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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Highly disappointed
I am highly disappointed with Better. I have started 2 days ago and looking to cancel the membership ASAP. I paid for the membership and still the system asks me to pay every time with my card number for booking any classes ( I have logged in with my unique code ) . I am unable to book any classes becausethey are either blockedor fully booked, Which is the main reason for me to join the better .
March 26, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Shilpi,
Thank you for sharing your feedback, and I’m really sorry to hear about the frustration you've experienced. It’s concerning that you’ve been asked to pay again despite having already purchased the membership, and I understand how that could be frustrating. Additionally, I can completely see how the difficulty in booking classes would be disappointing, especially when that was a key reason for joining.
We'd love to help you resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Please check your inbox as I will email you directly to try to assist you with the above booking issues.
Thank you for your patience, and again, we apologise for the inconvenience.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
A positive introductionThe App is easy to use
The App is easy to use, the staff are polite and friendly, the facilities are good and kept clean.
March 19, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Shelley,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! It’s wonderful to hear that you find our app user-friendly, as we’ve put a lot of effort into ensuring it is intuitive and accessible for all our users. We're also thrilled to know that our staff has made a positive impression on you with their friendliness and helpfulness.
Additionally, we take great pride in maintaining our facilities to provide a clean and comfortable environment for everyone. Your support means the world to us, and we are committed to continuously improving to ensure that you have a fantastic experience every time you visit.
We look forward to serving you in the future and hope to hear more of your thoughts!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Piotr,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message! We truly appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to know that our leisure centre has become your favorite place to relax and enjoy. It's always our goal to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for our guests. We can’t wait to have you back with us soon to explore all the amenities and activities we offer.
Until then, take care!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Severely Dissapointed
First of all, you have to book for absolutely everything, even though the membership says otherwise.secondly, the customer service was quite terrible, i was lining up to buy something and the employees at the till were just having a chat for about 5 straight minutes while i was standing there, and they looked at me several times. it was only when i asked if i could buy this they sighed and said sure. i also happened to leave me gym bag in the locker room and i called corporate to ask if it was there. they kept me on hold for 17 minutes and then they took me off of hold just to tell me that there was absolutely nothing there. i then went in the next day and found it immediately. also the prices for food are absolutely ridiculous, £4.60 for a Panini! they also have about 3 broken treadmills and a broken vending machine. very dissapointed.
March 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi,
Thanks for your review.
We are sorry to hear you are not enjoying Rivermead. We can confirm that you do not need to book, however, we always recommend that you book where possible to avoid getting to the centre and finding the activity/facility you wish to attend is full.
In reference to the customer service you received in centre, we apologise that you had a negative experience and have forwarded your comments to the centre so they can improve for the future!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Aakash,
Thank you for your kind words!
We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed the ambience at the Rivermead Leisure Centre and found it great for kids. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and it's wonderful to know that it made your experience enjoyable. We hope to see you and your little ones again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Poor communication & false information…
Poor communication & false information given before you join. Also people are not treated equally
February 18, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We’re really sorry to hear about your experience. We take communication and fairness seriously, and we’re disappointed to learn we didn’t meet your expectations. Please feel free to reach out directly so we can address your concerns in more detail and work on improving the experience for everyone. We appreciate your input and will use it to make necessary improvements.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Facility is excellent
Facility is excellent and is well maintained. I like the parking space as well. Equipments are nice.
January 22, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Amandeep
We are very pleased to see you find the facilities excellent at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym and the parking works well for you.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and we hope you continue to enjoy your experience with us.
Kind Regards
Amir
Love this pool
Love this pool. Very clean, changing rooms are spacious. Private showers appreciated. Reception staff friendly and welcoming.
.
January 7, 2025
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Evening Fran,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
We are thrilled to hear that you are enjoying your experience at the pool located in the Rivermead Complex. It's wonderful to know that you appreciate the clean, spacious changing facilities, as well as the individual shower cubicles that offer a sense of privacy and comfort. We strive to maintain high standards of cleanliness and convenience, and your feedback reassures us that our efforts are paying off.
Additionally, we are delighted to learn that our staff consistently provide you with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere during your visits. It is our goal to create a positive environment for all our guests, and it’s gratifying to hear that our team has made a positive impression on your experience at the centre.
Thank you once again for your kind words, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
Best regards,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Mrs Elizabeth
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see you have had the opportunity to meet the centre staff and they have been able to create a lovely atmosphere and help with any enquiries you may have had.
If you require any assistance, please do no hesitate to ask!
Kind Regards
Amir
Booked spin class cancelled…
The classes are great as are the Class leaders at Rivermead. However, you lost 4 stars as I booked a virtual spin class on line to take place at 5pm on the 27th December and when it didn't happen I was told it could not have been booked and the centre was closing at 5.30pm
and there was no one in the centre to set it up and it was too late to do it anyway.
The centre actually closed at 6pm.
December 27, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Norman,
Thanks for your review.
We are sorry to hear of your recent experience at Rivermead and have passed your feedback to the centre so they can investigate.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Helpful and welcoming
Was taken through the available facilities and equipment and advised which were most suitable for me. The location was clean and well served for parking with good accessibility all round. All the membership options and benefits were very clearly explained, and setting up and using their app demonstrated. Very helpful and supportive.
December 5, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Afternoon David,
I hope this message finds you well.
I wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for your thoughtful review. It's wonderful to hear that you are enjoying your membership at the Rivermead Leisure Complex.
We take great pride in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for all our members, and it's encouraging to know that our efforts are appreciated. Keeping our facilities in top condition is a priority for us, and your feedback reinforces our commitment to those standards.
Additionally, I’m glad to hear that you found the accessibility of our car park to be convenient. We understand that ease of access is crucial for a positive experience, and I’m pleased we could provide that for you.
Moreover, I'm thrilled that our staff played a pivotal role in your joining experience. It's essential to us that every member feels supported and informed from the moment they enter our complex. We strive to make our website user-friendly, and I’m delighted that you found it easy to navigate when booking your activities and managing your membership.
Thank you once again for taking the time to share your thoughts. Your insights are invaluable to us as we continuously strive to enhance the experience we provide to all our members.
Best wishes,
Charmaine
Superb team who always provide me with…
Superb team who always provide me with exceptional assistance in all ways.
I have recently had huge support from James & Jemma Allen, at the Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading.
Jemma has also prepared & sent me a superb training plan having helped me considerably in the setting of up my new membership called: Better Health Inclusive.
November 20, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your review.
We are so happy to hear that you had such an excellent experience at Rivermead and that the team there have been so supportive.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Clean
Clean, airy warm. Very good instructor.
Would be nice to be able to use 2 locations without extra charge as I live and work between both.
November 27, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Good Afternoon D,
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.
We are pleased to learn that you are enjoying your membership at the Rivermead Leisure Complex. It is encouraging to hear that you find the facilities to be clean and well-maintained and that our staff members have been friendly and approachable. Please note that we offer membership options that grant access to additional locations. Should you wish to explore memberships for other better-operated centres, do not hesitate to contact our Head Office, and we will be glad to assist you with the necessary adjustments to your membership.
We hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Charmaine
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Philomena
Thank you for your review.
It's wonderful to know that you've had the opportunity to meet and converse with the friendly staff at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym.
Should you have any questions or queries, please feel free to reach out to them.
Kind Regards
Amir
Enjoy myself while I’m visiting and…
Enjoy myself while I’m visiting and also helpful and supportive. Thanks 😊
October 28, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Anong
Thank you for your review,
This is great to see!
We are very pleased you are enjoying your experience at the Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym and the staff have been able to provide help and support you when needed.
We hope this continues and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Overall is good
October 16, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your review.
We are glad to read that you have found Rivermead to be good overall.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Had my gym induction yesterday
Had my gym induction yesterday. Went really well and I know what equipment to use to start strengthening which is what I asked for. Today I did Pilates and went back to the gym straight after to make sure I remembered what I was shown. I found it very easy to work out and felt really good after. Great a gym and great coaches.
October 15, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Sarah
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to see your gym introduction was successful and that you were enjoying your time at our centre. We hope that you can put all the information you have learnt in the induction to use and enjoy your gym sessions!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Williams,
Thanks for your review.
We are so happy to hear you are enjoying Rivermead Leisure Centre.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Better Rivermead
Better Rivermead
Lots of facilities and activities to suit ability;
Easy booking system;
Lots of parking;
Good value for what you get ;
Modern and clean
October 7, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Dagmar,
Thanks for your review.
It is fantastic to hear that you are so pleased with the facilities at Rivermead and the booking system!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Great service friendly staff easy to…
Great service friendly staff easy to join clean swimming pool and changing rooms
October 15, 2024
Reply from Better - Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for your review.
We are delighted that you are enjoying Rivermead.
Warm Regards
Hazal
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