First time my twins come for swimming, they welcomed them with love. I watched them getting training and they did well for the first time. My daughter she's autistic and the gentleman handled her so g... See more
Company replied
Location
Switch locationRoyal Parade, BN22 7LQ Eastbourne, England, GB
•While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
See what reviewers are saying
Changing rooms need deep clean and needs to be refurbished, look up and the grime is awful, then you go in the sauna and steam room, steam room had pooh splatters on the floor, probably from the dra... See more
Company replied
Lots of variety and It is easy to book via the app. Charging for late cancellations is an excellent idea. The wait list and notifications give a chance to book a missed class. Unfortunately the phone... See more
Company replied
I’ve been impressed so far with the value of being member of the centre. I also think all the staff have been exceptional polite and helpful, which is an improvement for the previous the owners. Swimm... See more
Company replied
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
Royal Parade, BN22 7LQ, Eastbourne, England, United Kingdom
3.7
Average
40 reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
At Trustpilot, it's all about human content. This business can also access our AI-assisted response tool which helps them draft replies.
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
First time my twins come for swimming
First time my twins come for swimming, they welcomed them with love. I watched them getting training and they did well for the first time. My daughter she's autistic and the gentleman handled her so good. Very professional I will recommend it to my friends and family.the best swimming lessons.thank you so much.x
July 7, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Anikie,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that your twins had such a positive first swimming lesson with us and felt so welcomed.
It's especially heartwarming to know that your daughter had a great experience and that our swimming instructor was able to support her with such professionalism, care, and understanding.
We look forward to continuing to see them grow!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
WARNING - Private Parking Company
I have been coming to this swimming pool for at least 35 years. Im aware that its not been too easy for them recently. When you do get to swim, its honestly a brilliant swimming pool, its clean, and its good to see its still open.
HOWEVER
I do not appreciate the attitude of management at this center when I appeal a private parking notice - which they have the ability (as land owner ) to over turn. I was parked for 17 minutes in their car park - I to this day did not see the signage in the car park that said you had to pay. The barriers were up (not removed) - I assumed they were not working as you always used to buy a token from reception.
We were unable to swim due to poor communication via their call center and drive albeit 20mins from where we live. To top this off the website was still taking bookings, and members of the public were still being let in because they had booked on line. So i thought I would do the same as their booking system still had over a hundred spaces left!!
Its a complete farse, disappointed and will be taking my PCN further with Gemini Solutions and the Landowner.
Its not the fact I wouldn’t recommend the pool -I would - but sadly if there are problems you are pretty much on your own, and they stick to the rules and hide behind the fact that they use a private parking company. - Such a shame, hopefully it will survive.
April 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi,
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry to hear about your experience.
We appreciate your long-standing support of the centre and are glad to hear you value the pool itself.
We understand your concerns regarding the parking charge and the communication around access and bookings, as this must have been frustrating. We operate the centre on behalf of the council and do not operate the car park. We are not the Landowners. Any appeals should be sent directly to Gemini.
Your comments will be shared with the relevant team for review.
Warm regards,
Hazal
Changing rooms need deep clean and…
Changing rooms need deep clean and needs to be refurbished, look up and the grime is awful, then you go in the sauna and steam room, steam room had pooh splatters on the floor, probably from the drains.
Imagine what we are actually swimming in... and to add they had a worker go around the pool with a stick picking up the lumps at the bottom..... maybe invest in a cleaning under water machine and use when swimmers are not in the pool.
The Jacuzzi needs a new pump, no bubbles and freezing cold. BetterGym, change the pumps, clean it up and refurb the pools and changing areas.
June 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Nagina,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We are very sorry to hear about your recent experience, as the standards you describe are not acceptable and do not reflect the level of cleanliness and maintenance we aim to provide. We understand how concerning this must have been.
Your comments regarding the condition of the changing areas, sauna and steam room, as well as the pool environment and equipment, have been noted. Maintaining high standards of hygiene and ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly are key priorities, and your feedback will be escalated to the management team for urgent review and action.
We also appreciate your suggestion regarding pool cleaning methods, and this will be passed on to the relevant team for consideration as part of ongoing improvements.
Thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention.
Warm regards,
Hazal
Good flexible approach by staff on…
Good flexible approach by staff on reception - 0920hrs 27/5/26 - due to issue with residency membership , well done J Taylor
May 27, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Jason
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that the staff at The Sovereign Centre have been able to assist with your membership enquiry, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions!
Kind Regards
Amir
Hello,
Hello,
I would like to make a complaint about my experience today at reception at The Sovereign Centre.
I came with my 8-year-old daughter to buy swimming tickets. The young receptionist told me I was required to buy two tickets, then changed what she was saying and became difficult with me. She also asked whether I had a swimsuit. At first I misunderstood the question and answered incorrectly, but then I clarified that of course I had a swimsuit.
After that, she refused to sell us tickets because she said I was giving different answers. I felt embarrassed, uncomfortable, and unfairly treated. I was simply trying to bring my child swimming and I do not feel the situation was handled professionally or respectfully.
I would appreciate this being looked into.
Thank you.
May 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Taisiia,
Thanks for your review!
We appreciate your feedback and would like to investigate this incident further.
If you have the time, please send an email with some more information to our Customer Service Team.
Our email address is: customerservices@gll.org
We look forward to your response and the chance to make your next visit more enjoyable!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Pleasant staff and good value.
Pleasant staff and good value.
Very dated pool changing room, showers and lockers (which take 20p). Needs a refurb but probably don't have the funds to do so.
May 11, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Jimbob,
Thanks for your review.
We are happy to hear that you find the Sovereign Centre to be good value and with such pleasant staff.
We appreciate your feedback in reference to the facilities and have passed this to the centre so they can investigate and improve for the future.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Really friendly
Really friendly, helpful folks working to make sure you’re being taken care of, weather it’s using the machines or getting advice on whatever thanks.
March 3, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi David,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at The Sovereign Centre have been so supportive and really do appreciate your kind feedback.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Great venue
Friendly staff easy to book sessions however some areas could do with up grading.
March 26, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Julia,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We’re glad to hear that you found our staff friendly and the booking process easy.
We also appreciate your comments about areas that could be upgraded, your input helps us identify where improvements can be made.
Thank you again for taking the time to let us know. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Kind regards,
Azaria
Really happy with the help of this Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne
Really happy with the help of this Asst. manager in sorting out my parking problem at the Sovereign Centre and also my thanks to the receptionist who I asked about sorting this out which was worrying me.
March 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Claire,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
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 team over at the Sovereign centre!
Warm Regards,
Tom
Great range of facilities
Great range of facilities and helpful staff. Plus a great atmosphere !
March 5, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi John
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are having an all-around great experience at The Sovereign Centre and that the centre staff have been able to enhance your visit!
We will be sure to pass your feedback on, and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards
Amir
Impressed with Better
Since Better have taken over our gym they have made great improvements. I had to have a break due to an operations and James was amazing and helpful at pausing my membership and starting it up. Super helpful!
February 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Duncan,
Thank you for your incredible review!
We're so happy to hear that you've noticed the changes to our gym facilities at The Sovereign Centre and see this as a great improvement.
We're also thrilled to hear that James was amazing when helping you freeze your Membership and reactivate it when you were ready to return.
We hope to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Alan,
We appreciate your 5-star review.
We are pleased to learn that you are satisfied with the facilities at The Sovereign Centre and that you found our booking system user-friendly.
Kind regards
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Steve
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are having an all-around great experience at The Sovereign Centre!
Thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Cold pool? Slimey?
The staff are really friendly! Setting up my membership was a bit hit and miss but the customer service adviser was helpful to set it all right.
The pool is soooooo dirty... A layer of slime around the edge... And quite cold?!!
January 21, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Charlotte,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
I have passed on your feedback to the centre manager to review.
Kind regards
Needs improvement
Not impressed by the state of the changing room for swimming lack of seating for disabled and very unloved . Edge of the pool a lot of grease build up and the cafe not a very inviting place to sit and drinks expensive for what you get ☹️hope revamp for summer a d a good clean throughout
January 14, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Melanie,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear of your experience at The Sovereign Centre.
We have passed on your feedback to the centre so they can look at improving.
Kind regards,
Hazal
Great swim coach
Likes- staff, swimming course John is very patient and understanding
Dislikes- App is clunky. cleanliness of ladies pool changing area. Hair everywhere, muddy footprints, floor too wet, could do with a deep clean and updating.
Lockers being by pool and not in changing area.
January 13, 2026
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Tash,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying the swimming lessons at The Sovereign Centre and we have passed on your feedback about the cleanliness to the centre so they can investigate and improve.
Warm Regards
Hazal
James has been very very helpful with…
James has been very very helpful with my membership and very quick response time, thank you.
December 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Thank you so much for sharing your experience at The Sovereign Centre with us, Ellie,
We are very happy to hear you appreciate our great staff!
Kind Regards
Major price hike, no improvements, and declining standards
Since Better took over the Sovereign Centre in Eastbourne in March 2025, my experience has gone downhill fast. The membership price has been increased by more than 25 percent, yet nothing has been improved or upgraded to justify it.
The gym equipment is old and poorly maintained. Several dumbbells are damaged, some are corroding, and one 10 kg weight actually unscrewed itself during use and almost hit my head. That alone shows how little attention is being paid to safety.
The benches are worn out, far past their lifespan, and still have not been replaced. The sauna is now available for limited hours, and when it is switched on it never reaches a proper temperature because it is off for most of the day.
The lack of investment, the drop in quality, and the clear safety issues make the price increase feel completely unjustified. As a long-standing member, I expected Better to improve the centre, not let it deteriorate. Right now it feels like a cost-cutting operation with higher fees for a worse service.
I genuinely hope the council reviews this situation carefully and chooses not to extend the lease. The centre deserves management that will actually reinvest in it and prioritise member safety and experience.
November 28, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Richard,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Sovereign Centre. I’m very sorry to hear that the recent changes have left you feeling disappointed and concerned. Your feedback about pricing, equipment condition, and facility standards is extremely important to us.
We take safety issues very seriously, and I want to assure you that your comments about damaged equipment and worn benches have been escalated to our operations team for immediate review.
We will also be checking the sauna schedule and performance to ensure it meets member expectations.
Regarding the membership price increase, I understand how frustrating it feels when improvements aren’t visible.
Our goal is always to reinvest in facilities and enhance member experience, and your feedback highlights areas where we need to do better.
We truly value your long‑standing membership and want to restore your confidence in the centre. Thank you again for raising these issues—we’ll be working hard to make sure your experience improves.
it’s alright
it’s alright, the app isn’t very efficient but the gyms and leisure centres themselves are very high quality
November 12, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Max,
Thank you so much for your feedback!
We're happy to hear that you're enjoying the facilities at The Sovereign Centre.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding our Better UK App.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
The Better Choice
I find the facilities welcoming and clean.
The receptionists are always polite and helpful. The membership prices are reasonable. Car park is big enough.
I just find some lessons filled up really quickly.
October 21, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Monica,
Thank you for your comments.
Kind Regards.
The Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.
Learn more about other kinds of reviews.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.