Visited here with my mate who’s a dwarf, and couldn’t have been made more at home by all the staff present who were on hand with a small stool so he could reach the top locker to store his tiny... See more
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Location
Switch locationNewlands Avenue, OX11 8NX Didcot, GB
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The staff are fantastic, if there is ever a problem they are always very helpful. The only issue I have is that when the instructor is off, which she is definitely entitled to be, there isn't anyone t... See more
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My children have been really enjoying their swimming lessons, and I’m very happy with the progress they’ve made so far. The teachers are great with the kids and the lessons themselves are very g... See more
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Good price, handy opening times and good gym facilities. Excellent spin class at the Leisure Centre in Didcot - all included in the monthly membership.
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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
Newlands Avenue, OX11 8NX, Didcot, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
21 reviews
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Too much dirty inside the pool lots of…
Too much dirty inside the pool lots of dirt under water. £7 for 50 mins quite lots.
June 30, 2026
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Good Evening,
Thank you for your review!
We’re sorry to hear about the issues you've experienced with the cleanliness of the pool space during your visit.
We also understand your concerns regarding the pricing and value, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
We're more than happy to share this with our team for further review.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Staff always helpful however booking…
Staff always helpful however booking can sometimes be very slow, would benefit from more seated exercise classes
April 20, 2026
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your feedback!
We’re glad to hear you find our staff helpful.
We’re also grateful for your comments on booking times and seated exercise classes, and we’ll make sure these are shared with the relevant team for review.
Best wishes,
Azaria
Strong Swimming Programme With Room for Improvement
My children have been really enjoying their swimming lessons, and I’m very happy with the progress they’ve made so far. The teachers are great with the kids and the lessons themselves are very good.
However, there are a few areas that need improvement. There seems to be a shortage of hats for children who pass their levels. We experienced this with the green hats previously, and now again with the bronze hats. We’ve been waiting around three months for the bronze hat, and every time I check with the teacher or reception, I’m told they still don’t have any. As a result, my son has had to continue wearing his green hat even though he moved to the bronze group months ago. It would be helpful if all hat colours were kept in stock so children can receive them as soon as they pass their level.
Another issue is the cleanliness around the pool area and in the changing rooms. The floor around the pool is often dirty, and I’ve noticed rubbish and even dirty nappies left in the changing rooms. Even though visitors are asked to remove their shoes, it doesn’t seem to have improved the situation. More frequent cleaning or better monitoring would make a big difference.
Overall, we’re pleased with the lessons, but addressing these issues would really improve the experience for families.
April 22, 2026
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Julia
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the swimming lessons at Didcot Wave Leisure Centre are going well.
We have noted your feedback on the swimming hats and cleanliness, and will pass this on to the centre management team.
We really appreciate you taking the time to send us your feedback.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Valentina,
Thanks for your lovely review.
We appreciate you awarding us 5 stars!
Warm Regards
Azaria
Better Leisure is a great experience
Better Leisure, Didcot Wave, is a friendly centre offering a variety of excellent fitness solutions at a great price
February 23, 2026
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your incredible review!
We're thrilled to hear that everyone has been so friendly during your visits to our Didcot Wave Leisure Centre.
It's great that you also appreciate the variety of fitness classes we offer, as well as the affordability to access this.
We can't wait to see you again!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great first swim lesson
My grandaughter's first swim session was a huge success. She thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 6, 2026
My son's 13th birthday party was…
My son's 13th birthday party was absolutely amazing thanks to the team at Didcot Wave. From enquiry to booking to the actual day of the party, the team was extremely professional and helpful. Maddie and her colleagues ensured that the tables and chairs were set, managed a large number of party guests (almost 50), and went out of their way to assist. The slide and wave machine, along with other toys provided by the centre, meant the guests had lots of fun. The facilities were great as well. We will continue to go to Didcot Wave for parties and general swimming. The lifeguards are vigilant, the facilities clean, and the team always hospitable and professional.
June 22, 2025
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi MJ,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you had a fantastic time at your child birthday party. Thank you for this amazing feedback.
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
Had a bit of a break and promised…
Had a bit of a break and promised upgrade to changing rooms hasn't happened and they could be cleaner too
May 21, 2025
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your feedback.
We apologise for the delay in upgrading the changing rooms and for the cleanliness not meeting your expectations. We're actively working to improve both and appreciate your patience. Your comments help us make the necessary changes, and we hope to provide a much better experience next time you visit.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
unacceptable behaviour from someone trusted to teach and inspire children
I enrolled my child at Didcot Wave in October for three weekly swimming classes with different coaches. Although my child started at red cap level while classmates were already in green, they progressed quickly and were soon moved up to orange. After just three weeks, a female coach assessed them and recommended they move to green cap. My child was thrilled when the move was confirmed, but during the Saturday class, the coach reacted negatively. One male coach, in particular, was dismissive and said, in front of my child, that they would “stay in green cap for a long time.” This was upsetting and clearly affected their excitement and confidence.
The main issue seems to be poor communication between coaches. Progress isn’t being shared between staff, leaving children confused and disheartened. When we tried to clarify, we were told “it’s up to you,” yet the coaches made conflicting decisions. Thankfully, my child continued in green cap with a different coach and progressed so well that they moved up to bronze within three weeks. They were happy and confident again—until their Thursday class was switched back to the same coach who had previously discouraged them. His attitude remained harsh, often singling them out and making dismissive comments, especially when they struggled with diving.
This type of behavior is unacceptable from someone trusted to teach and inspire children. Kids should be encouraged and supported, not made to feel small or held back unfairly. While many coaches at Didcot Wave are excellent and my child has improved a lot, the lack of communication and the attitude of certain coaches can seriously impact a child’s motivation and self-esteem. I hope the management takes this seriously—for the sake of every child learning to swim there.
March 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Donna,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m really sorry to hear about your experience and the negative impact it had on your child’s confidence. It's clear that your child has made great progress, and it's unfortunate that poor communication and inconsistent coaching have affected their enjoyment and motivation.
At Didcot Wave, we strive to provide a supportive and positive environment for all children, and it's disappointing to hear that this wasn’t your experience. We absolutely agree that clear communication between coaches is essential, and it’s concerning that this wasn’t the case here. Your feedback highlights important areas for improvement, and I can assure you that we take this seriously. We’ll address these concerns with our coaching team to ensure that every child receives the encouragement and consistency they deserve.
We truly appreciate your continued trust in our program, and we’re glad your child’s progress has continued. We’ll work to ensure that every child feels inspired and supported at all times. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope your child’s experience moving forward is much more positive.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Visited here with my mate who’s a…
Visited here with my mate who’s a dwarf, and couldn’t have been made more at home by all the staff present who were on hand with a small stool so he could reach the top locker to store his tiny human clothes away.
We were also surprised at how much the women in the gym could lift, she reminded me of the first time seeing a unicorn, you don’t expect one to be stood there pressing 100kilo square into the sky but here she was.
She also offered valuable advice to my vertical challenged friend on how to overcome such challenges as finding the remote control when it inevitably disappears down the crack in the sofa. She also gave him a bag of sweets for the drive home.
Would highly recommend.
February 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Ronnie,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and humorous review!
We're thrilled to hear that you and your mate felt so welcomed. It’s great to know that our staff made sure your friend was comfortable and had everything he needed. We always strive to create a positive, inclusive atmosphere for everyone, regardless of their height or size!
We’re also so glad that your experience with our gym left a lasting impression. It sounds like you had a lot of fun, and we’re pleased to hear that our team’s advice and sweet gesture made the day even better.
We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we hope to see you both again soon!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Great place for family fun
Great place for family fun. The best place in the local area for swim and a slide and of course the wave machine. Easy booking and really helpful staff.
Even keeps a teenager occupied with a mixed age family.
February 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Juliet,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you and your family are enjoying the pool at Didcot Wave!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Swimming classes for kids not recommended
Beginners swimming class are not student centred and coaches are lack of skills in coaching young children. Some of them are unnecessarily rude when communicating with parents. Changing room floor is a mess during class changing times.
February 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Ada,
Thanks for your review.
We are sorry to hear that you are not enjoying swimming lessons at Didcot Wave and have passed on your feedback to the centre so they can improve for the future.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The staff are fantastic
The staff are fantastic, if there is ever a problem they are always very helpful. The only issue I have is that when the instructor is off, which she is definitely entitled to be, there isn't anyone to do the classes. The main reason I joined was to do the Aqua Arobics, which is always full as they let upto 52 people in at a time, but there needs to be more classes with fewer people in. I know I can go to other Better swimming pools, but I don't drive and have a disability, so this isn't an option for me. They also need to update the swimming pool and changing rooms, they are looking very run down and haven't had anything done to them in years.
August 12, 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Dear Amy,
We appreciate your feedback and are pleased to learn that you are enjoying the Aqua Aerobics classes at Didcot Wave Leisure Centre. It is encouraging to hear that the staff have consistently provided friendly and helpful service during your visits. However, we regret to learn about the issue of overcrowding in the classes. Your concerns will be brought to the attention of the centre manager for further review, with the aim of ensuring appropriate class sizes for each session.
Furthermore, we value your input regarding the changing areas at the centre and will carefully consider the points you have raised.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback is essential in helping us maintain high standards of service for all our patrons.
Sincerely,
Charmaine
Good choices of activity
Good price, handy opening times and good gym facilities. Excellent spin class at the Leisure Centre in Didcot - all included in the monthly membership.
August 1, 2024
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Russ,
Thank you for your review.
We are delighted that you are enjoying Didcot Wave and that the spin class is Excellent!
Thank you for choosing Better to assist you in your fitness journey!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Swimming teachers don't seem to upload…
Swimming teachers don't seem to upload child's progress on app for the after school classes, so how can they monitor their progress week by week if the teacher changes? Would be good to have more communication between parents and the swimming teachers.
July 1, 2024
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Good Evening,
Thank you for your review.
I am very sorry to hear that your child's progress has not been updated via the iPads. This should be updated after each lesson so we apologise if this has not been done. Are you please able to clarify the centre that you attend so I can pass on your feedback to the attention of the centre manager? They can then look into this and ensure the swim teachers update the lessons each week.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Great visit
Great visit, staff were friendly and very helpful. Kids loved the pool with the wave machine and slide.
October 22, 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Stuart,
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Didcot Wave leisure centre and your children enjoyed the wave machine. We hope to welcome you back again in the future so your children can enjoy yet another swim session at this fabulous facility. Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your review.
We are happy to hear you are enjoying Didcot Wave Leisure Centre.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Trying times
It seemed very difficult to get onto the system but now it seems to be okay
August 14, 2023
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Penelope,
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that your online issues have now been resolved so you are now able to book activities online. We hope you can now continue with your membership without any further infringements. If you have any further issues please do not hesitate to contact us via email.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi Pete,
Thank you for your review.
We are happy to hear that you are enjoying Didcot Wave Leisure Centre.
Warm regards
Hazal
Quite expensive, needs update where it counts
Quite expensive for barriers that don’t work, staff that don’t want to engage with customers, and lockers that still take pounds (and also don’t work). Also equipment needs updating as clearly very old
July 19, 2023
Reply from Better - Didcot Wave Leisure Centre
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are sorry to hear that you are unhappy with the facilities at Didcot Wave and have forwarded your review to the centre to investigate and hopefully improve the service they provide.
Warm Regards
Hazal
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