Today (Thu 17 Apr 2025) swimming lessons for kids. My son (Uchenna) is autistic so struggles to interact with new people and can easily take an intense dislike to some people. The instructor,... See more
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Location
Switch location229 Caledonian Road, N1 0NH London, GB
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I went to Cally gym & pool 29th march 2024 for a bit of advise and two members of staff were very helpful their names were Sherena and Dillon They both answered all the questions and took time to sh... See more
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The manager Sherena was efficient and extremely friendly and helpful. The equipment was in good order. However, the cleanliness of the space was appalling. Dirty and dusty throughout. Equipment... See more
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Overall it was a good experience. I would just feel more comfortable if the changing rooms weren't communal for all genders. Also, the showers are ok for a quick rinse but not for a more decent shower... 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
229 Caledonian Road, N1 0NH, London, United Kingdom
3.4
Average
33 reviews
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Amazing instructors
Amazing instructors. Especially Jay and Marvin. Friendly and competent reception especially Farakhan.
June 22, 2026
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi N K
Thank you for your review.
We are very glad to hear you’ve had such a positive experience with our instructors, especially Jay and Marvin. It’s also great to know that Farakhan and the reception team have made you feel welcome with their friendly and professional service.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to the team!
Kind Regards
Amir
Disappointed with manager's handling of…
Disappointed with manager's handling of left items
I am writing to express my disappointment with an incident that occurred at the Caledonian Road Better Swimming Pool on 16/6/2026 evening.
My child accidentally left his shoes and bag inside a changing cubicle. Instead of leaving a notice or placing them in a designated lost property area, the manager on duty intentionally removed his stuff and stored them away without leaving any indication of where they were. When we asked the reception, the reception didn’t aware as well and referred us to his manager. Afterward, the manager said he took away them and warned my child not to leave belongings in the cubicle.
While we understand the policy and will ensure this does not happen again, the manager's behavior was completely inappropriate.
Removing a child's belongings without leaving any note or notice before issuing a warning feels incredibly unfair and caused unnecessary distress.
There are better, more professional ways to enforce pool rules than confiscating a child's property without warning.
June 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Ka,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We are sorry to hear about your experience and understand how upsetting this situation must have been for both you and your child. Whilst we do have procedures in place to ensure that changing areas are cleared promptly for the comfort and safety of all users, we appreciate that this was not handled in the most helpful or reassuring way on this occasion.
Your comments regarding the lack of communication and the way the situation was managed have been noted. We agree that clearer communication, including leaving a notice or informing reception, would have avoided unnecessary concern and confusion.
Please be assured that your feedback will be shared with the management team at the centre to review how situations like this are handled, particularly when it involves younger members, to ensure a more considerate and professional approach.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Warm regards,
Hazal
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Eden,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Cally Pool and Gym!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Very fast respond and very helpful and…
Very fast respond and very helpful and respectful staff.
November 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hello Tsehay,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards.
Swimming pool opening times aren’t the…
Swimming pool opening times aren’t the best for people wanting to swim early before noon
November 21, 2025
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Nhat
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to see that you feel this way, and upon reviewing the timetable at Cally Pool and Gym, I can confirm that swim sessions are available before noon.
Please see the link attached for the swimming sessions. Bookings | Choose a Time Slot (https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/cally-pool/swim-for-fitness/2025-11-25/by-time)
We hope this helps with your future bookings.
Kind Regards
Amir
Aggressive & defensive
The staffs at Cally pool are not helpful I feel l went to Manor house talking to them they are so aggressive & defensive I managed to join after 3 visit begging the receptionists to register my son they do not like us! I feel like they paid us seriously!
The swimming instructor deserves more than 4* I am kind of happy but customer service needs too much work never seen bad customer service in my life things never get done easily or never been straight forward
Sorry Cally pool.
🙏🏽
October 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hello MJ,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We're truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you faced at Cally Pool and Gym, especially regarding the registration process and interactions with our staff. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we understand how frustrating and disheartening this must have been for you.
We’re grateful for your kind words about the swimming instructor and are pleased to hear that part of your experience was positive.
Your feedback about our customer service is very important, and we’re committed to improving. We’ll be reviewing this internally to ensure better support and communication moving forward.
Warm Regards
"Better" than what? The depths of hell, maybe
I am increasingly sick of going to Cally Pool and finding there is almost no space for adults to swim. Last Saturday afternoon adults had just one lane, with one lane dedicated entirely to one child’s 1:1 swimming lesson, and the other two for wider swimming lessons.
I have just attempted to go swimming now at 4:40pm and there was again only one lane for adults in the main pool – even smaller than the space allocated on Saturday, and it already had two slow swimmers in it. When I pay money for a pool membership I expect to be able to SWIM at a moderate or fast pace. The pool does not warn you that most of the pool will be taken up by childrens swimming lessons when you check the times,so it’s pot luck.
What is inexplicable is that there is already a dedicated childrens' pool, but they are using the main pool and filling it with childrens swimming lessons. Add to that that the changing rooms smells of blocked drains, the app booking system often takes minutes to load the available classes,and in general this is a disaster zone. When will you get some management for this place so that it actually serves all of the community, especially the adults who pay full price for it?
I will be cancelling my membership.
September 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Chris,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties with the timetable at Cally.
We have forwarded your feedback to the centre to see if there is anything they can do to make your experience with us better.
Kind regards,
Hazal
Archie has been a good Swimming and I…
Archie has been a good Swimming and I am Happy to see him again. My son has made great progress and he doesn’t stop talking about Archie
August 23, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Amlesom,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We're thrilled to hear that your son is enjoying his time in the pool and making such great progress in his lessons. Archie will be so happy to know he's made such a positive impact – it's always wonderful to see that connection grow. We look forward to seeing you both again soon! 🏊♂️😊
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Not very clean, but friendly
I’ve used this pool on and off for over 30 years. The changing rooms were cleaner and better before it became unisex.
It’s a nice friendly local amenity that is let down by the lack of attention to cleanliness in the changing area. The showers are shocking.
The new rule requiring outdoor shoes to be removed is not enforced by staff or visiting schools.
Recent visits have seen people walking through in shoes and with children on scooters and with buggies, while I sit in reception changing my footwear. staff are oblivious. This is an insult to people who make an effort to follow the rules and I feel compelled to point out when others are not doing so. I think it’s a good idea that needs more planning to make it work. Instead of the new “pool etiquette” signs that are far too wordy and long winded, how about some clear simple signs and spaces/ directives about where taking shoes off and how to keep the pool clean for everyone.
April 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate your long-standing support over the years and understand your concerns regarding cleanliness and the enforcement of our new footwear policy.
We’re sorry to hear that your recent experiences haven’t met expectations. Cleanliness in our changing and shower areas is something we take seriously, and your comments will be shared directly with our cleaning and operations teams for review and improvement.
Regarding the footwear policy, you’ve raised a valid point. While the intention is to maintain a cleaner environment, it’s clear that better enforcement and clearer signage are needed. Your suggestion for simpler, more visible signs and designated shoe removal areas is extremely helpful, and we’ll be looking into how we can implement this to improve everyone’s experience.
Thank you again for your honest input—it’s only through feedback like yours that we can continue to improve. We hope to welcome you back soon under better circumstances.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Today (Thu 17 Apr 2025) swimming…
Today (Thu 17 Apr 2025) swimming lessons for kids. My son (Uchenna) is autistic so struggles to interact with new people and can easily take an intense dislike to some people.
The instructor, Dean, has been teaching my son for the entire week. Today he managed to get my son to swim unaided almost the entire lenght of a full size swimming pool.
My son likes him, and he has a good way with kids and seems to be able to get the kids to progress quickly and keeps order without coming across as overbearing and short tempered.
Paul
April 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your review.
We are delighted to hear that your son is enjoying his swimming lessons at Cally and that Dean has been so supportive!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Pool Party
I used the centre 5th April 2025 for a pool party. What made the experience great was the staff, the whole team from front of house Shereena to manager Dean/ Nick Life guards micheala ollie and 1 I don't recall their name. They helped with set up and put down ensuring the event ran smoothly. Thanks guys.
However I do have a negative, and that is for the pool party to be fun you need equipment and not just sinkers ok I bought my own and left them but had I not been able to do this it would have been a poor affair for 4/5 yrs as parties go. That being said the party room transformed into a cute space for 20 once decorated.
April 5, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Mrs J Kidd,
Firstly, we would like to thank you for choosing us to celebrate such an important occasion. We’re so happy to hear that the pool party was a great experience for you.
Secondly, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re thrilled that our team was able to deliver excellent service and create a fun and enjoyable environment for your celebration.
As a company, we’re always looking for ways to improve, and your feedback is crucial in helping us do so. We will take on board your suggestion regarding improving the equipment provided to make the event even more exciting.
We’ll be sure to pass your feedback along to the Centre Team, and we especially appreciate you mentioning Shereena and Nick—they will be thrilled to hear your kind words.
Thank you once again for your feedback and for celebrating with us.
Best regards,
Sarah H
Sherena and Dean are the best
Sherena and Dean are the best, very helpful they take time and care in thier jobs and I feel valued as a customer
March 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience!
We truly appreciate your kind words about Sherena and Dean. We're thrilled to hear that they went above and beyond to make you feel valued as a customer. Their dedication and attention to detail really shine through in their work, and it’s wonderful to know that you felt supported throughout the process. We'll be sure to pass along your feedback to them—they’ll be so happy to hear it! We look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service in the future.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Best swimming pool ever because staffs…
Best swimming pool ever because staffs are very helpful, kind and professional to help you also friendly. I can recommend this cally pool for parents that looking for swimming lessons for thier children.
February 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Mon,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review!
We are delighted to hear that you had such a great experience at Cally Pool. Our team works tirelessly to foster a friendly and professional atmosphere, and it’s wonderful to know that their hard work made a positive impact on your visit. We genuinely appreciate your recommendation to other parents, and we can’t wait to welcome you and your family back soon!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
I LOVE the Cally Pool
I LOVE the Cally Pool, especially the warm, friendly staff. I have used it for 3 decades and have to say that recently it is looking a little worse for wear. It’s beyond a deep clean: algae, broken tiles and grime are getting more obvious. Maybe time for an upgrade? Also the sauna has been closed since 2020 & it was one of the reasons why I joined. So serious attention needed to help a lovely community facility!
January 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Cherry,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback in reference to Cally and hope we can continue to improve and get better for our customers.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Sherena is amazing
Sherena is amazing, always so help with everything I need help with. She recently supported me with an issue I had in seconds. Excellent customer service.
January 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Shevy,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that Sherena at Cally has been so supportive and was able to resolve your issue!
Warm Regards
Hazal
The coach is very good.
December 9, 2024
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Yahya,
Thanks for your review.
It is great to hear the coach at Cally is so good!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Fardowso,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased you had helpful advice at Cally!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Disgusting behaviour
Well, I put a complaint in over a month ago regarding there being no lifeguard on poolside and a pregnant swimming teacher who sits on a chair on poolside that’s number one - I then made an official complaint still not even a single response! I then went into the centre I’m speaking of and the two lifeguards one wears green one wears red hiding in the corner on the big pool by the blue vents having a good old chat about whatever - I then come in on a Saturday to find them on the kids pool having a chat again back to back - seems like they in a relationship very unprofessional! I then tried to book a swim for me and my daughters and then the swimming slots disappear?? Visit the centre and there is no reason why it’s disappeared. I’m now escalating my concerns - if you are not a strong swimmer avoid this whole company as you have a life and death risk they do not care at all and the thing is their reception team is absolutely AMAZING everything else disgusting even down to the state of the building - I even saw the short lifeguard with curly hair walk into a cubicle in the changing rooms and seems like it’s where he decided to skive
August 6, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi PrettyPatel,
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear you have not had a response to your complaint.
We have sent you a find reviewer so we can assist you further.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The staff at Cally Rd London are super helpful…
The staff at Cally Rd are super helpful kind polite and friendly
August 1, 2024
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Hi Helen,
Thank you for your review.
We are glad to hear that the staff at Cally Pool and Gym are friendly and making your visits more worthwhile.
We hope your visits continue to be positive. Have a lovely day!
Kind regards,
Haven
I use the pool weekly BUT......
I use the pool weekly, but I must admit the showers leave a lot to be desired, needs a good daily clean, half the showers don't work, and the smell from the drains made me feel quite ill.
And I do find the main pool is on the cold side.
Sherena and the team are very warm and friendly and welcoming.
July 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Cally Pool and Gym
Good Afternoon Jennie,
Thank you for your review.
We are delighted to hear that Sherena and the team at the Cally Pools are friendly and welcoming each time you attend. I am very sorry to hear that the shower area is not up to the standards we strive to provide for all our customers and there is also a bad smell coming from the drains. I will ensure to pass this feedback to the centre manager so they can look into the concerns you have raised and resolve these issues in a timely matter.
Thank you for your feedback. Through feedback, we can try to resolve the areas where we fall short and provide a better service.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
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