I go only to the pool at Penrith to swim for fitness. Good choice of times, helpful staff. But the cleaning regime in the ladies toilets is woeful. In particular the shower in the ladies toilets that... See more
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Location
Switch locationSouthend Road, CA11 8JH Penrith, GB
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After a long period of illness I’ve finally made the commitment to myself to get back into the gym. Taking it slow & steady but hoping to build up my strength & stamina again. The staff are so profe... See more
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I found the whole experience very supportive and encouraging. I found my health advisor (Adam) very knowledgeable, empathetic, and sensitive to my needs. He made me feel relaxed and very welcomed in a... See more
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The lady on the desk who signed us up was very friendly and helpful, explaining well and fully how the system worked. The young girl who demonstrated the equipment and showed us how to use it was als... 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
Southend Road, CA11 8JH, Penrith, United Kingdom
4.3
Excellent
40 reviews
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Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Petrina,
Thank you for your kind feedback!
We’re really pleased to hear about your positive experience with Nicola on reception, as well as the support from Adam and Ian. We’ll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to them, they’ll be delighted to hear it.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
The person I met on my first visit…
The person I met on my first visit explained everything to me and endured I was clear and happy with the information. Her manner was professional and friendly.
April 2, 2026
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hello Mrs Phillips,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Penrith Leisure Centre, and that the team member you encountered on your first visit assisted you with all you needed.
We hope to see you at the centre soon.
Kind Regards
Rachel
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Rene
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that the staff at Penrith Leisure Centre made the joining process enjoyable, and we hope you enjoy using the facilities!
Kind Regards
Amir
Overall very good although I have a problem with the temperature of the pool especially on Monday Wednesday and Friday afternoons for the aqua aerobics. The water is so cold . Not good with COPD
Friendly helpful staff. Lots of activities to choose from.
April 20, 2026
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Joan
Thank you for your review.
We are pleased to hear that you are enjoying the facilities offered at Penrith Leisure Centre.
We will pass your feedback regarding the pool temperature over to the centre team.
We hope you continue to enjoy your Aqua Aerobics classes.
Kind regards
Rachel
My coach Karen whent way above and…
My coach Karen whent way above and beyond on my introduction to the scheme. Taking into account mental wellbeing as well as setting a suitable physical plan for me to follow and regularly checks on me.
February 12, 2026
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi David,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that Karen went above and beyond during your introduction to our Healthwise scheme.
Taking both mental wellbeing and physical goals into account is so important, and it’s fantastic to know she has provided you with a personalised plan and ongoing support.
We'll be sure to pass on your kind words, and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hello Mustafa,
Thank you for your 5-star review.
We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying your time at Penrith Leisure Centre.
Kind Regards
Jasmine
Staff have been excellent and truly…
Staff have been excellent and truly accommodating. I couldn’t praise all the young gentlemen on the front desk more. They were polite, helpful and empathetic to my circumstances.
Superb work gents. Thanks again.
January 12, 2026
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi David,
Thank you very much for your kind feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that our Centre Staff at Penrith Leisure Centre have made such a positive impression, especially the concierge working at the front desk.
It's great to know that they were polite, helpful, and empathetic when supporting you.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great gym and pool staffed by awesome…
Great gym and pool staffed by awesome friendly people.
December 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your amazing review!
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying the facilities at the Penrith Leisure Centre.
It's great to know that the the staff have been so amazing.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
I paid a £30 gym membership
I paid a £30 gym membership, but it's limited outside of peak hours. I went on Monday at 6 PM and they refused to let me in. I don't know why, but my experience with them was bad.
November 23, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Jack. We hope your future visits will be better.
Please feel free to share your feedback using this link: https://www.better.org.uk/contactus. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Friendly and helpful staff
The lady on the desk who signed us up was very friendly and helpful, explaining well and fully how the system worked. The young girl who demonstrated the equipment and showed us how to use it was also very helpful and support, answering all of our questions well.
November 12, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Thank you so much, David, for taking the time to share your experience at Penrith Leisure Centre with us.
We are delighted to hear that our staff made such a great difference during your visit to our centre.
Kind Regards
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hello Nick,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards
The Penrith Leisure Centre is 10/10
The Penrith Leisure Centre is 10/10 . Facilities and staff are excellent. Gym is well equipped, clean and a good mix of people from all age groups and abilities.
November 12, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Good afternoon, Simone,
One of our greatest prides is our ability to make everyone, regardless of age or background, feel welcome in our facilities.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are delighted to have you as one of our customers!
Kind Regards,
Sara
Changing rooms
The staff at reception and in the gym are really friendly & helpful, however, the changing rooms could be cleaner & more functional. I would like the facility to put membership on hold & would like a greater range of classes, such as pilates & Les Mills Balance.
November 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hello Philippa,
Thank you very much for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards.
Please clean the toilet areas and shower cubicles
I go only to the pool at Penrith to swim for fitness. Good choice of times, helpful staff. But the cleaning regime in the ladies toilets is woeful. In particular the shower in the ladies toilets that I would like to use is horrible, walls covered in mould and flaking paint. I did mention this to reception back in Spring and yesterday took photographs which I plan to show to reception next time.
Water is cold but I understand need to economise. But the lack of cleanliness is off putting.
September 23, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your review.
We are disappointed to hear that the cleanliness at Penrith is not how it should be and have passed on your feedback to the centre so they may improve for the future!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Haven’t been near a leisure centre in…
Haven’t been near a leisure centre in many a year so I was a bit worried about going. However I found the staff very helpful and supportive,so pleased that I took those first steps .a big thank you to all at Penrith leisure centre
September 17, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hello Robert,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that our Customer Service 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!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
I had a problem with my membership …
I had a problem with my membership renewal at Penrith Leisure recently and was it rectified overnight
Thanks to Jonathan at Better .
August 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Stuart,
Thank you for your feedback!
We're sorry to hear you experienced an issue with your membership renewal, but we're delighted to know it was resolved quickly. A big thank you to Jonathan for providing excellent support — we'll be sure to pass on your kind words. We appreciate you being a valued member at Penrith Leisure and look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Good Evening Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We're glad to hear that you found our team at the Penrith Leisure Centre helpful and our explanations clear. It means a lot to us that we could provide a positive experience. If there's anything else we can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Great service and value for money
Great service and value for money. Staff are always smiling and helpful.
Lady on reception is very knowledgeable
August 5, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Lucinda
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are happy with the service being provided at the Penrith Leisure Centre and that the prices work well for you.
It is also great to hear the concierge has been able to assist with any queries you may have had.
Thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Not good!
Not good!
Problems with disability membership, problems with GP referral and gym itself has loud music with no spaces that are less overwhelming
July 10, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Jo,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m really sorry to hear about the difficulties you’ve experienced with the disability membership, GP referral process, and the gym environment. We strive to make our facility welcoming and accessible to everyone, and your comments highlight important areas for improvement.
I’d love to learn more about your concerns so we can address them directly. Please feel free to reach out to us at customerservices@gll.org, and we’ll do our best to find a solution that works for you.
Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
The tortoise not the hare!
After a long period of illness I’ve finally made the commitment to myself to get back into the gym. Taking it slow & steady but hoping to build up my strength & stamina again. The staff are so professional, friendly & supportive. Over time I’m looking to get back into the pool too!
June 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Penrith Leisure Centre
Hi Customer,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!
We’re truly honoured to support you as you take these important steps toward rebuilding your strength and stamina. Taking it slow and steady is such a smart approach, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way. When you’re ready to dive back into the pool, we’ll be right here to help make that a great experience too.
Keep up the fantastic work—you’ve got this!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
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