Willen Lake Health Club

Fantastic experience: Brilliant service, nice staff, clean pool, spa facilities and lovely location. Thanks Nathan

Negative experience: Awful customer service. Matt the manager is rude and passive aggressive.

Fantastic experience: Excellent pilates and yoga lessons with Karen and Michelle, who are both great professionals. The staff are always welcoming, helpful and friendly, and so are the customers. The gym has a lovely, clean pool with a fabulous new sauna. The changing room for ladies is warm, has spacious lockers, plenty of benches, hair dryers and great recently refurbished showers. The ladies toilets are always very clean. The gym's app to book lessons and check timetables is always up to date and very easy to use.

Fantastic experience: Nice clean airy gym with plenty of great equipment. Lovely polite, friendly, welcoming staff.

Negative experience: Terrible management who don’t reply to emails or calls and take advantage of you even when you can’t use the facilities

Positive experience: Typical health club, but good location if staying at the Premier Inn.

Fantastic experience: Perfect place for my needs which is basically sauna, steam room and swimming pool. The gym of course is here. Not too big, nothing too impressive, but all you need is here so for me the basic the better.

Negative experience: I think Willen health club is an OKAY gym, it has the basics but £40 a month is crazy especially in the current climate. I was previously a member and joined really for the pool even with it being closed every other day. I paid for my membership in full however ended up basically loosing money due to the pool being closed for ages. I noticed the pool was back open on line and a new Jacuzzi maybe? So I called to discuss re joining and mentioned loosing a lot of money due to paying in full and then the pool being closed, hoping a small discount or even an insentive to join back and was told no, its £40…will be joining the gym at the xscape as its cheaper, such a shame I really loved the pool but no compassion for me loosing a load of money at no fault of my own ‍♀️

Fantastic experience: Lovely place for day out . Weather you are alone or with your family or friends. This place offer lots of activities such as tree top climbing, water ride , splash pads, cycling , walk or picnic. Very calm place , lovely pubs around .

Fantastic experience: Dragon boat racing day. A shame more people didn't show up. A good day out.

Fantastic experience: We joined for their pay as you go pool (which we love). The pool and area is super warm, the changing rooms thankfully were warmer than last time. It was clean, if a little worn down but perfectly serviceable. Could benefit some additonal seating in the pool area. There were happy swimming lessons taking place, free swimming and everyone was respectful of each other. Reception staff were very attentive and helpful, greeted us as soon as we walked through the door, directed us to the changing rooms and we felt no rush to be out by a certain time. Will come again, hopefully more often. Parking is payable but I doubt the gym itself has much control over this as it doesn't own the land! Reasonable price as well tbh.

Positive experience: Worth noting to begin with that this is a non profit organisation. Location very good, a workout with a view of Willen Lake and if you like cardio then nice to have that to look at. Parking is £1.50 for an hour then a quid extra for additional hours. Some parking to the side of the gym and then a good amount a minutes walk away at the rear. Gym equipment is super old and needs replacing really. Cardio there is plenty and more than adequate but free weights and machines are very dated. A cardio room and separate bigger gym both facing the lake. The pool is quite good. Not a bad size and quiet. Sauna looks newish and is good. The steam room was very hot and fair size, probably seats 8 or 9. It needs a timer in there and a temperature gauge would be good in both sauna and steam room. There is also no water poolside. The gym is above so if you've been in there and plan to use the sauna etc take some water downstairs. Oddly you enter, go up to reception and then back down to the changing room, back up to the gym if using it and then back down to changing room and pool area. Then back up and then down to exit. Unless I missed a door downstairs that takes you straight out. After using many gyms, I would suggest that the price of £40 is steep for membership. When considering the additional parking cost of £10 a month if you buy an annual permit. So £50 a month for a dated gym and average pool, dated changing rooms in need of a refurb, feels slightly dear. I think Bannatynes is £45 and offers a better experience. As does Wolverton Pool and gym for less than that. That said, if you like your cardio and a swim, with a nice view of a lake and a sauna or steam room, it does offer something. I'd visit again but not on certain training days, more for the pool area.

Fantastic experience: Best place!

Fantastic experience: Very happy with this gym so far as a new member. The classes are great with Michelle. Nice pool and steam room, also like having the separate cardio gym.

Negative experience: I encountered an issue with the gym management regarding freezing my membership for June. Despite prior confirmation from staff, the manager failed to freeze it, which I found unprofessional and not customer-centric. Consequently, I canceled the direct debit for June and paid for May. However, despite payment, access to the facility was denied. Overall, the gym is ok, but suffers from poor management.

Fantastic experience: I have been to this place. It is an amazing Gymnasium club for fitness and nature lovers people. I have attended the Yoga class here. It was a great experience with Venessa. She is an awesome teacher and helps in best possible way. The staff is equally supportive and kind.

Negative experience: I enjoyed the pool, but I found the adult-to-child ratio rule a bit ridiculous. The pool's policy requires one adult for every two children, and the adult must be in the pool with them. I took my three 14-year-old teenagers swimming, but they couldn't go in because of the rule. In some places, they can get married or have kids, but apparently, swimming in a pool is where we draw the line. I could understand this rule if the children were under 10, but it's unreasonable to require me to be physically in the pool with teenagers. It wasn't like this a few years ago, and I think the new policy is unnecessarily strict.

Negative experience: A serious health and safety issue. I can only assume they are waiting someone to get hurt before it being closed down. It actually felt like we had entered into an abandoned building to go swimming! I have never visited somewhere in such bad disrepair! Where to start, pool tiles missing leaving shape edges, back sludge in corner of pool, filthy windows and doors, lift doors rusty, red and white striped tape showing where bits of flooring are missing, bits of wall missing showing insulation, sauna ripped out and door just open, jacuzzi out of order, woodwork paint peeling off. This is not an exaggeration, I don’t know how it’s still open! We left after 30 mins, I can’t comment on the showers as chose to shower at home but I don’t have a lot of faith they were any good. Shocked to say the least

Positive experience: The gym is nice. Although very old equipments but properly maintained. The swimming pool looks very small and claustrophobic. Be careful of the parking near by as it's all private land and they send tickets if not paid.

Positive experience: I would love to join the club. However with no free parking it would cost me double than I pay for the membership

Fantastic experience: My husband and I started going here about a month ago. We were at a previous gym but he didn't like how crowded it was. He loves this one! The facilities are really nice, and the staff are as well.

Fantastic experience: We went for a one-off swim. You don't have to be a member to use the pool. The facilities were great. The pool was lovely and warm (29° - 30°). Great changing facilities, lovely showers. A little dearer than the local public pool but well worth it as it was quiet and very pleasant. We shall return, our baby granddaughter loved it too.

Positive experience: Visited during the open weekend in January so this is just my impression from a single visit where I only used the gym and changing rooms. There's no denying that the facility feels a bit outdated and is in need of refurbishment. It looks like this is part of the plan for the future which is good to see. The gym is smallish but has as much equipment as you'd really ever need in a commercial style gym setting. Everything I wanted to use worked fine and there was even enough space to do a short HIIT style workout. This was helped by it being very quiet so your mileage may vary if/when it's busier. The changing rooms were fine. A bit cold if I'm being picky. The fittings on the lockers for padlocks were very heavy duty but need quite a big padlock to go all the way through and lock securely. Worth keeping in mind if you visit. The showers were definitely a real lowlight. I didn't manage to find a hot one and the shower heads on the first 3 I tried were all broken in some way. Another was missing completely. They're also a bit retro so there's no partitioning between the showers. It doesn't bother me but some people might find that more of an issue. The staff seemed friendly and helpful and the location itself is great. I wouldn't currently consider joining but it'll no doubt be a good gym when it's all brought back up to date - which honestly describes the vast majority of gyms out there. Don't forget that even modern flashier gyms will be outdated one day! From what I've seen the membership fees look about average for the kind of facility it is. I can understand why some might think it's currently overpriced for what it is, but take a look at the membership rates for other similar facilities with a gym and pool, such as David Lloyd and Nuffield, and you might change your mind. You really can't compare this to PureGym, etc because most of them are newer facilities with basic amenities, no pool, and are incredibly oversubscribed for their size. If you're reading this and even half considering joining just go down and have a look for yourself. Personally I'm looking for something different from a gym but Willen Lake might fit your needs better.

Fantastic experience: I attended the freedom leisure health club on Friday (02/02/24) ‍♀️ for a swimming session which was lovely as i haven't been swimming in so long ‍♀️ £8:50 for a swim session isn't too bad!! This was affordable and Mitchell the duty manager was explaining what was what and was trying to offer me a membership but I wasn't interested in that so he just continued to explain about how swimming works and how the pool works! Then Matt the general manager explained to me about the fact that you can't leave your belongings on poolside which was fair enough but towels were fine to leave in there ‍♀️ They offered to look after my stuff on reception because I didn't have a padlock for the locker and Matt assured me that my clothes would be fine and then him and the duty manager Mitchell joked with me about my lunch which was really funny Overall the swim was lovely and I will return again! Everything was decent ‍♀️

Positive experience: Lovely receptionist when we went, helped us find our way around. It would be 5 star if you didn't need to pay to park!

Negative experience: The leg press machines don’t work properly, one day they work fine the next u can’t move the seat back and forth which I’m sure will definitely injure you at some point. There’s two holes in the hallway leading to the downstairs that has been there for over a year. The jacuzzi hasn’t worked for years and the equipment hasn’t been updated in about 20 years which is not an exaggeration. The equipment is also very very limited, there is only really 1 of each piece of equipment. This gym really renamed themselves but kept everything the same. Disappointing

Negative experience: very little space. but it is normal for children

Fantastic experience: Joined in October, great gym, great spot and staff are friendly.

Fantastic experience: I love my nee local gym! Super super friendly staff, not too busy, loads of space and best of all, great views across the lake. It’s all I want, all I need.

Fantastic experience: Great pizza spot in Budapest lovely staff and English speaking

Negative experience: We were visiting for a long weekend and looking for a family activity of an afternoon at a local pool. Apparently despite coming up.on google search as the nearest pool, there is now no swimming pool? According to the website, it was a temporary closure for last years winter season however no way to book on their website so assuming its still shut. Quite shocking for a large town.

Positive experience: This is the place where I could swim for first time. It was recommended by a friend and she herself who taught me to swim. The water was warm and clean. To me the facilities was great. I didn’t join the membership for the gym, I came for a couple of times, just for swimming practices. But I guess that will be nice if you can do sport here everyday.

Positive experience: I don't have a membership here but I have used this gym a handful of times using a day pass. The staff have been friendly each time I've been. I use the gym floor only, not the pool or other facilities. It has a generic amount of lifting machines which will help you get a workout done. Compared to other gyms I go to, it lacks things such as a sled leg press and a squat rack, that isn't assisted like a smith machine. I haven't gone during peak times, but during off peak times it is very quiet. No more than 5 people in the gym. Another thing to note, I don't think the gym has a proper ventilation system, as I went during winter and it feels nearly as cold inside as it does outside. Same with summer, I went on a hot 30c day and it felt the same indoors. Actually when it was this hot I decided to not use the gym because I don't like training under these conditions. It's a nice location to work out because you can see the lake through the windows which is nice if you train during the day. And it's also relatively cheap.

Positive experience: Its good one, worth taking a shot.

Fantastic experience: Updated due to new management. Membership was frozen until things changed and they have,brilliant place again all thanks to Matt and his team. All the facilities you need from a health club, absolutely love it here.

Fantastic experience: Friendly and supportive staff they got!

Negative experience: Boiler broken, no swimming teacher

Fantastic experience: That is where my hairdresser is

Positive experience: Facilities look ok and staff is nice but I think the pool is not good enough and there is way too much chlorine in the water.

Positive experience: Good price to use all gym facilities, steam, sauna, swimming pool all included in price. Can't go wrong.

Fantastic experience: Very friendly, helpful and professional team, many thanks Thomas and team. Freedom fitness leisure Milton Keynes.

Fantastic experience: Top gym been their two months staff so friendly Thomas always given free tips and different exercises to try to all members

Fantastic experience: First time visiting, really great experience. Went with my 7yo daughter for a swim as pay as you go, definitely worth the money. Polite, professional and funny guy on reception, clean and tidy areas, lovely, heated, clean pool. Easy and reasonably priced parking at Willen Lake, we'll be returning for sure.

Positive experience: Been going to this gym on and off for about 10 years, the current staff are all super friendly and always happy to help. Pool is usually quite empty when I go (early mornings before work). Changing rooms and showers could do with some TLC but do the job :)

Negative experience: Joined last month, steam room been out of action for a couple of weeks, very run down, staff seem to have low morale, calked in with a queery yesterday and was promised a phone call back which didn't occur, won't be staying.

Fantastic experience: Don’t be put off by the bad reviews. I have been a gym goer for the last 15 yrs plus… I stayed at the premier inn at Willen Lake and this gym is a few metres away. I have been to the gym on four occasions in the last week and I have to say the gym is clean, well equipped and situated in the most amazing area. On my travels when I have visited gyms that I am not a member I have felt unwelcome but I have to admit the staff at this gym were excellent. I spoke to four different staff members and each and everyone were extremely friendly and welcoming and very willing make the effort to speak to me which is refreshing. I would 100% recommend the gym. Good work management

Positive experience: Great views 9f the lake

Negative experience: Poor management! I cancel my membership but I still been recharged after one month notice. I keep waiting my money to be return more then 2 months now. I would never come back to this gym I recommend to some one

Fantastic experience: Friendly & quiet

Negative experience: Pool was freezing cold. We told the staff but argued that the temperature was fine according to their thermometer but did not bother to come down to check the issue or the water. Some people came and tried to swim but only managed a few minutes said it is freezing cold, now my husband got a cold because of it. The sauna/steam room was out of order but still charged us same price. Very dirty and old facilities. Some shower isn't working. Very dirty swimming pool this establishment need a total refurbishment. Or better shutdown

Negative experience: Shocking facility’s, not one shower working, freezing cold pool. Sauna out of order, tiles falling off the wall and a total waste of money, literally just canceled my membership and won’t be going back, please don’t waste your time and hard earned money as this place is a joke and needs knocking down. Entice you in with no joining fee when in reality they should be paying you to use the place !!!

Positive experience: My son has swimming lessons here. They sometimes get cancelled due to issues with the pool, upon which time they do give a refund, but when they do take place they're very good. UPDATE - I cancelled in the end due to the following: 23rd Nov 2021 - Went ahead ✅ 30th Nov 2021 - Cancelled ❌ 7th Dec 2021 - Went ahead ✅ 14th Dec 2021 - Went ahead ✅ 21st 2021 - Closed for Christmas 28th 2021 - Closed for Christmas 4th Jan 2022 - Cancelled ❌ 11th Jan 2022 - Cancelled ❌

Negative experience: Good location ,very friendly staff . Now the bad things : swimming pool small - the space allocated for swimming lessons very small. Water few times with a strong smell of bleach . The corridors and changing rooms very cold and not very clean . Toilets in bad conditions (man's toilet has two broken tiles since I join this gym very dangerous -report this few times but nothing done-attached images) .No signs for peoples to take showers before entering the pool .

Positive experience: All good, except jaccuzzi doesn't work for ages

Negative experience: Terrible changing rooms. Smelly. Aircon broken in the Gym, just the terrible smell of other people's body odour. Broken showers. Lockers are disgusting. Cancelled my membership on the day in September... then checked my account today and they have STILL been charging me £25 every months, despite telling me my account was cancelled. Now being told i have to wait another TWO weeks to get refunded and that also the DD is still going to come out in December. Poor. I finally got my refund on 17 December, 2 1/2 months after cancelling.

Negative experience: Called a few times to make sure the ladies only swimming is on On arrival i paid by card as they didn't have change for cash Once I was changed I am told that some men have double booked and are still in swimming pool so I was either given chhzncr to come back another day or get on with it and swim with them I wanted my money back and they coudnt even pay me back into my account. I was given an email to ask for a refund thtt way. Very dissapointed by their service Will definitely not be visiting again Changing rooms were also not up to standard

Fantastic experience: After being away from the gym for a long time I’ve been quite anxious about a going back but Dan and his team are so friendly, approachable and reassuring it’s made it so much easier. Signed myself up for the Monday box fit class this week with Dan N and loved every minute. He makes sure you have the right technique and gives encouragement all the way. Highly recommend.

Negative experience: gym equipment is pretty old, the place is run down, pool area and pool facilities are falling apart, the showers don’t work or broken, changing rooms flooded no continued cleaning. Pool is always swim lessons out of working hours, so if you want to swim after 18;00 good luck. Really needs an upgrade. You also need to pay for parking. Not busy surprisingly, early morning best. If you don’t mind all of that then it’s ok

Fantastic experience: Quiet gym with all the amenities. Helpful staff and good opening hours. Very good price for the all-inclusive at £25.

Fantastic experience: My son just started swimming lessons with Ellen and he is loving them.

Positive experience: Decent gym with good equipment and weights. Pool is good too, but is only 1.4m deep. Overall, I would say, it's an ok place. Update: Few improvements in the past 6 months, new equipment coming in.

Fantastic experience: My legs hurt as a bigger lady I felt comfortable and not judged so that's good. Lovley staff and really happy to go back

Positive experience: Since having new management team things have started to improve! It is much cleaner and the new staff are very welcoming and helpful! Keep up the good work Dan and the team!

Positive experience: I have been a member for a good couple of years and sadly the gym was going downhill rapidly of which I put in my cancellation . However since Dan has joined the team and the lovely staff I have seen a huge difference , the gym is looking a lot cleaner and the staff professional helpful and friendly , things are getting done and the gym is becoming what it always should have been , so I have cancelled my cancellation and shall be staying here , and would certainly recommend now . Things are looking great well done Dan and team keep up all tue amazing work you are doing

Fantastic experience: Member for 12 years. The staff are an asset to the company. Always professional and friendly. Sad to see the negative comments as this is not a reflection of the gym or the great team at Freedom Leisure Willen Lake. Welcome to the new manager Dan, who is already showing enthusiasm. I am sure you will bring so much to the leisure centre. Keep up the good work :)

Fantastic experience: Excellent friendly gym and much needed improvements to the facilities are now hopefully on the horizon thanks to the present manager

Positive experience: It's great to have a new Manager and finally seeing some of the jobs that need doing here started. It's a very friendly gym, the staff are wonderful and now Dan is on the case to get the place in good order. Thank you

Fantastic experience: The staff are always very friendly and there have been a noticeable improvement since there has been new management. I have found Dan, our new manager, personable and enthusiastic and I am hopeful that he can continue to make improvements to the club. The gym however does need investment in showers, toilets and some equipment and I am sure with investment and because of it’s excellent location this could be a very profitable business.

Negative experience: Not very clean in the pool half the time or two cold with funny people that do not like kids using the pool.

Fantastic experience: Cool place, amazing staff

Positive experience: Nice location nice and clean pool and friendly staff. However it's kind of embarrassing needing to be let in down the fire escape as I'm disabled and theres no lift access. The staff members are always friendly and quick to let me in but also means I cant come alone as someone needs to go up with my card so can be let in and is means I cant use the gym.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and pool... Reception staff very helpful and friendly

Fantastic experience: Good yes yes. I went now stronger. Good for health. Yes

Fantastic experience: Really friendly people here, they were kind enough to let me use their bathrooms before a race. Thank you!

Negative experience: Equipment is very old, it's not very clean. I won't be renewing at the end of my term.

Negative experience: Run down, poor staff not a great place to train, equipment is in poor condition, something always seems to be broken or closed avoid avoid avoid

Negative experience: i agree 100% with a previous comment -- this gym has great potential... but indeed it is let down by poor management, grumpy staff, and outdated facilities. shame.

Positive experience: This gym has great potential.But it is badly let down by the owners who do not seem to want to invest in it.Broken showers no soap dispensers.Broken switch on the spa pool.The staff are great but they are also let down by the owners.

Fantastic experience: Great gym well maintained by staffs fitness

Negative experience: Visited swimming pool with kids on Jan 2020, I would rate it as awful place, lockers can only be locked with padlock, so don't bother with a pound coin, no changing cubicles available, most shower taps are broken (only 3 are working) and tiny swimming pool, the place literally fallen apart, tiles coming off, oh yeah more expensive entry fees to little crapy swimming pool. I am not fussy normally, but this place is the worst swimming pool I had seen in MK.

Fantastic experience: Been going about a month so far. Off peak times for me, so I can't say what it is like when full. Staff are friendly and helpful, even close to closing and the gym is neat and well maintained. I have no complaints and feel comfortable doing my program. Also a Gym Pass app operator so an easy sign in process with the front desk.

Negative experience: Don't answer the phones, pool has been shut yet still charged me for my kids swim membership, sent me a letter telling me I was in arrears and needed to pay my membership after I cancelled my direct debit. I called and called, emailed and got no reply but was quick to get in touch when I stopped paying. To slow guys!

Positive experience: Great value for money although showers could do with a refurbishment

Fantastic experience: Has everything you need, lovely people, wonderful view.

Fantastic experience: Good facilities and all in one place excellent customer service a good recommendation for all the community

Negative experience: Prices recently got higher for what ? For a jacuzzi that is falling apart with bricks, steam room that is not even open, and disgusting FUNGUS filled showers that are falling apart as well. Have been coming here for years but not anymore after the increase of price. They need to sort their stuff out asap.

Positive experience: nice gym

Fantastic experience: Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Pool, sauna & steam room.

Positive experience: Great facility, I only wish that the showers were nicer!

Positive experience: Friendly staff, nice location, equipment is very dated tho, been a member on and off for about 7yrs and never seen any equipment replaced or upgraded. Pool is not great, jacuzzi not in use, steam room not in use.

Negative experience: Smelly steam room, like sweaty gym socks. Tiny 15m pool. Men are not welcome. Misleading schedule. No thanks.

Positive experience: Buena piscina y no masificado

Fantastic experience: Great staff. Very friendly and helpful. Gym is never too busy so you never have to wait for any of the equipment. Nice pool for gentle lengths with sauna and steam room

Positive experience: Tired looking gym but has all the equipment needes

Fantastic experience: Great gym

Fantastic experience: Great gym equipment, nice pool, sauna and steam room friendly staff with nice showers

Fantastic experience: Member of the gym .Great price good place .

Fantastic experience: Being with the gym for 4 years. Quite descent, would prefer if there was free parking. Parking fees makes it an expensive experience for me.

Negative experience: Staff are friendly, the equipment is aging and the showers are moldy, rusted and look like they belong in a prison movie. I wouldn't reccommend this gym.

Positive experience: Nice pool