Attended the gym as member as long ago as before Covid. Just joined again and found a lot of new equipments that compares with any other modern gym. Coupled with family based activities like swimming... See more
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Location
Switch location1 Thamesmere Drive, SE28 8RE Thamesmead, GB
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I have been paying a monthly fee for over a year now whilst also being unable to use it !! I realized how stupid that was & finally have cancelled my membership. I am simply not well enough to use i... See more
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I dislike that the water is cold instead of warm as they told my mom . No real instructor, just a lady not even inside the water and telling u what to do, meaning if the adult u came in with doesn't... See more
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I joined better gym because I found it to be economically efficient since I wanted to swim quite a few times per week rather than pay separately. Since then, Iv never looked back and have added some... 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
1 Thamesmere Drive, SE28 8RE, Thamesmead, United Kingdom
4.2
Great
58 reviews
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Cancelling my membership
I have been paying a monthly fee for over a year now whilst also being unable to use it !! I realized how stupid that was & finally have cancelled my membership. I am simply not well enough to use it ! I had a prompt, courteous & sympathetic response - Thank you
July 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Amanda.
We’re sorry to hear about your situation, but we truly appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback.
We completely understand that circumstances can change, and we’re very sorry that you’ve been unable to make use of your membership. It’s reassuring to hear that, when you did get in touch, you received a prompt, courteous, and sympathetic response from the team, as this is the level of service we always aim to provide.
We sincerely wish you all the very best with your health and hope that things improve for you in the future. Thank you again for your feedback.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
Great new equipments in the Gym
Attended the gym as member as long ago as before Covid. Just joined again and found a lot of new equipments that compares with any other modern gym. Coupled with family based activities like swimming and library, makes better thamesmead a great gym .
July 7, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Temiyato
Thank you for your review.
We are delighted to hear you are enjoying the upgraded facilities and wide range of activities at Thamesmead.
It’s great to have you and your family with us!
Kind Regards
Amir
Problems with Swimming Lessons
My son attended swimming lessons here and was moved up a group. He was super excited but was then told there was a mistake and moved him back down. A few months later same thing again. This was humiliating and demoralising for an 8 year old! I have moved him to Woolwich Waves where they seem better organised. I emailed the manager at Thamesmere who said he would speak with the teacher and get back to me but he never did. The changing room cubicals at Thamesmere are always full of peoples' belongings too. Also the parents' viewing area only faces the big pool so if your child is in the small pool you have to sit right at the end of the bleachers and twist awkwardly. They have a huge slide that looks great but they never let the kids use. Not impressed.
May 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi David,
Thank you for your review!
We're deeply sorry to hear about the issues you experienced at our centres and the inconsistencies with your little one's swimming stage.
We will be sharing this with the relevant team for further review on where we went wrong, as well as your comments about the cleanliness of our hanging room facilities, and the issues with viewing the small pool area.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Disappointed
I dislike that the water is cold instead of warm as they told my mom .
No real instructor, just a lady not even inside the water and telling u what to do, meaning if the adult u came in with doesn't know how to swim, you cannot learn.
I had to give just two star as I like to learn how to swim even though I don't enjoy the water temperature as I am allergic to cold.
May 9, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Obianuju,
Thank you for your review!
We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with the water temperature at our centre.
We're more than happy to raise this with the team to see if there are any known issues.
Regarding your swim instructor, our Foundation classes are structured differently from Swimbies sessions, so the instructor may not always be in the water during the lesson.
If you are looking for a more personalised learning experience outside of a group setting, you may also wish to consider 1-2-1 swimming lessons.
We'ee happy to hear that you're enjoying your swimming lessons despite the concerns you've raised.
Thank you again for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Toilets are no smelling nice
I was a banker before I retired so whenever a new person joined our bank they were crossed trained , to get the whole picture.Facilitues are ok except outside bins are not emptied and lots of littering around the front of your buildings causing an eyesore,and there by reflecting on your Gym.
May 2, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Syed,
Thank you for sharing your feedback and your perspective.
It’s good to hear you feel the facilities are generally acceptable.
However, we’re sorry to hear about the issues you’ve noticed outside the building regarding bins and litter. We understand how this can affect the overall impression of the site, and we will make sure your comments are passed on to the relevant team so it can be looked into and addressed.
We appreciate you taking the time to highlight this.
Best wishes
Azaria
Always accommodating
Always accommodating , patient , and caring. Tailoring methods of teaching per child ! Wonderful ! Swimming instructors very lovely at thamesmead - Nicole , Steph always pleasant and smiling !
March 16, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Emma
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the swimming teaching staff at Thamesmere Leisure Centre have been so supportive.
We will ensure that they receive this kind feedback.
Kind Regards
Rachel
A well run centre
I've seen some reviews here that are a little over critical. People need to visit some other centres before commenting. I mainly use the swimming facilities and from chatting to other swimmers have found people traveling past other leisure centres that would be convenient for them. The pool staff have other duties in addition to life guarding and I've always found them to be friendly and helpful. The tutors there are thoroughly professional, you can visibly see the children improving with each week. On the whole a very well run centre and long may it continue. Whilst writing I'd like to single out Damallie. Had she not been there to steer me through membership etc. I would probably have given up as soon as I'd started. Thank you Dama.
March 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Angelo,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Thamesmere Leisure Centre.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received particulary from Damallie.
Warm Regards
Hazal
What’s important for people to know? This company is organized, responsive, and easy to work with. Communication is clear throughout the entire process, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening
What made my experience great was how smooth and stress-free everything felt from beginning to end. The process was clearly explained, and I always knew what the next steps were. That kind of transparency really builds trust.
The company does a great job with communication - responses were quick, clear, and professional. I also appreciated how friendly and respectful the team was.
They didn't rush me and took the time to answer my questions thoroughly
February 18, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hello Vasil,
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback with us.
We are delighted to hear that you found BETTER to be organised, responsive, transparent, and very professional in their dealings with customers.
Thank you for choosing Thamesmere Leisure Centre.
Kind regards.
Jasmine.
Improvements
What i dont like about Better gym Thamesmere is that they are very slow to act on complaints. The swimming pool water temperature is always cold. The equipments used for Barre feet are faulty and been so for a long time. Better gym Thamesmere need to do better. You can't keep increasing membership fees every year with faulty equipments and dirty toilets/door windows.
January 27, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Sandd,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback!
We’re very sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced at our Thamesmere Leisure Centre, particularly with the swimming pool temperature, Barre equipment, and general cleanliness.
Your concerns are taken seriously, and we apologise for any frustration caused by delays in addressing complaints.
We've passed your feedback on, so it can be reviewed at a higher level.
We’re always committed to improving the facilities and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our members.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Love this place
Love this place! Always so clean - staff always staying on top of cleanliness. Staff are friendly. Never too packed either which is great!
January 27, 2026
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hello Chris,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards
gym-tastic!
I joined better gym because I found it to be economically efficient since I wanted to swim quite a few times per week rather than pay separately. Since then, Iv never looked back and have added some classes to fitness routine which I feel has really helped with my mental and physical wellbeing. Also, the staff are helpful and friendly
November 17, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Guest
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying your experience at Thamesmere Leisure Centre, making the most of your membership, the swimming, and the classes.
It’s great to hear that the staff have had such a positive impact on your wellbeing. We will pass your feedback on!
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing your lovely feedback with us, Linda!
Kind Regards
Thamesmead gym
Having been the first time in my nearly 69 years of becoming a gym member part of Health wise I was treated very well showed what were the best exercises for me and what pace to go at. I’m now going about 5 times a week and enjoying it.
August 14, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
We're truly honored that you chose Healthwise as your first gym membership, and it's wonderful to hear how well you've been supported on your fitness journey. It's inspiring to see your dedication, going five times a week is amazing! We're glad you're enjoying it, and we’re always here to help you stay motivated and moving at the right pace. Keep up the great work!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Demi the receptionist was approachable…
Demi the receptionist was approachable and friendly.
She was very helpful linking up my membership card with my on
line account
July 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hello Gill,
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
Very flexible and great opportunities for overall health and well being
Amazing opportunities and activities for overall health, great safety
July 28, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Abimbola,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We’re thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the opportunities and activities we offer for overall health, and that you feel safe with us. Your feedback motivates us to keep providing the best experience possible at the Thamesmere Leisure Centre.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
i cant swim anymore
hi i'm a gym member of your thamesmead site staff are lovely especially lawrence who will allways make you feel welcome when he's on shift. i use gym everyday but recently for health wise i have started swimming every week twice a week 2 weeks ago i had to ask staff to turn up the showers as they were freezing which i hadn't experienced before and then they were scolding hot i got out the showers and then another swimmer exsperienced the same she could not even shower herself down it was that hot i did complain and next time it was a little warmer today i couldn't even swim i got in the pool and it was the coldest it's been i had to get out i told lewis and i said i will not becoming swimming no more he put hes thumbs up and politely said ok. is this an answer ? i don't pay a membership to feel freezing cold to not even be able to warm up wot happened to exercise and swimming for health which is why i have been put on the health wise scheme lewis said we don't control the temperature but i know it was not the same today if its not controlled why does the temperature differ from a luke warm which is comfortable to a hot turkish bath to freezing and uncomfortable can u be like this with temperatures and still exspect people to pay to go swimming and have memberships
July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our Thamesmead site. We’re really pleased to hear that you’ve found our team welcoming, especially Lawrence — we’ll make sure to pass on your kind words to him.
We’re genuinely sorry to hear about the issues you've had with the shower and pool temperatures. We completely understand how frustrating and uncomfortable that must have been, especially when you're attending regularly as part of the Healthwise programme. It’s important to us that all our facilities support your health and fitness goals in a safe and comfortable environment.
Your feedback has been passed to the management and maintenance teams for urgent review. While our team on site may not directly control the temperature systems, we are investigating the inconsistencies to ensure this doesn’t continue. Reliable water temperature is essential — you should never feel discouraged from using the facilities you're paying for.
We’d also like to apologise if the response you received on the day didn’t feel supportive. That’s not the level of service we aim to provide, and we will look into that too.
Thank you again for your feedback — it helps us improve.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
The instructor was helpful and gave us…
The instructor was helpful and gave us good advice.
July 22, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Mrs J
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see the fitness instructors at Thamesmere Leisure Centre have been able to assist and provide good advice.
We hope you can use the information you have learnt in your gym sessions!
Kind Regards
Amir
Great friendly staff
Great friendly staff. Everything is well organised and the changing rooms are always clean and tidy. Customers using the centre are also friendly and very welcoming. There is also good variety of classes.
July 17, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Eileen
Thank you for your review.
We are very happy to hear that you’ve had such a positive experience with our staff, facilities, and classes. It’s also lovely to hear that the welcoming atmosphere extends to our members too.
We hope your experience continues, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Obunike
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see the staff at the Thamesmere Leisure Centre have been able to assist and provide a great service.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Kind Regards
Amir
Amazing teachers
The teachers who teach my daughter laila on a Tuesday evening are absolutely fantastic! I like that they take no messing around from the kids to enable them learning constantly! Amazing teachers!
June 2, 2025
Reply from Better - Thamesmere Leisure Centre
Hi Karen,
We’re so happy to hear that our Thamesmere Leisure Centre Swim Team is doing a great job teaching our young swimmers. We truly believe that swimming is a vital life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, and it’s wonderful to know that our team is helping build confident swimmers.
Thank you for sharing this with us—our Centre Team will be absolutely delighted to hear your kind words.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind Regards,
Sarah H
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