Kingsmead Leisure Centre

Positive experience: Never answers the phone. Swimming pool times are terrible that it makes it hard to get a swim in if you work full time. Maybe they should hire more staff. A gym at this price should run swimmingly... *Pun intended*.

Fantastic experience: Very nice facilities and I love the size of the changing "village" with changing cubicles for every group size! A great improvement since the refurbishment!

Fantastic experience: Has everything you need..

Fantastic experience: Great facilities with a sauna, steam, and cold plunge room.

Fantastic experience: So grateful to the Kingsmead team for letting us use the disabled facilities while we are getting our wet room built. My husband's Muscular Dystrophy has stopped him from being able to use our home bathroom and we are able to use any of the three different facilities that Kingsmead offer: wet side, dry side snd Changing Spaces rooms, the latter including a shower table and hoists if required. They have been really helpful and accommodating. Thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Brilliant Gym and Health Suite, Friendly Staff, very approachable

Fantastic experience: Great new facilities. I haven't used them all but loving the new swimming area, showers are great, having been so long without this. The entrance looks inviting with a new café. It is lovely.

Fantastic experience: Recently joined Kingsmead after the refurbishment and having been at Everlast (and what was DW) for 14 or so years. The refurbishment has been great, all new gym, fantastic fitness studios, new equipment and a cleaned pool, with the addition of the health suite encompassing a sauna, steam and cold room. There are so many classes to choose from, with fantastic instructors and all very enthusiastic too. The usual Les Mills classes plus a range of yoga, spin, pilates the list goes on. Really enjoying the gym too, and particularly the IntenCity sessions.

Fantastic experience: Nice & clean areas with modern gym equipment needs an area to get refreshments though.

Positive experience: It's been done well. One point I noticed is no sound proofing had been installed though.

Fantastic experience: Fresh, clean and has a superb 33 metre pool. Great to train in

Negative experience: Visited the newly refurbished centre in the first week of October to go for a family swim (2 adults & 1 childs) and no wonder we've become a nation of overweight people when it costs £21 to go swimming. I understand that a lot of money has been spent upgrading and expanding the centre, its just a shame that on £10 of that has been spent on the pool, its exactly the same as it was when i was a kid in the 80's only painted in a slightly different colour using a tin of paint that wasn't quite big enough to do all of it. For those who have been before, the water is still akin to takin a dip in the north sea, im sure the arguement will be that its the correct temperature for swimming lengths but why does the small pool need to be the same temperature as a plunge pool. From what i saw of the rest of the refurbishment it all looks very nice, the swimming changing rooms are great, the free lockers and hairdryers appreciated. As others have put in their reviews, customer service needs a huge upgrade, not sure if the two members of staff i encountered could be anymore miserable and why on earth does everything have to be 'on the app' whats wrong with looking on a website or ringing to find out the times and prices of activities. And don't get me started on the outrageous memberships, this isn't Bannatynes but think they can charge the same

Positive experience: This place is currently being upgraded and is closed.

Negative experience: My husband and son both visited kingsmead on a Saturday morning, my husband couldn't work out online the timetable so tried to ring up with no answer. They took the trip down there and was so disappointed with the attitude of a member of staff at the reception, they both said she couldn't have been less helpful, dismissive and rude. I also had an encounter with an unhelpful receptionist when enquiring about memberships so decided not to Join. Such a shame as it's out closest leisure centre. Receptionists obviously need more customer service training.

Negative experience: the reception service isnt good...The girls there are often on their phones. Hard to get your query answered via phone calls and emails. I had a terrible experience here, maybe other people havent, but I definitely had

Negative experience: Beware they have no showers during the prolonged renovation works

Negative experience: They don't make it half difficult! Can't find lane swim sessions on the website on the day or for tomorrow on the website and they don't answer the phone. By the looks of the timetable lane swimming sessions are very limited. Last time I went there, they had they pool open while the showers were not working so I left without swimming as I was using public transport and didn't think it was wise to be travelling covered in chlorine. I might try again in a few years and see if they are ready to host swimmers.

Fantastic experience: Ver

Fantastic experience: Great Swimming pool

Negative experience: Entire place is under construction and failed to mention the fact that they are closed anywhere despite it being 3 hours away from the advertised closing time.

Negative experience: I took my 3 kids this afternoon for the family pool and when we came out of the pool to get our selves to the shower and driers area, we found out that both the facilities are not available. This is extremely disappointing because i had to take my kids out all wet and dripping with pool chloride water which is not only inconvenient but also danger for their skin and overall health as we had to drive in the same condition all the way home. The lady at the reception told us that showers and driers are closed due to the maintenance which poses a question why have you opened up the pool area if you cannot dispense proper utilities required as a paraphernalia. Even if you still had to generate some revenues at the cost of customer's health, at least you should have notified the people who are booking their slots what services aren't available at the moment. This is highly disappointing specially for my kids and I am really worried as this is happening during their term break.

Fantastic experience: The leisure center holds a special place in my heart as it has been a frequent destination for my children's swimming activities. The staff members have consistently proven to be amiable and accommodating, always greeting us with warm smiles and offering assistance whenever needed. Their dedication to maintaining a high level of cleanliness throughout the facilities is truly commendable, creating a hygienic and pleasant environment for visitors. One of the standout features of the leisure center is the ample storage space available, which has been incredibly convenient for storing our belongings while we engage in various activities. Additionally, the well-designed waiting area has provided a comfortable vantage point from which to observe our children as they participate in their swimming lessons, allowing us to cheer them on and witness their progress. However, the issue of parking remains a notable inconvenience. The fact that parking and storage facilities are subject to additional fees is a drawback, as it adds an extra layer of expense to our visits. As a frequent visitor, it would be beneficial if the leisure center could explore options to alleviate this burden on patrons, such as offering complimentary parking or storage for regular visitors. Overall, the leisure center has been a positive and enjoyable destination for our family, providing a safe and welcoming space for our children to engage in recreational activities. With a few adjustments to the parking and storage arrangements, the center could further enhance the overall experience for its patrons.

Fantastic experience: The swimming team is wonderful, so accommodating and fabulous at teaching the kiddies. 'Hats off'

Fantastic experience: The pool was warmer than expected, still works going on here, went and done the try scuba which was amazing.

Positive experience: A good size pool, although during the renovations there are no showers available. I went for a swim during the school holidays and it wasn’t too busy (they limit spaces via online booking). Whilst there was only one lane available - taken up by slow swimmers - there was plenty of space for lane swimming in the general area, especially the deep end.

Positive experience: Friendly and helpful stuff for all clients.

Negative experience: In need of a refurb and has been for years

Positive experience: Great for scuba diving!

Negative experience: Run down. Needs updating.

Negative experience: Absolute nightmare to book swimming has it has to be done online also very run down in areas

Fantastic experience: Good for kids , renovations have been on since almost a year and half

Fantastic experience: Very friendly reception staff. Very helpful. Good facilities, although looking a little tired. I think it is due a re-fit soon.

Fantastic experience: I love coming to this place to swim so much, it's so much fun it's also got a sports hall as well for basketball and other sports, or if you just want to relax they also have a café which has a window you can look out of to watch the sports going on in the sports hall

Negative experience: Good facilities, good gym, but really let down by predatory memberships. Will not let you cancel even if you jump through all their hoops and then send you threatening debt collection letters if you don't pay for a service you have tried to cancel and haven't been using. If you go in don't expect to get out without a 6 month struggle.

Positive experience: Looking a bit aged now, the kids play pool wasn't open when we visited which was a shame. In need of a refresh.

Positive experience: Friendly staff facilities tired and in need of some tlc

Fantastic experience: Offer great classes, helpful coaches and well done to Nicole taking the class last minute today for combat

Fantastic experience: What is the price ? One session in the pool? 

Negative experience: Big pools good. Reception is so slow a tortious would be quicker or hire more staff. Since covid this place going down hill

Negative experience: U can't get on to book to go swimming why can't they go back to the old ways when u could just turn up and go swimming

Fantastic experience: Feine Sache.

Positive experience: On the phone for over an hour trying to get through. Information needed is not on website.

Negative experience: Nie polecam dla rodzin z dziećmi.

Negative experience: Viewing area needed major tlc remainder how I remember it when taking my own children there gchildren stated water cold

Fantastic experience: Darren is a very commited coach. Great place for all levels. Very happy to train here regularly. Joe

Positive experience: At the end of the day, any public swimming pool, whether it's part of a holiday complex, a private school or council contracted leisure centre - will attract people with icky feet. It's a shame the beach pool isn't open, but the lifeguards seem really friendly and welcoming, and although it's a bit quiet this place is still cheerful. The pool is clean, the showers hot, yes it's a bit tired but the staff make you feel very welcome. My four year old and I look forward to our swim there every week.

Fantastic experience: I am having swimming lessons s at Kingsmead. The lessons are great, the instructor is very friendly and attends to all the students, guiding according to our levels. The pool is big and there's also the small shallow pool. The wet changing is a large room with several showers, lockers, cubicles, hair dryers, mirror, and access to female and male toilet and to the pool area. You do need a pound coin for the lockers. The pool temperature is just right, not too hot or cold, and the chlorine is just right as well, not too much. I don't stink of chlorine afterwards.

Fantastic experience: Kids had fun at the family session. Staff were really friendly and helpful as we had no change for the lockers. It’s a cashless site.

Fantastic experience: First time swimming in years and enjoyed it, the staff are polite and welcoming, going to try the gym next time.

Negative experience: Very few staff, no cafe, hardly any swimming instructors, looks very run down and a shadow of its former glory days. New company that run it is awful!!!

Positive experience: Nice clean pool, good temperature, can get crowded. Changing rooms could use some TLC and I have been unable to use the ladies toilets for some years because of the appalling smell. Beware of buying swims in advance as I did and they then changed the availability of lane swims meaning I couldn't use the swims I'd paid for. I complained but no refund was offered.

Positive experience: Always good

Fantastic experience: Very good early morning swim and plus side the lanes were quiet

Positive experience: The swimming teachers are incredibly good! Place needs some TLC and a deep clean!

Negative experience: No longer a public leisure centre. Members only swimming

Fantastic experience: First time there took my grandson he was very happy with the pool and the water jets set around the pool very friendly staff all good

Positive experience: The swimming pool here is good and offers a variety of different sessions at a good mixture of times. Issues arise from the gym and pool memberships being very expensive at a minimum of £32 a month. There is no option to just have a pool membership to reduce that cost. Additionally, with such a large price in comparison to other local gyms you would at least expect to not pay for parking. However, if you want to park at the only large public swimming pool in Canterbury it will cost you £1 every time. To put this in simple terms, in order to swim at Kingsmead leisure centre twice a week for a year you will have to spend £488.

Fantastic experience: Good for Badminton.

Negative experience: Absolute.......Rip-off........ Reconnect school voucher used which I was charged £10 for. and 1 adult swim which I was charged £8 for. So £18 pound charged and I received 45 min swim after quing to be served......... after nearly 10 years loyal custom I will never use the facilities ever again Disgusting !!

Positive experience: Very nicely sized pool with courts and a cafe however in dire need of renovation. Changing rooms always feel a bit dingy and dirty and the toilets are worse. Seating area is in pretty poor condition as well and isn’t exactly cheap. On the other hand the gym is actually very well equipped with friendly staff.

Positive experience: Maybe not very modern but good enough to keep you slim

Positive experience: Friendly and helpful staff. Facilities have seen better days.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities pool gym spa no sauna or solarium however. No creche. Lots of exercise classes available both in and out of water.

Positive experience: The pool is basic but always very clean.

Fantastic experience: Like this place, can't wait to start visit classes again

Negative experience: During these times and with the website not easy to navigate with info on swim times etc, you'd think reception would return your calls!? Really annoying

Fantastic experience: Good yoga class haven't been since covid started

Negative experience: Classes have been shortened, no refund on the parking anymore, and no one responses to telephone calls nor emails.

Fantastic experience: Clean with strict COVID procedures in place, so good to be swimming again

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff, lovely clean pool and changing rooms, considering the age of the building

Positive experience: So nice to do Pilates again !

Fantastic experience: It's rly nice

Positive experience: Good parking

Positive experience: Went swimming here on several occasions. The swimming pool is a good size. The pool is divided into lanes which can get busy quite quickly making it harder to swim lengths. I'd recommend checking the swimming timetable and going at times when it's quiet.

Positive experience: Great gym but in need of a refurbishment

Positive experience: Nice leisure Center but a bit dated now. Needs a new face lift on the external especially. Inside could do with freshing up. The machines are great though in the gym. The pool is good. Just showing its age. I did hear that there are plans to refurbish soon so fingers crossed. I would like to see a steam room, sauna, and a better bubble bath.

Positive experience: Baby pool was a sensible temperature which was a pleasant surprise. Toddler loved the slide was well worth it would go again.

Negative experience: In need of a serious update,some of the stuff is the same as when I learnt to swim in 1985

Positive experience: Gym facilities good, pool excellent. Changing area is ready for refurb. Staff helpful and friendly.

Positive experience: My regular gym of a morning before work. Great staff and fantastic classes. The changing rooms and showers definitely need an upgrade though

Fantastic experience: Fab facilities

Positive experience: Gym OK but needs a good clean

Positive experience: It's good in many ways but the positives are let down by some of the staff on the front desk who do not make eye contact or greet people in a way which one would expect with customer service. The lockers have a bad odour inside them and the toilets are not as clean as they should be.

Fantastic experience: Swimming lessons are first class with great staff and facilities.

Fantastic experience: Good gym always clean good swimming pool is well. X

Fantastic experience: Great for fitness all rounders

Fantastic experience: Big place. Pool clean n gym good to go to

Positive experience: Toilets can be cleaner...otherwise fair pricing, free parking too

Positive experience: The cafe staff are very unfriendly and you wouldn’t think they work there as they’re always sitting at the tables on their phones! However the swimming pool is great a little outdated and the staff for the leisure centre are always friendly!

Fantastic experience: A great gym and great staff and friendly members.

Fantastic experience: Love the gym and swimming

Positive experience: I did three classes here whilst staying with family in the area and all three instructors were extremely professional and excellent. Very helpful and welcoming and made sure I was safe and had the best chance of keeping up. Have to say my fellow class attendees were also welcoming and helpful. A very good experience. It may be council owned, but I've been to very expensive gyms and had a lot worse experiences.

Fantastic experience: A great place to take your kids, and a good cafe too. Lots to do, the assisted bowling was fab!

Positive experience: For a public pool this is unavailable to the public alot. Lots of swim classes, school swimming, old people classes etc. At the time of this review the beach pool is not open ( although says open on website) alot of classes over the holidays make for a very limited experience. Public swimming pools should be funded and ran by the county council as active life are interested in profit first and are expensive

Positive experience: Dated but excellent stafg

Positive experience: In need of a refurbish, but it's the only swimming pool in Canterbury!

Fantastic experience: I spent time here in april 2012

Fantastic experience: Excellent swimming pool for adults and kids, babies. Diving boards are open at Saturday. There's Jacuzzis, sports hall gym and other activities

Positive experience: The kids love swimming here

Positive experience: My daughter and me come here to use the gym as Whitstable gym is too small. The gym area is good with a good range of equipment. The swimming pools are in need of updating as are the spectator areas. But hopefully this will be done soon. If would be great if the new complex had a water slide/shoot. And outdoor pool. The pool areas and toilets can be dirty at times. However for the volume of people I suppose this is expected.