From a visit to my Doctor, had a swift referral to BETTER. Then 2 days later got a phone call telling me all about it, then an appointment to see Tanya at the leisure centre. Tanya went through all... See more
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Location
Switch locationShibdon Road, NE21 5NW Blaydon-on-Tyne, England, GB
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The booking system is not fit for purpose when trying to book the site just clogs up and you can wait anything unto 10 minutes to find out if you have managed to get a booking and at 22.00 hours its... See more
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I use Blaydon Leisure Centre regularly, and have always been impressed by the friendly atmosphere in the place. The staff are very helpful and the range of fitness classes are excellent. I use these... See more
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Music that better use is not good. The equipment although new is poor, not enough classes are available at certainly non early afternoon. The cyclecise class area has been renovated at Dunston but is... 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
Shibdon Road, NE21 5NW, Blaydon-on-Tyne, England, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
61 reviews
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Weekend Opening
I have recently celebrated my 70th birthday and have been a regular user of Gateshead Council's gym facilities for nearly 50 years, mainly at Gateshead Stadium but over the last few years also using the Blaydon Leisure center gym, to take advantage of their later weekend opening hours that were no longer available at the stadium. We have all recently been informed, without consultation, that Blaydon gym will now close at 4pm on a weekend. This is disastrous for me as I have grandchildren and my time on a weekend with them is precious and I do not want to be training in the middle of the afternoon.
When the gyms were council run they were, for many years, ran as a service to the public and the opening hours reflected this. Since Better have taken over, the centers are now run in a way that suits Better and the thoughts and convenience of the public no longer matter.
For the first time in nearly 50 years I am having to reconsider where I am going to work out. This is a major thing in my life as I have many friends in the two gyms I use and I do not take this decision lightly.
Also, a little birdie has told me that my membership fee, which always covered the use of all gyms, will now increase if I want to use more than one gym.
Great customer care after 50 years.
Jack Rutherford
January 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Jack.
We would like to wish you a happy birthday!
Your feedback is really important to us, and we are happy to hear that you have been one of our customers for such a long time.
We hope we will make you appreciate your visits in the future.
Our opening times are decided locally and are based on the community's requests.
Kind Regards
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Mrs Ball,
Thank you for the great feedback!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the friendly, welcoming, staff at the Blaydon Leisure Centre, as well as the down-to-earth atmosphere.
It’s amazing to know that you felt right at home!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Kevin
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to see you are enjoying your experience at Blaydon Leisure Centre and we appreciate your feedback.
Kind Regards
Amir
great experience
I had a great experience. First time using Blaydon leisure centre and the staff were amazing. My grandson has autism but one of the lifeguards (who he now refers to as the tall one) helped encourage him back into the pool, after he had a bit of a tantrum, and we had an amazing time using the floats and ducks in the small pool.
The building was very hot though so my husband had to leave to use the cafe.
December 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for your lovely feedback!
We’re so pleased to hear you had a great first visit at the Blaydon Leisure Centre, and that our lifeguard was so supportive with your grandson, which contributed to your enjoyable pool session.
We also appreciate your comments about the temperature in the building and will share this with the centre team.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Claire,
Thank you for your kind words!
We’re really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the gym facilities.
It's also great to know that the staff at the Blaydon Leisure Centre have been so helpful.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Swimming lesson query
Very quick response to my query. Class changed as requested
November 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Patricia
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to see that your query has been resolved, and we hope the swimming lessons are enjoyed!
Thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Very friendly staff
Very friendly staff. Easy to use app and easy to book. Facilities are very good, clean and tidy. Spacious lockers and changing rooms.
November 12, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Good afternoon, Linda.
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation.
We take great care in what we do, and it is always nice when our valued customers notice it.
Kind Regards,
Sara
Overall very good but improvement needed.
Since Better took over leisure services from Gateshead Council, I’ve noticed a significant overall improvement. However, I’ve given three stars due to a few ongoing issues that need attention.
👍 Positives:
• Music in the pools is a great addition and adds to the atmosphere.
• Staff uniforms are smart and make it easy to identify team members.
• Gym facilities have been upgraded and are noticeably better.
• Membership options are varied and fairly priced, offering good value.
👎 Negatives:
• Blaydon track geese issue: The track has been plagued by geese for several years. They frequently defecate on the surface and use the long jump pit as a water source, rendering it unusable during the summer season. Despite repeatedly raising this with the centre, no effective action has been taken. The only attempt—a kite to scare them—was ineffective. A proper cover is urgently needed to prevent water accumulation and deter the birds.
• Reduced weekend hours: I was disappointed to receive an email this week announcing that weekend closing times are being changed from 7 pm to 4 pm. For many working families, weekends are the only time they can access the facilities. While it may be quieter between 4 pm and 7 pm, those hours are still well-used. The change was made without consulting members and wasn’t communicated during the sign-up process for new memberships, including the junior membership I recently purchased for my daughter.
November 5, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about Blaydon Leisure Centre.
We’re delighted to hear you’ve noticed improvements since Better took over, and we appreciate your positive comments about the upgraded gym facilities, smart staff uniforms, and the atmosphere in the pools.
We’re sorry to hear about the ongoing issues you’ve raised:
Track and geese problem: We understand how frustrating this has been.
Your feedback is being escalated to our facilities team to review more effective solutions, such as installing a proper cover for the long jump pit and implementing measures to keep the track clean and usable.
Kind Regards.
•
This service you are providing is not…
This service you are providing is not acceptable and not fit for purpose. My daughters lessons have been cancelled 4 times now in the last 3 months and I have not been offered a refund or replacement lessons. She looks forward to her lessons every week and she gets so upset when they are cancelled. You also changed her lesson times without informing me after the summer holidays so again we turned up at the usual time and missed that day as well.
Also even though I had provided proof of benefits to blaydon they still sent me a email saying I hadn't and put the price up. I went in to blaydon to show then again and spoke with the manager who said he couldn't change it and I had to contact Better which is almost impossible and when you finally get through to Better they can't help you and direct you to the website to fill forms on which never get replied to. Blaydon leisure centre under the council was excellent but unfortunately Better is not better in any way and are happy to take your money but not return it and no customer service that actually gives customer service just fobs you off. The service they are providing is shocking
October 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hello Colin,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and we're truly sorry to hear about the repeated cancellations and communication issues you've faced.
We understand how disappointing it must be for your daughter to miss her lessons, especially when she looks forward to them each week. It's also unacceptable that changes to lesson times were not communicated properly, and that your benefit documentation was not acknowledged despite your efforts.
Your feedback highlights areas where we need to improve, and we take it seriously. We’re currently reviewing our processes around lesson scheduling, benefit verification, and customer communication to ensure these issues are addressed.
Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused. If you're still experiencing unresolved issues, we’d like to help directly. You can contact our Customer Support team at [customerservices@gll.org ], and we’ll do our best to resolve this swiftly.
Thank you again for your feedback—it helps us improve.
Incredibly inefficient
Had to wait almost an hour to sign up while staff faffed on. Door to gym is accessed by a different code you have to get from reception every day
August 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Harry,
Thank you for contacting BETTER customer services.
We appreciate you providing us with this valuable feedback as this helps us improve.
We apologise that you have not had a positive experience with us and hope we can get better.
We have forwarded your comments to the centre and have asked that they investigate the issues you have raised.
Kind regards
Aaiasa
A great service
A nice gym. Easy to sign up. As a company really helpful when I have had questions. App is great for booking and tracking activities.
August 21, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Angela,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Blaydon leaisure centre
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 centre!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
An excellent experience
I use Blaydon Leisure Centre regularly, and have always been impressed by the friendly atmosphere in the place. The staff are very helpful and the range of fitness classes are excellent. I use these lots of the classes and enjoy the pace and wide ranging activities provided.
Well recommended.
August 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Richard
Thank you for your review and recommendation.
We are pleased to hear that you enjoy the friendly atmosphere at Blaydon Leisure Centre and that our team has made a positive impression.
It's great to know you're making the most of our fitness classes and finding them varied and enjoyable.
Kind Regards
Amir
Early stage swimming lessons
Small classes so personal attention can be given
Pleasant and supportive instructor.
August 7, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Diane,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying swimming lessons at Blaydon Leisure Centre!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Better at Blaydon
Great app. Love the facilities at Blaydon. Dropped a star because nothing in place to welcome newbies personally
August 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Amanada,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying our facility. I am alos to hear that you did not feel so welcome that is not how our customer service should be.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service for all our customer. I have forward your feedback to the centre to review.
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Great new equipment but...
Great new equipment, but no smiths machine, assisted dips machine,chest fly machine. All these were well used and the most popular pieces of equipment in the gym. Really disappointed, as are other members 😕
August 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hello Joe,
Thank you for your feedback
We appreciate you providing us with this valuable feedback as this helps us improve.
We apologise that you have not had a positive experience with us and hope we can get better.
We have forwarded your comments to the centre and have asked that they investigate the issues you have raised.
Many Thanks
Extremely helpful staff on reception…
Extremely helpful staff on reception and a brilliant swim teacher
July 29, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Carol,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging words!
We are absolutely delighted to learn that our reception team and swim instructor contributed to such a positive experience during your visit to the Blaydon Leisure Centre. Your feedback means a lot to us, and it truly inspires our team to keep providing excellent service. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you back for another enjoyable visit!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Great induction from chris
Chris was very helpful and showed me machines that would work for me
July 30, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hello Angela,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
I will pass on your comments to Chris.
Kind Regards.
Sunday Swimming lessons
Our first swimming lesson with Charlotte was an absolute success. Rosie looked to be at ease with her and asked to go back the following week so that's a great sign.
July 26, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Rosie,
I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for your fantastic feedback regarding Rosie’s first lesson with Charlotte.
It brings us immense joy to know that Rosie felt comfortable and enjoyed her time in the water. Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can thrive and have fun while learning. We’re excited to see her back next week, where she can continue building on her skills and confidence in the pool.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with us. We truly value your input and look forward to witnessing Rosie’s progress and enjoyment in her upcoming lessons!
Best regards,
Charmaine
No point booking lane swim on app
Waste of time using the app to book lane swim. Wednesday night the fast lane was full of people not swimming and just using it as the swim for all was full. We who had booked fast lanes ended up every where . Some in medium and some in slow. The staff did nothing to sort out the situation
July 8, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Kennath,
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience during your recent lane swim. We understand how frustrating it can be when the designated lanes aren’t being used as intended, especially when you've made the effort to book in advance.
Your concerns about lane usage and the lack of staff intervention have been noted and will be shared with our team. We are continuously working to improve how we manage swim sessions and ensure a better experience for all our swimmers.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
It is better with Better
I am really impressed with Better. I go to the Blaydon centre. The staff are friendly and helpful. The facilities are clean and well looked after.
I was accidentally charged for a swim session and this was resolved within 24 hours.
The only thing that takes a bit of getting used to is the busy app that has too much information in it and the door locking system sometimes popsup my wallet instead of opening the door but this might be an Apple thing?
Overall I’m really pleased with my membership and the team are just brilliant. Thank you
June 18, 2025
Reply from Better - Blaydon Leisure Centre
Hi Russell,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for taking the time to share your experience at the Blaydon centre. We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the facilities and finding our team friendly and helpful—it really means a lot to us.
We’re also glad the swim session charge was resolved quickly. We always aim to handle any issues promptly and fairly.
We appreciate your feedback about the app and door system. You're right—sometimes Apple Wallet can pop up unexpectedly, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience, so your comments are very helpful.
Thanks again for your kind words and ongoing support. We’re delighted to have you as part of the Better community!
Best regards,
Charmaine
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