordable prices. At the moment gym and classes not running due to NHS rental.

Positive experience: Covid Vaccination centre NELFT. Good planning from NHS, NELFT and the council to set this up...in such a short period!!!

Fantastic experience: Nice, enjoyed the water workout, but as I coluld not use my water weights, won't be going again, but a lovely centre and really friendly people.

Fantastic experience: Nice, cheap place for kids and their parents and everyone :)

Negative experience: Utter joke of a website. Yet another national leisure franchise that makes it impossible to speak to a person, drives all traffic to a website that isn't fit for purpose. I wonder how many people have just given up at this point and chosen to go to a different centre - I know I am.

Fantastic experience: The day When I was last there was when I got my first covid jab and they were the best at it

Fantastic experience: Are now open.. you book and pay online. Beware you change poolside and leave your belongings along the edge.. after your session you can use the showers and cubicles

Positive experience: Visited for my stabs in arm orderly queue approx ten minutes waiting, like March my details had disappeared in thin despite doing on my phone.

Positive experience: Also a covid vaccine centre. Staff very helpful got my jab here.

Positive experience: Seems ok but we only went to get covid jab

Fantastic experience: Nice pool - had a free ticket, was a little busy but it was a weekend

Fantastic experience: It is an amazing swimming pool. The water is like a clear sky, and the sun peeks behind the trees. It is unique. Thanks for the positive feelings.

Positive experience: A bit too busy Hard to get space in saunas Steam Room pool etc Not a lot of benches either You have to wait

Fantastic experience: I went for Covid vaccine. Lots of parking in the car park. Well signed.. was in and out of the centre within 10mins. Good set up for vaccination.

Positive experience: I am a member of Better UK and use the pool when visiting my daughter in Epping. The centre has a large junior/baby pool together with a 6 lane main pool. I used the main pool which was cool and excellent for lane swimming. Booking is mandatory and you need to arrive swim ready, then take your clothes off on poolside, leave your bag and swim. The changing rooms are fully operational for showering and changing after your swim. All the staff were friendly and polite. Unfortunately for the users the remainder of the centre was being used for Covid19 vaccinations. Therefore the gym is not in use so I am unable to comment. I would definitely recommend the swimming pool.

Negative experience: It seems that although they are part of the Better chain of leisure centres, they seem to have different policies to every other leisure centre. Better say "where possible, please arrive ready to go in the pool", Chingford leisure centre say, "you *must* arrive ready to go in the pool". Subtle difference, but it doesn't work if you have a 1 year old as you can't put them in their swim nappies before arriving, and then when you arrive, you are told you have to get them changed in a toilet (you are are not allowed to use the baby changing tables in the changing rooms). So irresponsible for the member of staff to tell us this as the point of a changing table is to keep your child in a safe environment while they are being changed (not in a sink in the toilets). Totally disgusting and disrespectful.

Fantastic experience: Gym great but only had a pedicure and manicure today .Thank you Phillipa