The staff are lovely and friendly, the memberships are varied and good value. Unfortunately, the whole place needs a really good clean and some freshening up. It looks like it has barely been cl... See more
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Location
Switch locationRoyal Parade, BN22 7LQ Eastbourne, England, GB
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It has been so good getting back into fitness with the support of the Sovereign Centre
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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
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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
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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
Royal Parade, BN22 7LQ, Eastbourne, England, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
46 reviews
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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.
Better is a great way to keep fit
Have a Better full gym and swim membership. Very good value for money and easy accessability to all the classes. Instructors and lifeguards are very helpful and friendly. Couldn't wish for more.
October 15, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi John
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying all the facilities at the Sovereign Centre, and that you find it good value for money.
This is what we aim for!
We hope you reach your health and fitness goals with us, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
No improvements made
No improvements made , prices have gone up and I find the water too cold in the fun pool.
October 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Diana,
Thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry to hear that your recent experience didn’t meet expectations.
We understand how frustrating it can be when prices increase without noticeable improvements, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
Regarding the temperature of the fun pool, we’ll pass your comments along to our facilities team to investigate whether adjustments can be made. Your comfort is important to us, and we’re committed to making every visit enjoyable.
Warm regards,
I've just recently joined
I've just recently joined, l think the girls on the reception are very friendly and helpful, pleased with the pool and coffee very good
October 7, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Tracey,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at The Sovereign Centre have been so friendly and helpful!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Easy to book and good value for money
October 7, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Beatrice,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying The Sovereign Centre!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Really bad customer service
Really bad customer service. My son was incorrectly put in the wrong membership (student rather than child) by the company. I was told I could fill out a form to get the refund on the overpayment. Many weeks and emails later I still haven't managed to get this resolved. I also found the tone of the emails quite rude.
September 22, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your review.
I have sent you a find reviewer request so I can look into your complaint.
Please ensure you fill this in within the next 3 days so I can assist you.
Warm Regards
Hazal
UPDATE:
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for providing your information.
I have located your refund request and passed this onto our refunds team and asked that they investigate your refund as a priority and update you with the outcome!
I hope that helps!
Warm Regards
Hazal
My only moan is the state of the…
My only moan is the state of the showers and toilets in main changing area. The shoes are not hot and there is an awful smell in that area. The showers in ladies changing are hotter and cleaner.
Overall lovely staff but the centre is looking a bit tired and could benefit from a bit of a re-furb
September 16, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Val,
Thank you for your feedback.
We appreciate you providing us with this valuable feedback as this helps us improve.
We apologise that you have not had a positive experience with us and hope we can get better.
We have forwarded your comments to the centre and have asked that they investigate the issues you have raised.
Kind regrads
Aaiasa
I’ve been impressed so far with the…
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. Swimming lesson have improved loads. Would have liked to get my 20p back from the lockers if possible as annoying if you need to go back into your locker for any reason and don’t have another 20p to lock it securely again!
August 29, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Ami
Thank you for your review.
We are really pleased to hear you've been enjoying the value of your membership and have noticed improvements in both the staff and swimming lessons.
We also appreciate your feedback on the 20p lockers and appreciate you raising it.
We'll pass your comment on to the relevant team as we’re always looking for ways to improve the experience for our members.
Kind Regards
Amir
Eastbourne Sovereign Centre
I've signed up for a membership in Eastbourne. I wasn't sure about it at first but for the last 4+ months I've been trying to get back into fitness and as my sister recently started going, I've been keen to join. I was pleasantly surprised with the sovereign centre, they've upgraded the equipment in the gym from the last time I went and staff are friendly. I went swimming for the first time in years on Monday and I had the best time, forgot why I stopped going but I have plans to keep this up. The membership is discounted too, as I work for the NHS, and it makes it more accessible to me to be able to go. 100% recommend
August 25, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hello Katie,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that our Customer Service Team were able to assist you and that you are really enjoying our facility.
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
Sovereign Centre Eastbourne Lifeguard
Sovereign Centre Eastbourne. In the gala pool, I was using a noodle to do some exercises recommended by my physio. I was walking up and down using the noodle when Logan the lifeguard spoke to me to check I was a competent swimmer and was not going out of my depth. Logan was an articulate, professional young man who took his role very seriously and was polite and courteous. I was reassured that he checked my competency as a swimmer and showed his concern for my safety and ability to be in deeper water. Thank you, I feel safer knowing lifeguards are actively monitoring the pool for swimmers' safety.
August 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Lynne,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Sovereign Centre Eastbourne.
We’re delighted to hear that Logan provided such attentive and professional care during your visit. Ensuring the safety and comfort of all our swimmers is our top priority, and it’s great to know that Logan’s vigilance and courtesy helped you feel reassured while exercising. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back to the pool soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
EASTBOURNE SOVEREIGN CENTRE.: EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS A 'LIBBY & FRANCIS !"
EASTBOURNE SOVEREIGN CENTRE.
FABULOUS EASY BOOKING SYSTEM WITH THE,APP . LIBBY AND FRANCIS AT RECEPTION ARE A PLEASURE TO START THE DAY WITH - WELCOMING HELPFUL AND EXCELLENT FRONT LINE FACES FOR THE COMPANY. THE PLACE COMMUNICATES EXCELLENT RUNNING WITH VERY PERSONABLE MANAGEMENT (JAMES CARTER) AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION WELL DONE ON ALL THE CHANGES.
August 14, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Harv
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see you are having a great experience with Better, from the booking system to the amazing staff at The Soverign Centre!
We will be sure to pass your feedback on, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Overall it's good.
Overall it's good.
Classes are good. Staff are friendly. Just a couple of niggles - coffee is expensive and there is no pricelist on display. The coffee bar is just an open space by the fun pool so is very hot and noisy. The parking token system is inefficient, you need to request this at reception so still need to queue when you are able to scan yourself through the entry gates. That said I have done 4 different classes this week and they have all been great.
August 8, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Angela
Thanks for your review.
We are pleased to hear you're enjoying the classes and that our staff have made a good impression.
We appreciate your feedback about the coffee area and parking system, and will pass this on to the management team at The Sovereign Centre.
Kind Regards
Amir
Amazing
The registration was quick. User friendly website. The staff a Eastbourne sovereign center are amazing. Our child is enjoying her swimming lessons. The place is clean and well maintained.
July 14, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Kez,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying your time at The Sovereign 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
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Britney,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with both our reception team and tutors. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a lot.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Incorrect information
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 number connects to a call centre where incorrect information is given e.g. "there is no car park" when there clearly is.
July 22, 2025
Reply from Better - The Sovereign Centre
Hi Jean,
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear you appreciate the variety of classes, the ease of booking through the app, and the usefulness of features like waitlists and notifications. We also appreciate your support for our cancellation policy, which helps ensure fairness for all members.
We're sorry to hear about the confusion regarding the car park. Your experience with the call centre is not what we aim for, and we’ll be following up with them to ensure accurate information is provided moving forward. Thank you for bringing this to our attention — we truly value your input and your support.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
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