Really happy with the progress my child has made during their swimming lessons on a Thursday. Brandon is an excellent teacher where my child actually enjoys going to the lessons. Everything seems w... See more
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Location
Switch locationRichfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ Reading, GB
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Hello. I had booked 24th aug as my first adult swim class and i was unable to make it . I called the centre in the morning and was given a mail to request replacement class which i have and no respons... See more
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Resources were better than expected. Lots of plus signs eg. Cleanliness , receptionist very helpful, changing facilities very good, swimming pool warm, gym equipment certainly above average. Two area... See more
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I've recently joined Rivermead Leisure Centre and I am loving it. Ample car park, lots of classes easy to book, plenty of staff helping members, pool to get back into swimming. All at reasonable price... 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
Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ, Reading, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
119 reviews
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Rivermead Leisure Centre
Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading is a fantastic facility. Membership is excellent value for money given the huge array of activities that take place at the centre with a modern atmosphere and set of equipment.
August 27, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hello Mark
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying the facility in Rivermead leisure 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
Mixed
Staff on site largely great Sadly, hard to book onto decent Pilates classes due to low allocation and people booking on then dropping off. I don't have time to monitor the waitlist day to day. Long-term shortage of cafe loyalty cards disappointing and does not inspire loyalty. If I can't get onto the Friday Pilates class I will probably just cancel my membership, which seems to have increased in price, and pay for the Tuesday one weekly.
August 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback and wanted to clarify that we do have a penalty fee system for those customers who cancel less than four hours before their session is due to being and if they book and do not show up.
We do have a lot of popular classes and sometimes these do get booked up quickly, but we do advise customers to check back on the day as sometimes spaces do come up.
We hope you will decide to remain with us and we do appreciate your custom.
Warm Regards
Hazal
I think 30 mins is too short for a…
I think 30 mins is too short for a swimming lesson as back 2 back sessions leads to only 20 mins of actual training. There should be some gap between the sessions so that trainers and kids get time full time.
August 5, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback in reference to our sessions and will take this on board.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The swimming teacher was very…
The swimming teacher was very respectful, cheerful and supportive.
July 14, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Mastura
Thank you for your review.
It is great that the swim instructor is providing a good lesson and has been able to support you in progressing with your swimming.
We hope you attain the skills and confidence you wish!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Evening Stephen,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback!
We’re glad to hear you’re happy with the equipment at the Rivermead Leisure Centre. If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to reach out!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
My son has just joined the swim classes…
My son has just joined the swim classes last weekend and I expected to see a feedback on his performance or the group he will belong to based on his current level, but none of that was done and we're just in limbo till date!
Same thing happened with my 2nd son when he started off in January. Sometimes, we go for weeks with zero updates.
Your feedback mechanism really needs to improve. Thanks.
July 12, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Evening TeeA,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We sincerely apologise for the lack of communication regarding your sons' progress and group placement. We understand how important it is for parents to be informed, especially during the early stages of a program.
Your experience does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide, and we truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We are currently reviewing our feedback process to ensure that regular and timely updates are provided to all parents moving forward.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to our front desk or speak directly with the head coach after class — we’d be more than happy to discuss your child’s progress and next steps in more detail.
Thank you again for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to improve.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
the induction was thorough and helped…
the induction was thorough and helped me with form
July 9, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Tyler,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We're glad to hear that the induction was thorough and helped you with your form. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out anytime!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Always very clean which is very positive
June 25, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Sharon
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are having a good experience at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym.
Thank you for choosing Better!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for your kind words!
We’re glad you’re enjoying the Pilates and yoga classes as well as the pool at the Rivermead Leisure Complex. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Great Value Membership
Joined from a budget gym - but the membership is still great value. Spin classes are brilliant ( Maggie is great fun ), gym is busy- really busy in free weights area, but a good atmosphere and clean and tidy. Staff are always helpful.
May 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Damian
Thank you for your review
We're so glad to hear that you’re enjoying your membership and finding great value since joining us from another gym.
It's wonderful to hear that you're enjoying the spin classes with Maggie. We understand that the free weights area can become crowded at times, but it's great to know that you're still appreciating the atmosphere and finding the space to be clean and inviting.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Pahi
Thank you for your review.
It is wonderful to see that the teachers are providing excellent lessons, and we hope you can apply what you learn during your time at the Better Leisure Centres.
Kind Regards
Amir
I'm so pleased with helpful staff and how simple the booking system work ,also how clean is center and very friendly.Im feeling so much better about myself and looking forward to using lovely faciliti
I love been a member of so lovely,clean and so friendly centre.I feel so much better about myself mentally and physically.Thsnk you special gratitude to Michelle a receptionist of River made center .Thank you for welcome me to your health centre.Olga
May 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Olga
Thank you for your review.
We're delighted to hear how much you’re enjoying being a part of our community at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym. It’s wonderful to know that the environment and support have had such a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being.
We will also pass your feedback on to Michelle – she’ll be so pleased!
Kind Regards
Amir
My son’s first swimming lesson took…
My son’s first swimming lesson took place with Jake on last Sunday .
He was greeted by Jake who made him feel at ease and had. a wonderful first session
May 4, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Dear Doctor Khoury,
I hope this message finds you well!
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind words—they truly made our day! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your son had such a wonderful experience during his first swimming lesson with Jake at the Rivermead Leisure Centre. It’s fantastic to know that he felt relaxed and engaged throughout the session, enjoying every moment in the water. We are excited to continue supporting his journey and growth in swimming, and we look forward to watching him gain confidence and skills in the coming lessons!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Pool was cold
My kid said pool was cold. He was a bit nervous as it was his first lesson in rivermead although he is not new to swimming nothing was done to encourage him. All kids are not same few have starting problem when they feel comfortable then only they will be confident.
April 29, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Arth,
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re sorry to hear that your child felt uncomfortable during his first lesson at Rivermead. We understand that every child is different, and it can take time for some to feel confident in a new environment. We’ll share your comments with our swim team to ensure they’re offering the right level of encouragement and support, especially for new joiners. Your feedback helps us improve, and we hope to make future lessons a more positive experience for your child.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Overally good leisure centre
Overally good leisure centre. Cleaniness is at good level. Facilities are good as well.
I wish the council would plan more of these around town as at peak times (most work day evenings) it's crowded. Would I come again, yes. Regularly!
April 23, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Filip
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to hear that you’ve had a positive experience at our leisure centre and that you’re happy with the cleanliness and facilities.
We completely understand your point about peak times being crowded, and your membership does give you access to all of our centres, including the other centres within your area. We hope you have the opportunity to use these centres as well!
Kind Regards
Amir
Enquiry was resolved smoothly.
April 13, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Sidroy
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see your enquiry was resolved promptly, and we hope you enjoy using the Better facilities.
Kind Regards
Amir
I recently joined Rivermead Leisure Gym…
I recently joined Rivermead Leisure Gym and used the swimming pool for the first time on 8 April. It was clean, well maintained and not too busy. I hope all my future visit and will be as pleasant and relaxing.
April 8, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Fardine,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience at Rivermead Leisure Gym and enjoyed your time in the swimming pool. We always strive to maintain a clean and relaxing environment for our guests, and it's great to know that you found it to be just that.
We look forward to welcoming you back for many more pleasant visits in the future!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Kwok
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see you like the facilities at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym and have had a chance to try the Cafe!
We hope you continue to enjoy your experience with us, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Dirty toilets, changing rooms and main areas
Team is lovely on site however Yet again we went to our swimming lessons and the toilets, changing rooms remained very dirty. Our lesson start first thing in the morning which indicates the site was not cleaned from day before.. very disappointing.. Can something be done??
April 6, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Katarzyna,
Thank you for your feedback, and I’m so sorry to hear about your experience.
We’re really glad to hear that you find our team lovely on-site, but we definitely want to ensure that cleanliness meets your expectations, especially for your swimming lessons. We take this seriously and will address the issue with our cleaning team to ensure the facilities are properly maintained throughout the day. Your concerns are important to us, and we’ll do everything we can to improve the situation moving forward.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
The application for membership was…
The application for membership was swift the staff is friendly easy to follow instructions the transparency everything the privacy I love the privacy in this place
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Phindiwe,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We are very happy to hear that your experience with the membership process was smooth and that you found our staff friendly and helpful. We truly value privacy and transparency, and it’s great to know that you appreciate these aspects of our service. We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to continuing to provide a positive experience!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
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