A couple of the instructors were not very welcoming to me as a new member, a little grumpy! It took a week to book a gym induction which is too long. Tatyana is lovely and was warm and welcomin... See more
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Location
Switch locationFestival Place, RG21 7LE Basingstoke, GB
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The Basingstoke Sports Centre has a vast range of facilities/sports to try, various fitness classes, an indoor pool, a mixed gym and separate ladies gym. Also junior gym and soft play area. The cent... See more
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Been going here for years following a knee replacement. Great at first but since price increase and other gyms opening with lower membership fees it's getting hard to justify. The only reason I am sti... See more
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My kids have been going here for about 5 years now and are still thoroughly enjoying it. Some of the classes could be a bit smaller as some seem packed in comparison to others that have only a few stu... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Welcome to Better! We’re a charitable social enterprise, committed to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. From gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools to lessons and courses for both adults and juniors - plus libraries and children's centres - we've got it all. So whether you’d like to try something new, keep the kids entertained or have a dip in the pool, discover our inclusive range of activities, suitable for all ages and abilities at your local Better centre today.
Contact info
Festival Place, RG21 7LE, Basingstoke, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
59 reviews
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2nd week as a member- booked on Sunday…
2nd week as a member- booked on Sunday body balance, no instructor, no notification to say cancelled, reception said class going ahead, it didn't as no one to run it- very poor experience
July 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Justin,
We’re really sorry to hear about your experience, especially so early on in your membership.
It’s disappointing to learn that your booked Body Balance class did not go ahead as expected, and that there was no communication to inform you of the cancellation. We completely understand how frustrating it must have been to be told at reception that the class was running, only to find there was no instructor available.
This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and your feedback will be shared with the centre management team to review both instructor cover and communication processes to help prevent this from happening again.
We really appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we hope your future visits will be a much more positive experience.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
A couple of the instructors were not…
A couple of the instructors were not very welcoming to me as a new member, a little grumpy!
It took a week to book a gym induction which is too long.
Tatyana is lovely and was warm and welcoming to her Pilates class.
Reception staff very friendly and helpful.
Studios clean and good air con.
June 23, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We’re really glad to hear you found the reception team friendly and the facilities clean and well maintained, and that you had such a positive experience with Tatyana’s Pilates class.
We’re sorry to hear that some of the instructors didn’t feel as welcoming, especially as a new member. That’s certainly not the experience we aim to provide, and your comments will be shared with the team to help improve this.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the wait time for a gym induction. We understand how important it is to get started quickly, and we’ll review this to see where we can improve availability.
Thank you again for your honest feedback, it really helps us continue to improve our service.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
Facilities for older people
Facilities for older people. Easy to use equipment. Friendly staff
May 26, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Teresa
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you found our facilities accessible and our equipment easy to use.
It is also great to hear our team made you feel welcome, and we hope to see you soon!
Kind Regards
Amir
Swimming lessons review
We use Better for swimming lessons as it's the most affordable option locally and the timings/location work for us.
Overall swimming lesson organisation is good and it's easy to track progress on the online portal. We like the fact that periodically they do 'extras', such as teaching what different flags mean at the beach in the run up to the summer holidays and practicing basic life-saving.
Generally they have the same teachers each week which is good for consistency and we're happy with the higher level teachers and group ratios (green level +). For the red group, the ratios aren't great. As non-swimmers/beginners, these kids need a lot more one-to-one support so really a group of 1:6 or even more some weeks seems too much. As a result a lot of time is spent waiting around for their turn so the kids get bored, concentration starts to drop so they start messing around a bit, and suddenly the teacher is trying to teach and manage behaviour and monitor safety of lots of kids in different parts of the pool. Hard to see much progress in these conditions too.
Our other gripe is that the changing rooms are consistently pretty grim. The floors don't feel clean (there has definitely been urine on the floor before now), insides of lockers aren't always clean and it's often a bit smelly. Could understand standards slippping towards the end of the evening after lots of swim classes have used the facilities, but we're the first session of the day so really no excuse for them to be dirty at this stage.
Staff at reception and poolside are all pretty friendly and helpful.
Overall, this is the budget option locally for swimming lessons so some allowances have to be made. But some easy improvements would be possible, with a quick changing room clean-up before evening lessons start and better staffing ratios for beginner lessons.
May 7, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Char,
Thank you for sharing your your review with us!
We're happy that you're enjoying the swimming lessons and the regular progress updates we provide via HomePortal.
We appreciate you raising your concerns with the structure of our Foundation (Green) classes, and how this is affecting your little as well as the other pupils.
We understand that the more tailored coaching in this group is appreciated, but can mean that the other pupils are losing concentration due to this.
We also value your comments regarding the maintenance and cleanliness of our poolside changing village, especially the locker facilitites and our flooring.
We're more than happy to raise this with our wider team for further review.
We're also thrilled that our team have been so friendly and helpful during your visits.
Thank you again for your detailed feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
almost perfect
i really like the place, basingstoke is amazing and there is a lot to do there, personally i go to the gym. the reason i haven't given it 5 stars is because i felt like especially when i first came i didn't know what i was doing or how the machines worked, or how to do exercises efficiently. i do like how each machine has a "what to do/ how this works" image, however a lot of machines do not and you have to figure it out yourself
March 11, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Tobias,
Thank you for your review!
We're thrilled that you've been enjoying our facilities at Basingstoke Sports Centre.
We're saddened to hear that you felt a bit lost during your first visit.
We offer gym inductions, where you have the opportunity to query and test different facilities in our gym space with a member of our team.
This sounds like it would've largely benefited you at the time, and we apologise if you were not made aware of this.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
The Basingstoke Sports Centre has a…
The Basingstoke Sports Centre has a vast range of facilities/sports to try, various fitness classes, an indoor pool, a mixed gym and separate ladies gym. Also junior gym and soft play area.
The centre is always warm, clean and inviting with lovely friendly staff.
The location is great with buses from all regions of Basingstoke almost outside the door and being placed in the Festival place shopping area
March 19, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoy the wide range of facilities and classes at Basingstoke Sports Centre, and that our team has made you feel welcome.
It’s great to know that the location and accessibility work so well for you too.
We look forward to welcoming you back for many more visits!
Warm regards,
Azaria
Amazing people
Amazing people work there. They make the experience very enjoyable. I always enjoy being there. Swimming lessons are very good too.
February 25, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Giedre,
Thank you so much for your review!
We're thrilled that you find our team at Basingstoke Sports Centre so amazing.
It's great that they're making every experience enjoyable, and that you always enjoy visiting us.
We're happy that you're finding the swimming lessons good as well.
Thank you again for your kind words!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Far too expensive and poor quality equipment
Been going here for years following a knee replacement. Great at first but since price increase and other gyms opening with lower membership fees it's getting hard to justify. The only reason I am still going is the location but I am actively seeking an alternative. I am also getting increasingly fed up of the poor quality of equipment. There's only one pull type rope which is a very popular item and I'm always having to wait to use it. There used to be two. Most of the equipment is not laid straight either! Screams penny pinching to me and that's so wrong considering the sky high prices.
February 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi A,
Thank you for sharing this with us!
We're currently in contact with our Management Team regarding the concerns you've raised.
Once we receive an update, we'll update our response to your review.
[Update]
Hi A,
Thank you for your patience!
We have been advised that the gym kit layout is currently the same as it was before GLL (Better) operated the Centre.
This means very minimal changes have occurred during this time.
Regarding your feedback about other companies, we’re unable to comment on their practices, as their services and offerings may differ from ours.
With a standard Membership package (the Better Health Centre agreement), you also benefit from access to a wider range of facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, and health suite.
We also intend to complete a £500,000 replacement of the gym kit, which will see the refurbishment of the facility across the next 6 months for our customers.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Swimming Lessons
My kids have been going here for about 5 years now and are still thoroughly enjoying it. Some of the classes could be a bit smaller as some seem packed in comparison to others that have only a few students. My eldest two have completed the swim school and are now enjoying the academy swim group. Their teacher Shantanu played a big part in that as well as them wanting to still swim. Whenever anyone asks about swimming lessons I always recommend Basingstoke Sports Centre.
January 29, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hello Sarah,
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback!
We're really happy to hear that your kids are still enjoying their swimming lessons at Basingstoke Sports Centre.
Thanks again for choosing Basingstoke Leisure Centre!
Kind regards
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hello Christine.
Thank you very much for your comments and feedback, not to mention your 5-star review.
Kind regards
Whole Team is brilliant supporting very…
Whole Team is brilliant supporting very supportive apart from that facilities are too good.
January 14, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Anup,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at Basingstoke Sports Centre have been so supportive!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Unfortunately
Unfortunately, there is no discount for people who receive Universal Credit, specifically low-income families. Taking part in sport is the future of the nation and promotes a healthy lifestyle, but in the current situation not everyone can afford a membership. When an entire family goes to the gym, it becomes a significant financial burden on the household budget. Thank you.
January 5, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Serhii,
Thanks for your review.
We do offer concessionary membership for those on Universal Credit and this can be found by visiting our join page and selecting concessionary.
We include the link here: Memberships | Centre Details (https://memberships.better.org.uk/centre/basingstoke-sports-centre)
Warm Regards
Hazal
The better Basingstoke is one stop for all your fitness journey
The better Basingstoke is a full fledged fitness center offering wide variety of fitness classes it has everything that suit my needs and ticks all boxes in terms of what a sports center should have.
I really appreciate the service of the gym and fitness classes for staying upto the mark.
January 7, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hello Mita,
Thank you for your 5-star review.
We are delighted to know that you are enjoying your fitness journey with Better.
Kind regards
Best gym facilities I have experienced
Best gym facilities I have experienced! Under the one roof, you can find everything.
January 3, 2026
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Em
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying the facilities at Basingstoke Sports Centre, and we hope you reach your health and fitness goals with us!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Graham,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
It's amazing to hear how kind, caring at helpful the staff have been at the Basingstoke Sports Centre.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great Gym
Great facilities, range of machines and equipment. Helpful staff and overall great gym
October 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Adam
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are having an all-round great experience at Basingstoke Sports Centre, and we hope this continues!
Kidn Regards
Amir
Best sports centre in town
Me and my husband use the gym. My kids take their swim lessons. We have access to fitness classes, racquets, swim as well. All these are under affordable prices and in town. Couldn't ask for more 💓 its the best.
October 14, 2025
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Padmini
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to see that you and your family enjoy the Basingstoke Sports Centre facilities, and the price plans are manageable for everyone in your family.
We hope you and your husband reach your fitness goals with us and your children attain the confidence and swimming skills they desire.
Kind Regards
Amir
Excellent experience
I had a great time, the staff are very professional and helpful. Especially the swimming lessons are taught with great care.
August 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hello Hannah,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that our Swim Team were able to assist you.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received.
We have also passed on your comments to the agent who assisted you!
Kind regards
Aaiasa
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Staff Are really easy to talk to
Staff Are really easy to talk to. Great value for money. Would recommend
August 14, 2025
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Toby
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you find the Better membership a great value for money, and the staff are really easy to talk to!
We hope you enjoy using the facilities, and thank you for choosing better!
Kind Regards
Amir
Its the best 😍😘
July 2, 2025
Reply from Better - Basingstoke Sports Centre
Hi Gledis
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see this, and we will pass your feedback on to the staff at the Basingstoke Sports Centre.
Kind Regards
Amir
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