Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre

Negative experience: Don't bother bringing your car, there is nowhere to park! Poor maintenance of the facilities, it's taken 9 months to repair the changing rooms. Expensive People pre book the classes, so that they're full, and then cancel at the last minute Very poor

Negative experience: gym has very little parking. pool is dirty. gym full of kids.

Negative experience: Full of teenagers who just stand in groups around a machine for half an hour and barely use it. Seems like they use it as a social space, stood around chatting and getting in the way. They gym isn’t massive and there isn’t a multiple machines for most things. The floor work area is poor, no space and very awkwardly positioned. Also in the evening need to get to the car park 45min before a class starts to get a space. Ridiculous.

Negative experience: The pool needs to be maintained. It is not clean at all, sadly the main changing area could be cleaned more frequently. We stopped swimming there a long ago....unfortunately.

Negative experience: A lot more needs to be done to keep the pool clean. I’ve been swimming here with a friend about a dozen times in the past 5 weeks and we have both been ill (tummy, fever) on two occasions in that time. I hadn’t been ill for at least 10 months beforehand. I can’t fault the facilities otherwise and staff always friendly and helpful. The car park does seem to get busy but fortunately I don’t need to use this.

Fantastic experience: Edward is really kind and friendly. I would like to explicitly express my gratitude to him because he has agreed to bring back to us some personal items when the doors were already locked and it was after his working hours were finished.

Positive experience: Good gym and pool. Staff are friendly and helpful. Only 3 stars because of the carpark. Absolute nightmare and whoever decided to build such a small car park for such a large facility needs sacking. At least once a week I turn up to use the gym, see the queue to get into the car park and then turn around. You guys should make the carpark at the very front free for 2 hours as well, would solve a lot of problems. I refuse to use it as if I paid to park every time I came to the gym then I might as well be paying to use a premium gym.

Negative experience: Parking is a nightmare! Have to get there 15 minutes early so we can join the long queue of cars trawling round the car park waiting for someone to leave. Pool is ok. 2 showers out of order already. Lockers are adequate, some straps will need replacing soon.

Negative experience: awful leisure centre u have to pay £80 for a single goal on the Astro turf and u only get that for one hour and no one is every on it so what is the point?

Fantastic experience: I visited the new leisure centre for the first time today. Pretty good parking, don't forget to get a ticket. You get 2 and half hours free which is nice. You can prepay by app if you sign up (free) or you can join a paid membership by app. The pool is accessed by turnstiles that will scan your card/app. This passed the Faulkner test of avoiding speaking to another human unless absolutely necessary! Changing rooms clean and so far unbroken. The pool was great, one largish (Harlow is bigger) pool, one variable depth pool which was set to 78cm for the family swim session, so my nearly 4 year old could just stand up. There is also a kiddies splash playground at the back and he absolutely loved that. The cafe was shut at half four when we came out which was the only disappointment of the day.

Negative experience: Filthy changing rooms. Muddy floors, dirty nappies & wipes overflowing the bins onto the floor.

Fantastic experience: I had a truly wonderful experience at Grange Paddocks today, thanks to the exceptional staff, particularly Lisa at the front desk. I encountered a small hiccup with my daughter’s swimming lessons, which was entirely my fault. However, Lisa immediately took charge of the situation, coordinating everything with precision and seeking approval from their brilliant and friendly manager, Joe. Joe went above and beyond by personally introducing my nervous daughter to her new swim instructor, Mandy. Mandy’s expertise and experience were evident as she managed to keep my daughter in the pool for the entire lesson, despite some initial tears. She also provided me with clear guidance on how to address my daughter’s lack of confidence, which was exactly what I needed as a mother who is more accustomed to a very confident son. Mandy’s approach reassured me that we are on the right path to overcoming this challenge without adding to my daughter’s anxiety. As we were leaving, Lisa made a special effort to comfort my daughter and quietly introduced me to Kerry, the swim school team leader. Kerry further reassured me that my daughter’s behavior was completely normal, which was a great relief. In conclusion, the team at Grange Paddocks is simply outstanding, and I sincerely hope Lisa continues to be the welcoming face at the front desk for a long time to come.

Positive experience: Great 3G

Fantastic experience: Great swim. Not many people in the pool. Clean and tidy changing rooms. And so easy to book

Positive experience: Nice place if you're influencer and don't mind walking over tripods.

Negative experience: The outside areas are great! The pool however is so cold that my toddlers lip were turning blue after just 10 minutes of being in it. If my shorts were to fall off I could’ve been mistaken for a woman.

Negative experience: The service at the reception is terrible. They charge money for everything they can. We were at the pool and couldn't finish half of the session because of another child's accident. They arranged an another appointment for the session, for which they additionally charged money as for a full session. I tried to explain it at the reception, but they say that this is the way they are, without explaining anything. I am very disappointed with the service at the Grange Paddock Centre.

Positive experience: A good gym but absolutely ridiculous that I'm paying for parking every time I visit because they simply didn't add enough parking to support the capacity of their members Needs sorting or some kind of buyback for all the tickets I've had to buy on top of my membership

Negative experience: Very bad closes today at 20:00 on bank holidays when it’s says 22.00 on website

Fantastic experience: I.was very impressed by the gym when I had a look round. Thinking about coming here on a casual basis.

Fantastic experience: Huge thank you to wonderful Becky for her patience, help and support with my son during his first crash course swimming sessions! It was lovely to see him swimming by the end of the week! Thanks again!

Positive experience: Well kept park with paths for all weather. Great place for a dog walk. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Pav, the best cake and coffee maker in town sets up his stall near the band stand

Fantastic experience: Appreciation post, just had my last gym session at the grange paddocks tonight as I’m moving away with work, I’d like to say thank you to all the staff and PT’s and the lovely local people from around Bishop Stortford , you’ve all been so welcoming to me over the past 6 years being round here, any one looking for a good gym with lovely people this is definitely a good place to be best of luck for the future everyone.

Fantastic experience: Been to the gym for the first time, had issues with app and payment that it took in two parts, I didn't know this, still guy was friendly and helpful. Let's hope in a few days when I go next it's all sorted. The app is better than website. The centre has very good quality equipment. Air con could be colder. Sure it was colder pre fix. I had to go over the bar, that was painful with my disability as waited good 5 minutes and no one come to the station. But have seen them on trail day. I think staff have a good heart and I'll make this my gym. Having to pay for a padlock is a pain and bit funny. I was hoping it had same as swimming, who thought this out. Being disabled has it's limits, so doing what I can to be healthier. I'd give it a try even for a little each week, you will love it. Gives you a good boost. Update.. logs in ok with phone, wish they would have keytag like every other company.

Fantastic experience: The sand park is brilliant for Toddlers, even in grim weather. It's clean and tidy and all of the equipment is in great condition.

Fantastic experience: Went to use the swimming pool with my daughter (4) at one of their special children (and parents) only sessions. The centre is clean and well staffed with lots of changing facilities.

Negative experience: On Thursday the 21st of Sept. I went to go to the 12:00 disabled swimming session. When i went to go into the disabled changing room it had a very wet floor and a strong odour of urine. My wife and i reported this to 3 members of staff, each said roughly the same thing. Not my responsibility. My wife even asked for a mop and bucket so she could try and clean the floor. At this point the other disabled changing room became available. I went in there to start getting ready while she went to retrieve a pod, when she got out there she found there was a queue waiting for the pod. At this point the one hour time slot was half gone and we decided instead of waiting for a pod to just leave and ask for a refund. I explained the situation to the miserable girl on the desk. She said she could not do anything and she would have to get the duty manager. When he came over I explained everything again and he finally said well I did get a mop and bucket and I told him a bit late. My refund as I was unable to swim. To start with he said he was unable to issue a refund, but the pond further conversation he then did issue we refund proving what he said to begin with as incorrect. I did not get a apology of any sort all I got was the staff trying to justify why they were so uncooperative or helpful. This was not the first time I have taken up issue with the staff and the circumstances at the pool. At this point I want to know what is going to be done about this situation or if I am going to have to take further steps to try and get this resolved. I am totally disserted and disgusted with the treatment of the disabled at this facility.

Fantastic experience: Excellent

Positive experience: Very well laid out. Well equipped gym, nice sized pool with plenty of lanes.

Positive experience: Used the swimming pool with 2 under 8's, loved it! Good pool depth for little ones 0.78, temperature much better than most, there was a little splash park plus a large pool. It was the family swim sesh,I will definitely go back. Changing rooms clean, the toilets were the only thing that let it down. Maybe I caught that on an off day? Either way this will now be my local and I WILL be returning!

Positive experience: Very friendly staff and on the whole a good selection of well maintained equipment. The pool is also fantastic, especially for younger children. I would review 5 stars if they could consider providing concept rowing machines and to throw out the unsupported (and terrible) Les Mills Videos that ruin the fitness hall even when no customers are bothering.

Fantastic experience: Spacious modern facilities, including a dedent gym and full size swimming pool at a great price

Fantastic experience: Tertemiz havası ve yemyeşil ortamında insan kendini buluyor hele o kuş sesleri yokmu ruh dinginliği özgürsün...

Negative experience: Gym is brilliant but parking is so bad, just spent 25 minutes trying to get a space.

Positive experience: The best leisure centres in East Herts, but the water needs to be more clean, because I got a fever the next day. And one of my friends said they also got it. So please maintain it. Apart from that I love it!

Positive experience: The pool and team are brilliant! The website is worst I ever used

Positive experience: Quite happy with this centre. New, fairly clean and decent facilities for a reasonable price.

Negative experience: Everyone Active operating at the Grange Paddocks, lacks basic customer service - there is no email on the website to write to, there is no number to contact anyone, the local centre are disconnected with the “head office”, the emails that come from EA are “no-reply”, the website enquires are not responded to for days on end, etc. All this reeks of a poor organisation, it is time to complain to the local council about the contract they have with EA.

Fantastic experience: Warm learner pool clean facilities The need more aqua classes they get filled up really qucikly and sometimes there is 12 on waiting list !

Negative experience: Poorly managed. Swimming lessons are to be avoided. Everything via an app, teachers dont tell you or your child about progress at all, they just tick boxes on an ipad. If you need help the desk staff are nice but can't help, they tell you to download an app and send an email. It's like a conveyabelt for swimming lessons with no care or concern for each child. The staff are all fine, but the system is dire.

Positive experience: Gym facilities are great! Cannot base review on when it’s busy (packed) as that just proves it’s worth. Pool is it’s only point of improvement but not bad at all, just has more potential. Very welcoming with a small café as you enter which opens out in the summer with green areas outside.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant, love the place. Lovely staff too.

Positive experience: Best place for exercise but limited time specifically for weekends they close at 6pm which doesn’t makes Sense.

Negative experience: Lovely new building and redevelopments however the parking is still woeful during the operation of football matches. The pitches are dreadful, potholes everywhere and very little care goes into these being playable especially for the price they charge (£76 per game!!)

Positive experience: Lovely gym/swimming pool/leisure centre! Cafe is good but could do with some improvements, staff are great but when someone orders a coffee it makes the queue take way longer than it should.. also the 20% discount for members seems more like a 20% markup for non-members..

Fantastic experience: Great place for kids of all ages

Negative experience: Could be so much better. Very badly run, not sure there's much (any?) day to day management going on, the reception staff are clueless and everything is very chaotic, trying to sort swim lessons is a nightmare. Trying to actually get the kids in and out for their lessons is a nightmare the corridor is so crowded. There aren’t enough showers. And finding a space to park at peak times is impossible. To cap it all as a leisure facility I’m appalled by the range of unhealthy snacks and treats they have on offer in the cafe.

Fantastic experience: Pulmonary rehab, Excellent team of pulmonary staff. Made to feel very welcome and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Looking forward to the remainder of the course.

Negative experience: It is a digital era for sure. But cash is something legal that this centre which is funded by council refuse to accept!!

Negative experience: For a brand new facility which cost the taxpayers millions, in my opinion, the swimming facilities are very poor. The adult pool is under-utilised yet the smaller family pool is often split in two (reducing capacity) so that it can also be used by the facility for other things. The 'family sessions' are only a few times a day. Due to the aforementioned limited capacity (usually spaces for 25 people includes kids AND parents) and because the pool is more often being used for something else, I always have to book days in advance. You can never get a space, booking it on the same day. I'm sure it's wonderful for older couples and single adults but atrocious for families. Not good for a brand new facility. I haven't used the gym yet however as the old Grange Paddocks gym was superb, I'm not sure what value-add the new one brings over the old. The upshot is that I fail to see the value to taxpayers.

Positive experience: A great gym but.. The viewing sofas overlooking the pool are filthy! Perhaps these should be replaced with easy clean ones rather than material.

Positive experience: Great fitness centre. Gym, swimming pool and aerobics classes.

Positive experience: I absolutely adore this leisure centre. It’s worth the price and has given me the confidence to finally be consistent with the gym. I have already noticed a difference with my fitness. The staff are always so welcoming and friendly and are a credit to the centre. The swimming pool and facilities are always clean. The only reason why I have given one less star is, over the last month of being a member I have noticed that children who appear younger than 15 are attending the gym. They’re not accompanied by any adults and some (not all) seem to be using the gym as a playground, using the machines incorrectly. It’s an accident waiting to happen and it’s an inconvenience to those who are here to take the gym seriously.

Fantastic experience: Great leisure centre with a brilliant pool for children and adults.

Positive experience: Grange paddocks has a lovely pool and facilities. The booking system can be frustrating online though. I m sure there's a better way but it hasn't been found yet.

Fantastic experience: Great new facility with a splash zone with fountains and a family pool as well as a big pool. There is a great kids play park with sand as well as other things to climb on. You need £1 coin for the lockers but you do get the coin back. There are some family changing rooms which are a good size as well as individual changing rooms. The staff seemed friendly and you can book time slots online although you have to have or make an account. Very clean.

Positive experience: Looking forward to going swimming but lovely place for a coffee stop

Fantastic experience: Nice new swimming facilities for all the family. Little play area for children outside and benches to have a cuppa. Great dog walking facilities around the field and plenty of nice water spots for the dogs to cool down. From Grange Paddocks you can walk along the river in to Castle Park and the town centre which has plenty of places to eat and shops.

Fantastic experience: Come and try the brilliant new facilities. The cafe is a great addition

Fantastic experience: Lovely place, nice and clean. We went for a swim it was perfect for my 5 year old.

Positive experience: Difficult to park.

Fantastic experience: Lovely coffee!

Positive experience: Ok. Parking was a bit tight and the pitch wasn't Old Trafford, but it was fine.

Fantastic experience: Good well equipped gym. Excellent classes

Negative experience: Always has a weird smell and in the gym the music is awful and has very little natural light. The turnstiles are usually causing problems making it very congested.

Fantastic experience: Superb new leisure centre in Bishop's Stortford with a modern Swimming pool (8 lanes), learning pool and extensive Gym and studios for group classes. All very modern and airy.

Positive experience: I only use the swimming pool, but I find the new centres pools much better, far more updated, and larger. I go to the lanes swimming, however I do struggle after booking as the lanes seem overbooked, especially at 19:30. They do a gym membership and a swim membership. Staff are friendly. From what I’ve seen of the gym it looks new and updated.

Negative experience: Phone number doesn't even ring just hangs up Sent two messages on Facebook messenger regarding it and both read and just ignored terrible customer service !! (Update) 23/02/2022 Obviously everything being new and bigger more space etc is qlot better than the old centre But do you even employ a cleaner mens toilets always dirty and often out of toilet roll seats at the top of the stairs always hairy! Need hoovering? And the machines in the gym are always dirty with peoples dirt from there shoes and the floor also seems like it doesn't get swept or cleaned??

Negative experience: The receptionist of the Grange Paddocks hasn't been helpful and with a very poor customer service.

Fantastic experience: Very good, As it's a new build. Great facilities and very clean, great cafe. We use the swimming pool only

Negative experience: After booking online and paying for a family swim session have just been told its been cancelled due to covid . I then requested a refund and was told I have to do all the work and go though the email process which I'm sure will not be painful at all . How long are companies like this going to keep blaming covid instead of just saying sorry we messed up and didn't have enough staff . Poor service

Fantastic experience: Great new facilities.

Negative experience: Takes time to get used to the new centres layout. But the parking is an absolute nightmare! Not enough space, having to pay £3 for 30mins kids lesson as not enough spaces after 20mins driving around plus ended up missing half the lesson. Absolute awful design for parking. Sort it out!

Negative experience: Good gym but been 3 times and cant ever get parked so not been able to use facilities

Positive experience: Lovely, only downside it that there is no WiFi, that is why I took a star off.

Positive experience: Good sized open space with Football pitches play area and swimming pool..Within walking distance of the town centre

Positive experience: Nice swimming session - looking forward to the new pools opening soon!

Positive experience: Looking very tired now, but still good for a swim.

Negative experience: I think its very poor that you can't cancel memberships over the phone. Not everyone has the Internet...

Negative experience: Swimming pool was freezing and we had to leave as our 2 year old couldn't cope. I had expected it to be heated and the family pool was closed.

Negative experience: No staff member in the gym the time I was the 1.30 - 2.20, if they was I did not see them as I wanted to ask them to stock up on cleaning materials for the cardio side as 4 of the holders for the blue roll where empty, I thought that's what the 10 mins was for to stock up and clean round the machines. Not a staff member in sight

Negative experience: reception lady could tell we needed to be seen but continued chatting on the phone. Took her 15 minutes before she told someone to come and see us.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and caring staff. Love to help! All well organised and really nice place for a swim. Recommended family time.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant gym very covid safe

Fantastic experience: Great!

Fantastic experience: Love it there is so many things to do but I especially love going swimming

Positive experience: A lovely, new centre. State of the art gym, a lovely gala swimming pool with warm up and splash pools. Classes are superb and changing rooms are very clean. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars as parking is no where near adequate. Hopefully this will change as they move into the second phase of development.

Fantastic experience: Very nice place got gym and large pool good value for money

Positive experience: My children come for swimming lessons and they are taught very good. The swim teachers have a positive attitude for your kids to learn to swim. The pool really needs a clean more often and should be updated a bit. The pool is quite deep as well.

Fantastic experience: Great gym very kind staff.

Positive experience: Fair price kind staff nice pool

Positive experience: The changeing room was horrible

Positive experience: Swimming pool with a large gym upstairs with modern well maintained equipment. The staff are generally very nice and helpful and the vending machines usually work. Only 3 stars as the changing room for the gym is shared with the community swimming pool. During the day when most gyms are quiet and you can have a nice relaxing shower you are surrounded by children from the local schools doing their swimming lessons. In the evenings it's the same story with private lessons except that mothers don't seem to have the same boundaries as normal people and will occasionally stroll into the gents looking for their male offspring. The lockers are a really good size but they make the changing area feel small as a consequence.

Positive experience: Great, clean facilities, lovely outside area too. Helpful and polite staff.

Fantastic experience: Good place for swimming lessons and exercises.

Positive experience: I like the pool but wish it was not so expensive.

Positive experience: Good quality gym and not too busy. Pool is in need of updating but is good.

Negative experience: Nice leisure centre spoilt by a less than clean swimming pool full of balls of hair and sand. Nice staff though, needs a health and safety inspection asap

Negative experience: Facilities fine. Staff are inconsiderate and poorly trained

Positive experience: So many memories of playing on these pitches as a boy. Almost always water logged!