Cascades Leisure Centre

Negative experience: 'fun' swim. Used the pool over the weekend to keep kids active and happy but wish we didn't go. This pool is older than me as I went as a child and now taken my own kids, so surprised how little it's changed. Sadly we left very soon after arriving as the pool was too cold for my young kids (6 and 4). As much as they tried and wanted to swim, they just couldn't due to the temperature and the blue lips on my 4yo was it for us. The shivering and chattering teeth with the blue lip forced us to leave and probably never return, which is a shame as they love the flumes and waves. Great size pool but what's the point if they actually can't go in it. Never mind turning the temp down to save cost bcz us not returning won't help. wouldn't recommend to anyone with small ones, especially babies as you need warmer temps for babies. This experience unnerved me as a mum and don't want that to happen again to either of my kids, it's not worth it.

Fantastic experience: It was amazing! The pool was very big and the wave machine was so good. The slides were amazing! The green one was the best the red one just went faster ! I 100% recommend going there . There is also free floates . The water was cold but was Alr . The jacuzzi was so good! So I recommend going there . Therefore that’s why I gave a 5 stars

Positive experience: Visited for a diabetic eye test. Easy to access,friendly personnel.

Fantastic experience: Cascade Leisure Centre is a very wonderful place to go for swimming and gym. Although membership is a bit pricey, you will have access to Gym, sport hall, table tennis, badminton, health and spa section and swimming. It's worth it really, during swimming you will be having fun with the wave that is really powerful. There are clean toilets (gym area) and safe lockers in the changing room. There is also a warm shower available too. The only let down is the staffs. While most of them are kind and friendly, one of the staffs whom I assume is named Jake I believe don't really know but I was waiting in the line for a membership card for 10 minutes and when he got to me he said that we are closed although he wasn't bothered to say that in the beggining! Overall, this is the best place.

Fantastic experience: Because the water slides of a fast for my children and they love to go fast I would rate it to 5 stars and it is brilliant

Negative experience: Good

Negative experience: Honestly the worst swimming pool we have ever been to. It hasn't had any money spent on it for at least 30 years, the cleanliness is disgusting the changing rooms are awful stains on walls, chewing gum and dirt all over the floor. Swimming pool was cold and looked so run down ! Honestly we feel you could Honestly catch something from here. Please please also do not eat here! I feel awful we took our 2 year old here ! We stated for 30mins then left

Positive experience: Firdt of all, Cascades is good for value - £23ish for a family of 4, which is significantly less than most other leisure swimming pools in Medway. The pool itself is fine. It's slightly run down due to it's age, but has always been maintained to a clean standard when we have been. Sessions are 90 minutes long, and the changing rooms are cleaned down, floors wiped etc by staff inbetween each session. Lifeguards are present and attentive without being too 'whistle happy!' The pool itself has all that we need. A shallow area, baby slide with warm water, deep end, mushroom fountain, waves and 2 flumes. Flumes: one is for younger, shorter kids (i think 1m+). They can ride with adults, in or out of armbands. The second flumes is for older kids and is super fast! It is probably the fastest flumes I've experienced in the UK. Great fun but a bit much for most pre-teen kids. Waves: they're great and come on sharply every 30mins - and they ensure you get 3 lots of waves each 90 min slot. They are quite powerful, but this depends where you place yourself. The deeper in you go, the less powerful they feel. You can remove yourself from where they mainly hit if you don't like them. Baby section: a separate tiny pool with just a slide to splash into. Very shallow and warm, good to remove baby's to when the waves are on. Floats: lots of different floats and aids available to use. Deep end: lifeguards let kids jump in the majority of the deep end. This has always been done responsibly when I've been. Cons: *changing rooms get filled up fast after a session. *toilets aren't the nicest, especially later in the day could be deep cleaned better (although certainly usable and not the worst we've used!) *could do with more showers for after the session. *hair dryers are free, but only 2 and one is broken, so doesn't work great. Dire need of an upgrade there. Overall, we live in Gillingham and it's my kids pool of choice, and ours as despite the drive, we would rather better value for money and more fun!

Fantastic experience: The staff are friendly and helpful.

Negative experience: Used to come here as a child and was okay but had a bad experience with an incredibly rude member of reception. They gave me a free months membership but I cancelled nonetheless. I would rather pay twice as much at Brands Hatch than be treated like a criminal.

Fantastic experience: Good swim

Positive experience: I was there for an eye test, due to diabetist. They have a room there

Fantastic experience: Great place to relax in health suite, grab a bite to eat, play squash, use the gym and join in the fabulous classes. The whole team is really friendly. Come and find me for Bums n Tums on a Wednesday 6.15pm and Spin on a Friday at 5.45pm!

Negative experience: Went for a second time yesterday with the kids, unfortunately it's clear they care more about the money than the safety of chilldren it was so packed you could not move easier over 100! and the 5 life guards could not keep a look out on everyone some was not even looking out! 3 weeks ago my partners son Josh 11 yo was drowning in the middle of the deep end bit right I'm front of a male life guard, he didn't even see him, was just staring at his feet sitting on the chair! I was shouting to get his attention no joy so obviously I swam and just got him as he was going under and swam to the side. They need life guards that do not look like they are at school, they should also chop 25 to 30 people of each session. If your going to have young people watching the pool atleast give them half a chance and not 120 plus with 3 life guards on main pool and one on the slides and one at the bottom, far to much for 3 people.

Positive experience: love cascades the only place we go swimming however cleanliness need a bit of work, the changing rooms aren’t very clean and there have been times where there have been plasters in the pool but they have been dealt with appropriately so overall happy. They are so good with young kids especially with hidden disabilities, i went and asked if i could take my 8 year old brother on the slide because he really wanted to go but is autistic and would have got really scared on his own, staff were amazing, really understanding let him go down twice with me until he was ready to go on his own, he needed help getting on the slide and they were amazing with that letting me put him the slide and making sure he knew he was ok every time! overall very impressed just need to work on the cleanliness slightly

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool heard its being replaced holefully its just as good

Fantastic experience: Yeh it needs an update. Yeh it’s not as super fancy as some other pools. But I went here with my 6 year old. And he bloody loved it !!!

Fantastic experience: Easy to park. Friendly and helpful staff. Many thanks.

Positive experience: Been going here for years its a bit run down now buy kids love the pool prob best one in the area

Fantastic experience: Visiting for a nhs eye clinic on site

Negative experience: I’ve been going to cygnets for years now primarily for the basketball court. Recently they’ve changed it so that you can only book a quarter of a court to play basketball. This means you cannot shoot a conventional 3 point shot and it makes the whole experience horrible. Before half a court (2 badminton courts) was allocated for a basketball booking now it’s one. What’s worse was that last Monday I went to put some shots up and nobody was on the half of the court so I was using it. A member of staff came and raised his voice unnecessarily, rudely pulled the curtain across and said “This isn’t for you”. The manner in which this was done was unacceptable. There’s plenty of reviews stating similar issues, it’s such a shame as the vast majority of staff are lovely and the court is clean. I hope they rectify this issue so the basketball booking is useable and more members don’t leave.

Fantastic experience: I only went there for my Diabetic eye screening but I have to say it was very clean and the people on the front desk are very helpful and friendly as I had not been there berore so had to ask where to go

Negative experience: i went there today to book a swim is so difficult on the website and the app , eventually got on to them said that i could turn up without booking so i turned up there 1hr later as i had to travel there from swanscombe, to be told ive missed the session for swimming and next one isnt to the evening ! this is so ridiculous i dont get why its so hard to go to a swimming baths lately the place wasnt busy either ! they clearly said on the phone that i could come as they said yeah dont worry about booking as were not busy just to go there and be told that i couldnt go in due to missing the session which they didnt say on the phone either !!

Positive experience: Play Badminton each week here. The place is getting a bit tired. Lights are not replaced very often when the bulbs go in the courts area. Hot in the Summer and cold in the winter. VenDing machines often out of order. They don't want to spend much money on the place.

Fantastic experience: Lovely pool and lots of free parking. Love how warm the poolside is and the staff are very friendly.

Positive experience: I only use the squash courts here, however considering that squash now is also an Olympic sport perhaps a lick of paint would really justify the cost.

Fantastic experience: Visited for the first time today. Yes it’s pretty dated. But it’s a brilliant beach deign pool perfect for little children. It was pretty clean and an absolute bargain price compared to other pools around. Wave machine powerful and very fun for my toddler in the shallow beach section. Found staff helpful in the locker room when I put my 20p in the wrong bit.

Negative experience: An absolute disgrace. To call this a puddle would not give a justice to a puddle. Overcrowded, dirty , outdated, water not even close to 30c°, 4 pool floats available ( lol ), disgusting changing rooms and facilities....DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY bu going there .

Fantastic experience: I went for my NHS annual diabetes eye screening. The lady who undertook the test and analysis was absolutely top draw professional, friendly, courteous, and welcoming. Thank you so very much for all you did for me today.

Fantastic experience: Kids always love the swimming there

Fantastic experience: My kid always love to go there enjoy it. Specially Sunday

Fantastic experience: Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend is a vibrant hub of activity for all ages. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a large swimming pool, gym, and fitness classes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Families will appreciate the dedicated children's play area and the variety of activities on offer. Whether you're looking to get in a workout, relax in the sauna, or splash around with the kids, Cascades has you covered. It's a fantastic destination for fitness enthusiasts and families alike, making it a must-visit in Gravesend.

Positive experience: No hassle after booking badminton court online.friendly staff.

Negative experience: It's filthy. Hasn't changed since the 90s. Showers are disgusting, floors are full of grime, the steps to the flumes are rotten dirty. In major need of a refurbishment. Wouldn't go again. Staff are not bothered atall about anything.

Positive experience: Great fun for the children they enjoyed the wave machine and the flumes

Fantastic experience: We used the tennis court to teach cycling, the staff have always been very friendly and helpful.

Positive experience: Really great pool and the wave machine is one of is best traits. Downsides, locker room has plenty of room unfortunately this leaves very little space for family changing with only a few cubicles.

Negative experience: Went with my 2 children, not the cheapest to my view. Very run down, floors were dirty, and they weren't enough enough changing rooms that didn't even have a lock (this was a family changing room). We got very cold while changing.

Fantastic experience: Go swimming here every Sunday, it's definitely a must, staff is very friendly and helpful. Prices for swimming are the best in the area by far and are definitely worth every penny. Very clean, I see cleaners clean regularly, which makes me happy knowing I can be safe after coming out of the pool or sauna.

Positive experience: New prices per child for soft play, good idea as child minders bring 3/4 children and sit and have coffee chatting to their friends...a poster please...LOOK AFTER YOUR CHILDREN IT IS NOT A NURSERY

Negative experience: At exactly 19:02 of the 23rd of Jan (today) the entire male staff of this place was outside one of the gym doors making derogatory, idiotic childlike comments at the clients that walked past them. Particularly women.

Fantastic experience: Very good gym not sure about the pool

Fantastic experience: We really liked this pool. Walk in pool so great for little ones, a wave machine and flumes!

Negative experience: Just been to view this place to change gyms and after looking around this place I'm thankful for the gym I'm currently in. This place pretty much sums up gravesend.

Negative experience: This company care about £20 more than the health of their customers. We have booked a swimming session, however our son was diagnosed with worms. Online it was advised you shouldn’t take your child to a pool if they have worms at the risk of infecting others. We requested a refund, this was refused and insisted we switched the time to within the next six days. Our son would still be contagious within that time.

Positive experience: Looks very tired, hasn't changed at all in 25+ years, however, for the money, it's a decent swim especially with kids

Negative experience: Absolutely disgusting staff isrubbish was there Saturday 4.20 pm, ask what time will sauna close, rubbish lady said 5.30 pm, we pay £18 and another clown coming 4.55pm and turn off sauna, avoid this place, they charge full price for 40 min

Positive experience: Helpful staff, pool good temperature, nice layout, however, foot bath looked like it hadn’t been cleaned for months and family changing rooms were filthy, could not use the shower as it stunk of urine, baby changing decks were disgusting and we could not use them.

Positive experience: Overall a good experience. The place was clean and tidy. A bit pricey for what is on offer.

Fantastic experience: Love taking my little man here loves the wave machine and the flumes

Negative experience: This place was gross... Water not draining in changing rooms looked so dirty and outdated. Toliets had 2 clogged sinks, toliets themselves had no toilet roll and 2 were dirty from previous users. Honestly will not be returning. Staff were nice, helpful and efficient.

Positive experience: Great swimming pool for kids clean, not to noisy, wave machine! Can get crowded so we tend to go early in the day.

Negative experience: The water was freezing to the point of shivering and chattering, I was there for 1hr 30 but didn't get used to the water. The changing rooms are just 2 big open rooms for everyone to change in, no separate stalks unless you are a family. The lockers required 20p but if you forgot something in the locker after closing it you had to pay another 20p to close it again. It was a horrible experience and I even injured myself and cut myself on the water slides.

Fantastic experience: Staff member Kieran gave me a good induction. Was really helpful and funny too.

Positive experience: Had a really positive experience here this morning. Booked online for a 90 minute session. The water was warm and pool area looked clean. The wave machine went off three times in our session which the kids loved. The flumes were so much fun and never too much of a a queue. Numbers are capped for each session. The pool is well supervised by lifeguards who did a great job of making sure the bigger kids didn't cause too much disruption , and keeping a good check on safe behaviour in the pool. Ninety minutes flew by. Yes the cubicles and showers are looking their age, but perfectly adequate, and I didn't feel they were unclean. Thanks for a great morning.

Fantastic experience: nothing better than taking a swim going down the green flume and getting a chocolate bar from the vending machines childhood memories

Positive experience: Great experience. Two indoor slides, waves machine and easy pool access for children. Water could be a bit warmer, hence the 4 stars. Staff is friendly too;)

Fantastic experience: It was our first time here and we loved it. Took my son for today's father's day entertainment. Loved the waves and the slides especially twister.

Negative experience: Disappointing. Excited to take our 1 year old swimming for first time, booked adult and toddler swim for me and my partner costing us nearly £12, that would have been fine had the pool actually been a good temperature but instead we both walked in thinking it was pretty cold, my son shivering after a couple minutes of being in there, the separate tiny pool for babies next to it also cold (same temperature). We got out after 5 minutes and couldn’t even shower as the showers were pretty disgusting, and smelt. Won’t be returning.

Positive experience: Lots of fun and a good place for kids to spend a couple of hours. Didn't like that you don't get a lot of time due to their sessions...worth checking this before your visit.

Negative experience: Didn't like the pool really, it was dirty, as soon as we walked in my daughter said it's dirty. The Lockers have a strange system that you put 20p in and if you lock it and unlock it once your money is lost, is not like normal swimming places that you can get your pound back, so be careful, you only get one chance with your locker. The pool was good but super busy and over crowded, maybe if entry is timed and less people allowed it would be a bit better. For the price I paid I didn't get much of service out of it.

Fantastic experience: Good fun for children got everything you need from swim food gym and much more

Positive experience: Kids loved it here, and didn't want to leave! We will definitely be back. Downside was only 3 of the showers in the family changing rooms worked!

Positive experience: Fun pool for kids with flumes, wave pool, fountains. Quite often have to wait for family changing rooms, other than that it's great

Positive experience: Pool area is great, as are the flumes. The changing rooms are a little dirty and tired looking. The lifeguards are a little over zealous. The cafe is cash only which I'm afraid is highly discriminatory hence 3 stars. You will all miss cash once its gone.

Positive experience: Lovely community gym went for the first time to view it ...must say i was impressed with the facilities and the staff... miss Cassie was very kind & helpful .

Negative experience: Swimming pool its Oki , problem is a big difference temperature between the swimming pool and the changing room, and the changing room for the disabled in a very bad condition, not cleaned at all and so COLD!!

Fantastic experience: Have been going to cascades for years it's a great place for the community to have fun. Looking forward to the new build and the positive outcomes after

Negative experience: Im sorry but this one has to be the worse swimming pool that I have experienced. Very over crowded, cold showers, changing rooms need updated

Positive experience: Plenty to do here, but I have to say that the lighting in the badminton Court hall is not bright enough, especially at the end where the climbing wall is.

Positive experience: On this occasion the family changing rooms were clean and having the cafe open is great for a quick coffee while children have swimming lessons.

Fantastic experience: First time here and the pool area was for us fantastic Two slide one is really fast and the kids absolutely loved it The second slide was slower and younger children can go with an adult which in my case was win win the older ones had great fun aswell as the youngest Then when we got out there's a bar area with children's toys Just one negative the changing room was really on the unclean side the floor was quite dirty but that wouldn't stop us coming back

Negative experience: Can’t even answer the phone, definitely run by gravesend locals, they are about as useful as a chocolate teapot in a sauna

Negative experience: Price is quiet expensive for swimming and now you only get a limited time. I don't drive and it would take about a hour on the bus from where I live . Just not worth it anymore. My kids loved coming here .... very disappointing...

Fantastic experience: Love this place and really good family fun proper fun pool with flumes etc not one of these new boring Olympic lane pools that are being built everywhere now . Kids love it and cafe by the pool is great

Positive experience: Looking rather tired and worn these days, but still a great place to take the kids, we have teens down to a 4YO and they all have to be dragged out at the end of the session. Great car park too, never short on spaces.

Negative experience: Apalling conditions in the mens changing rooms , dirty and muddy. Staff told 25 mins prior to me asking and when i enquired i was told “its one of those things” and that they have been doing “stuff” How is this acceptable and the attitude of the staff was equally poor

Fantastic experience: Booking system works so well the pool isn't over crowded and get to enjoy all they have to offer. Flumes floats waterfall and the waves kids love it so much.

Fantastic experience: Nice swimming pool took neices they loved the waves

Fantastic experience: Very family friendly place. Both adult and children activities. Just a nice place in general

Negative experience: The website booking doesn't work can't even register let alone book anything tried ringing just get answer phone message saying go to the website very poor indeed

Fantastic experience: The water is on the cold side, but it is very clean, the wave machine, water fountains and flumes are great. My kids loved it, and so did I. The red flume is like an express-train down to the netherworlds ...be warned! :D

Positive experience: Very friendly front desk staff and lifeguards. Water a bit cold but a fun pool so you get used to it. I've been coming here for more than 30 years, nothing has changed but that said still a good pool. Dare you to ride the red water flume!

Fantastic experience: Once you've negotiated the not so friendly website to book your activity, in my case swimming. Booking is for a 2 hr slot. Getting to the leisure centre was a breeze loads of car parking space. Reception was friendly & had my booking on a register. We used the family changing rooms which was nice so the family didn't have to be split. However the changing rooms do need a thorough wash through after every session. Swimming was great, a beach effect shallow gradient into the pool. Water fountain, two water slides to choose from & at certain intervals the wave machine was turned on. This in some reviews was an issue. Definitely NOT, you have plenty of time to prepare yourself for the waves with plenty of life guards to hand if things were to go wrong, which generally doesn't happen and certainly didn't on our visit. The waves are good fun. The whole 2 hour session was fun. A very well deserved double thumbs up on the water slides, if your child or young adult isn't sure about the slides you are allowed to go down the Green slide as a pair. Now where do you get to do that these days Recommended for at least a try

Positive experience: Fun session swimming with my 3 y/o. Busier than I would have liked it but heat wave, what can you do? Pool looks a bit dated as others have said but still brilliant fun. Pleasant to speak to on the phone and very helpful. Be aware that the 20p for the lockers is not refundable so don't get caught out like I did trying to dibs one before changing. Luckily the lifeguard said I could leave my stuff behind their chair poolside. Will definitely go again as it has everything: decent pool facilities, a great playpark for pre or post swimming fun and what looks like a pub for tired dad after all the fun!

Fantastic experience: Really nice swimming pool. Been going to the fun & flume session every week with the kids & they always have so much fun on the slides & in the waves. The 1.5hr slots are the perfect length. The sign up system online is a bit fiddly if there's more than one of you or if you're not just buying a family ticket & there's only 3showers in the women's changing room so it can get busy but with those exceptions - this is a great pool & I love going here.

Negative experience: Swimming was stupidly overbooked last weekend. Its a nice pool with some fun features but there were so many people we could varely move without bumping into people, much less swim. Didn't feel safe, particularly when the waves were operating.

Fantastic experience: Gutted I'm ending my 11 year association with these great facilities. I'm relocating so no choice, however this centre has been amazing for me for the gym mainly, but also swimming and even playing football and walking around the grounds as a child.

Negative experience: Took the kids to go swimming tried to book online before kept saying there is availability but wouldn't let me process the booking. Turned up and was told that we weren't allowed in without a booking. Had to book for 2-hours time so went home. Then went back for later session and flumes weren't open

Positive experience: Decent slides, small pool, not as fun when too busy but ok for a little session.

Positive experience: Visited today and the centre could do with a full refurbish. The swimming pool is very tired and the changing rooms were smelly. Was also let down as the flumes weren’t open. Giving this a 3 star as the staff were friendly and a family for 4 swim was reasonably priced.

Negative experience: At Cygnet Leisure Centre, I have been a member for 4 years now, and I have always been going to my yoga classes and as my daughter has just turned 16, and was excited to come do yoga, I brought her with me and they did not allow her to do the class as they do not accept cash, but I have never been informed they do not take cash. I even suggested they don’t need to give me the change, but the manager did not want to help at all, so I could not attend my class either. I think any solutions could have made been, I could have paid later, or put the charge on my account. Very disappointed.

Fantastic experience: The swimming is awesome! We loved it! Good for babies and older children. The waterslides are so fun. Don't forget 20p for lockers!

Negative experience: Cannot believe people have to pay a toll charge just for walking down the corridor. People should be ashamed of themselves, when you hire out your venue to private companies who have nothing to do with the leisure centre itself they should be incorporated in their charges not the pool people who bring the kids to make something of their lives. Shame on you as a company. Avoid at all cost Con artists.

Fantastic experience: Took my 12 year old son and his friend swimming (i spectated) i was sitting in the gallery watching the boys have fun. I was a little apprehensive as i know 12 year old boys can be mischievious and go beyond their boundaries without thinking, but i had absolutely nothing to worry about. I cannot praise the lifeguards enough. They were extremely vigilant and did not take their eyes off of everyone making sure they were safe. Especially when the wave machine came on, it always worries me that they will get sucked under, but again, nothing to worry about. The lifeguards made me feel completely at ease and they deserve the praise for it. I would have no hesitation and feel extremely comfortable bringing the boys back.

Negative experience: Unfortunately, whilst the swimming pool and changing rooms are very good, their booking system is completely unusable. The phones are never answered, so when their website is down, as it often is, there is no hope to talk to someone for help. If there was another pool good for kids locally I wouldn't even attempt to use their website. Serious investment into their online booking system needs to be made and until this is done there needs to be a staff member answering phonecalls.

Fantastic experience: Went there to have a relaxing morning. Sauna, jacuzzi, was very nice. Down side need more space

Negative experience: Still making you pre book for swimming two years after covid ‍♀️ What happened to waking up and fancying a swim ‍♀️

Negative experience: went to cascades after trying to book on line,left a request on line for support on how to book and it was mentioned that someone will get back to me, but didn't. So not ueser friendly. I tried phoning no answer. I went down there and the woman at the desk was so unpleasant. not sure why...she had such an attitude for no apparent reason, I told her my predicament, so she tried to show me how to book on the website and even saw it wasn't simple as explained. She then tuned to me and said well I didn't design the website and if I'm busy I can't answer the phone, she did say that non members can book a week in advance on line. however going back on the website again can't book 7 days in advance. This hasn't discouraged me as I've had good reviews & it comes recommended by friends. I just believe that the lady at the desk may need more support, or customer service

Fantastic experience: Been a member on and off for quite a few years.. Place is always clean, staff are friendly and it has a good atmosphere. Most of all great value for money if you take advantage of all the services they have to offer..