staff were good, water in the pool cleaner, and swimming instructors doing all right. Staff do seem to be under stress to keep an eye on non swimmers, despite some of them showing clear confidence... See more
Location
Switch locationWokingham Road, RG6 1LF Reading, GB
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Facilities were tip top 10/10 was very satisfied. Staff could not do more for you, particularly a young blonde lady at the reception desk was really kind and efficient, she knew exactly what she was... See more
Company replied
Nice gym. Thankyou for having a womens section but its only open certain hours -pls increase the hours. Women's section also needs more equipment like a step machine and barbell separate to the one... See more
Company replied
Disgraceful experience. First time there and I won’t be back. Lady who opens the automatic doors: always on her phone or chatting around, when you ask to open the door she barely looks at you, an... 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
Wokingham Road, RG6 1LF, Reading, United Kingdom
4.0
Great
84 reviews
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staff were good
staff were good, water in the pool cleaner, and swimming instructors doing all right.
Staff do seem to be under stress to keep an eye on non swimmers, despite some of them showing clear confidence in water. There is an emphasis on being eagle eyed, which is useful for the very beginners or an outdoors swimming spot. Bit of an overkill.
August 29, 2026
May use AI-assist with repliesRead more
At Trustpilot, it's all about human content. This business can also access our AI-assisted response tool which helps them draft replies.
I like to use the gym and the track and…
I like to use the gym and the track and Better offers both at a reasonable price. The staff are always friendly and helpful.
September 7, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Brendan,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for your 5-star rating.
We are very pleased to hear you are happy with our gym and track facilities at Palmer Park and the staff there are both friendly and helpful.
Kind regards,
Shirley
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi
Thank you for your review.
It is wonderful to know that you find our services easy to use, and we hope to see you again soon at Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium.
Kind Regards
Amir
Excellent facilities for families
Excellent facilities for families
Helpful staff
August 8, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Good morning Andrea
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to hear that you enjoy our family facilities and have found our staff at Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium helpful, and we hope to see you again soon!
Kind Regards
Amir
Facilities were tip top 10/10 was very…
Facilities were tip top 10/10 was very satisfied.
Staff could not do more for you, particularly a young blonde lady at the reception desk was really kind and efficient, she knew exactly what she was doing!
July 31, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Ava
Thank you for your review.
We are delighted to hear that you were very satisfied with our facilities and that everything met your expectations.
It is also great to know that our reception team made such a positive impression and that the receptionist provided such friendly and efficient service during your visit.
We will be sure to share your kind words with the team.
Kind Regards
Amir
Outstanding Customer Service from Asanga
I regularly visit Palmer Park Leisure Centre in Reading to support a young person with special needs during his gym sessions.
A couple of weeks ago, we experienced an unpleasant situation when another gym user told us that the area we were using was only for ladies because of her religion and that males were not allowed to enter. She spoke to us quite rudely, even though we have used that area many times before, and the timetable showed that the session was allocated for children.
To avoid any conflict, we moved to another area.Unfortunately, the young person I support became distressed because he relies on familiar routines, and the change made it difficult for him to continue his activities.
I would like to sincerely thank **Asanga**, a member of staff at Palmer Park Leisure Centre, for the way he handled the situation. He remained calm, professional, and respectful throughout. He spoke to the lady, clarified that the gym is open to everyone unless a session is specifically designated otherwise, and invited us to return to the original area so the young person could continue his routine.
Asanga’s understanding, professionalism, and willingness to help made a huge difference.He treated everyone with respect while ensuring the situation was resolved fairly. Staff like him are a real credit to Palmer Park Leisure Centre.
Thank you, Asanga, for your excellent customer service and for supporting inclusive access for everyone.
July 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Kalum,
Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback.
We're delighted to hear about your positive experience at Palmer Park Leisure Centre and are especially pleased that Asanga was able to support you and the young person in your care during a difficult situation.
Providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone is extremely important to us, and it's wonderful to hear that Asanga handled the matter with professionalism, understanding, and respect. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words and recognition, which we know will mean a great deal to him.
It's also lovely to hear that his support helped the young person continue with their routine and enjoy their visit. Thank you for highlighting the positive difference that excellent customer service can make.
We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you both back to Palmer Park Leisure Centre soon.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
Friendly and helpful staff
Friendly and helpful staff, quality service, cleanliness, safe, inclusiveness
July 22, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Raj,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you found our team friendly and helpful, as well as being pleased with the quality of service we provide.
It's also amazing to know that you appreciate our cleanliness, and you feel we offer a safe and inclusive environment.
We truly appreciate your kind words, and can't wait to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Better Gym is very good and staff are…
Better Gym is very good and staff are very friendly and helpful....
July 12, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Annam
Thank you for your review.
We’re glad to see that you found our team at Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium friendly and helpful, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards
Amir
Hitan have a fantastic welcome
Hitan have a fantastic welcome when I dropped in unscheduled. He was generous with his time to explain and show the facilities and the various membership options. I joined the next day and have been impressed with the facilities and team.
May 28, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi James,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback.
We're really pleased to hear that you had such a positive experience during your visit and that you found the team helpful and welcoming.
It's great to know that the tour and information provided helped you feel confident in joining, and that you're enjoying the facilities and the team since becoming a member.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share this, and we're glad to have you with us.
Best wishes,
Azaria
Their website sells, but venue doesn't see the booking.
This happened on 25/05/2026, bank holiday, on Monday for my booking on the website which was swim for all for one adult, one child.
When we went there, they said there is no swim for all, and asked me how I booked it.
I showed my booking email with the barcode on it. The barcode didn't work. Duty manager came also and they made us felt like we are being interrogated.
Duty manager was very rude, not sure why he is the manager of that place, so anyway, they said they will let us in.
That attidude was not very nice.
When we went in, the pool was divided into spaces. Swim for all area was like 1/3 of the pool and I counted 18 people at the same time.
Dissapointing.
Ref: BET3426951
Order no: 106300206
May 25, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Red,
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear about your recent experience at Palmer Park.
We are glad to hear that you did get to attend your session but we are disappointed with your comments about the customer service you received.
We apologise for this and have passed this to the centre so they can ensure they are always providing the best possible customer service.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Very nice gym with friendly staff…
Very nice gym with friendly staff always willing to help would highly recommend
May 5, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Zafar,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium have been so friendly and helpful!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Very good facility with cleaning maintained very well
Customer service is good, Palmer park facility is great with hygiene maintained
April 1, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Kuldeep
Thank you for your review.
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Palmer Park Sports Centre.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received and the facilities on offer.
Warm Regards
Rachel
So many kids in half hour swimming class
After 1st session they have 6 to 8 kids for half hour class, each kid is getting roughly 5 minutes in session, which is really bad.
March 21, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Bilal,
Thanks for your review.
The lessons are not divided by student, they are group sessions and so all students get the same amount of time. The student ratios you have mentioned are within our limits.
You also get free swimming outside of your lessons at your home centre so you can practice in addition to your lesson.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Booking a lesson was really difficult
Booking a lesson was really difficult. Downloaded the app, still struggled. Sent request for help, got a message back days later saying fixed.
Ended up going to the centre and the manager fixed it, but was still a faff.
Needs to be much more user friendly with clear instructions.
Don’t test systems with people who know the system.
March 24, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Mr J,
Thanks for your review.
We are sorry to hear you had difficulty booking online.
We have just launched a brand new app and updated our website with further updates to come.
We hope this makes the customer experience better for all.
Warm Regards
Hazal
All it’s good but I’m missing boxing’s…
All it’s good but I’m missing boxing’s bags and it’s very busy. So u need to wait for some equipment to be free
February 25, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Pawel,
Thank you for your review!
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying our Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium overall.
We're saddened to hear that you're missing the boxing bags and that you have to wait to use certain equipment during busier periods.
We appreciate your feedback regarding this, as it helps us to make improvements.
Thank you for sharing this with us!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
I’ve a great experience.
I’ve a great experience..
I just wish Better UK should have had seperate packages for people like me who only use gym facilities and classes and no swimming at all.
I pay £42 monthly and don’t use swimming facilities at all.
They should have 2 separate packages
1) A package that includes (gym facilities + Classes)
2) Overall Package (gym facilities + Classes + swimming)
February 25, 2026
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Revi,
Thank you for sharing this with us!
We’re always reviewing our membership options, and we would certainly be happy to consider introducing this package if there is sufficient demand from our members
With our current offers, this provides you with the flexibility of using our pool facilities and attending fitness classes.
However, we understand that you primarily use the gym facilities, which is what prompted your suggestion.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
At some timeslots
At some timeslots, all of the lanes were opened for booking online using the app. However, at several occasions, I was told to move to other lanes because half of the pool had to be closed for private swimming class or group practice. They should have known ahead of time whether there is any swimming class before putting the available timeslots for booking by the public users. Sometimes its only a swimmer and a coach in the entire half pool. I asked the staff on duty at the pool and they just said they don't know and it's not their fault.
January 29, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi MW
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear about your recent experience at Palmer Sports Centre and Stadium.
We will pass on your feedback to the General Manager to review, and we hope this will assist in improving your experience with us.
Kind Regards
Amir
BETTER OFF BUYING A MEMBERSHIP ELSEWHERE
Very poor customer service. I called to ask about swimming prices and the staff member was unable to help at all — he said he didn’t know and that only the centres had the information. The website information is also incorrect, and when I pointed this out, he didn’t answer my question. I also asked whether swimming lessons would be cheaper with a membership, and again, he didn’t know. Overall, the call was unhelpful and frustrating.
January 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hello Shehroz,
Thank you for your valuable comments and feedback.
We sincerely apologise that our customer service did not meet the standards we strive to uphold.
Please be informed that I have forwarded your remarks to the centre manager for further attention.
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hello Kerminder,
Thank you very much for your 5-star review.
We are delighted to know, that you had enjoyed your time at the centre.
Kind Regards.
Excellent services
Due to building work at my home, I began using Palmer Park Sports Centre's facilities. The centre is clean and has friendly staff members. Their mobile app is decent enough for choosing required services and making payments. I was using only the shower facility; however, there isn't an option to book that separately, so I had to select & pay for other facilities such as the gym or swimming pool. The gentleman at the front desk/concierge, Mr Hiten, noticed that I only used the showers and kindly approached me today to explain that I could pay less if using the shower facility alone. He also explained the range of services available at the centre. This was a wonderful experience – it felt heartwarming to receive such voluntary assistance.
January 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium
Hi Srinik,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Palmer Park Sports Centre and Stadium.
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
Hazal
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