Recently referred by my GP to the Ulverston branch of BETTER. Anne Stemp processed my application and created an exercise programme based on my needs. Nice gym and friendly staff it’s been a very goo... See more
Company replied
Location
Switch locationPriory Road, LA12 9HT Ulverston, 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
I explained to the guy on the reception desk that I am recovering from spinal surgery. My surgeon told me that walking in the pool would help to rebuild the strength in my muscles. The guy on receptio... See more
Company replied
Leaving aside the age of the building, the staff are really heapful and friendly. But the web site (and other IT) is terrible. The booking process is non-intuitive, as a result I've needed to call t... See more
Company replied
Staff are not friendly when entering . A few arm weights machines don't work properly because their so rusty. They stick and you have to take the pin out and less with the weights to get the right wei... 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
Priory Road, LA12 9HT, Ulverston, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
36 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.
Friendly and helpful staff always make…
Friendly and helpful staff always make your visit easier and more enjoyable
July 27, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at Ulverston Leisure Centre have been so friendly and helpful!
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received.
Warm Regards
Azaria
Exccelent service and very easy to use
Exccelent service and very easy to use, great location and helpfull staff
June 17, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi D
Thank you for your review.
It is great to hear that you had an excellent experience at Ulverston Leisure Centre, found the facilities easy to use, and were supported by our helpful team!
We hope to see you again soon!
Kind Regards
Amir
One to one support given to me by Ann…
One to one support given to me by Ann at Ulverston following my recent accident and subsequent problem with mobility
June 3, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Colin,
Thank you for your kind words!
We're so happy to hear that Ann has been supporting you with your recovery after your accident.
We really appreciate you sharing this with us, and we can't wait to continue to see you continue to progress during your sessions.
We can't wait to welcome you back soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Greenhouse Gym-Good spring/summer. Too cold for winter
Staff are not friendly when entering . A few arm weights machines don't work properly because their so rusty. They stick and you have to take the pin out and less with the weights to get the right weight selection with the pin. There are no slam balls, a spin bike, curved treadmill, smith machine or core balls but great selection of kettlebells and barbells . Gym covers a big area and doesn't get busy so you have room to use free weights and do your own HiiT workout . There are no warm showers available . Only one in desperate class building . The one in the toilet building opposite is only tepid . Unbearable to use unless your into ice showers or desperate to cool down in the summer . Really needs sorting out as all gym normally have a showers d toilet onsite. Sometimes you have to run across in pouring rain to use the toilet opposite. Children's area is next to gym in the almost greenhouse style building
May 19, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Good Morning,
Thank you for your review!
We’re sorry to hear that you experienced issues with our team, gym facilities, shower temperature and toilet space.
We appreciate you raising what equipment we can look into adding to our gym, as well as the maintenance for some of our existing equipment.
We also value your experience with the level of customer service from our team, and we'll be addressing these issues with our team for further investigation.
Thank you again for your review!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
GP Referral
Recently referred by my GP to the Ulverston branch of BETTER. Anne Stemp processed my application and created an exercise programme based on my needs. Nice gym and friendly staff it’s been a very good experience.
March 3, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Alan
Thank you for your lovely review
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying your membership at Ulverston Leisure Centre
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received from Anne and the rest of the team.
We have also passed on your comments to the centre.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Good amount of activities on the…
Good amount of activities on the timetable. Clean swimming pool. Ladies changing rooms could do with a wee uplift. Friendly and helpful staff.
March 26, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Loulou,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Ulverston 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 to have a review on the feedback given.
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
The instructor Nathan was brilliant he…
The instructor Nathan was brilliant he helped with confidence and was really easy to talk and friendly if you have any questions. My daughter loves going.
February 16, 2026
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Olivia
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that Nathan is providing such great customer service and has been able to assist with your enquiries!
It is also great to know that your daughter is enjoying her experience at Ulverston Leisure Centre, and we will be sure to pass your feedback on.
Kind Regards
Amir
Worst gym I've ever been too in 16 years of going to various gyms
I've been to many gyms over 16 years of weight training and this has to be the worst be far, whether that be against big nationwide chains or small independent gyms.
The equipment is old and rusty, some parts of the equipment are filthy, literally touched a hand rail and got some black substance all over my hand. The gym is in essentially a big tent, and over winter has been colder than outside as there is no heating - come summer it's a furnace.
Multiple pieces of equipment are out of order and have been for months such as the step machine, and also basic pieces of equipment don't exist such as a preacher curl (whether that's on a cable or free weight bench, who doesn't have any form of preacher curl)!
Additional things, because it's essentially a tent, there is not a mirror in sight, mirrors are important in gyms for looking at your technique, never been in a gym with 0 mirrors.
Also the organisation/floor plan is pants, you've got cardio equipment all over the place and weights all over the place, just go in any other gym, group your cardio equipment, group your weight machines, group your free weights, it isn't rocket science.
And to top off this shocking gym, they sent an email yesterday saying the price is going up, now I get inflation and costs going up but jeez, you need to justify a good or even an ok gym to be charging clients more money, absolute nonsense.
February 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for sharing this with us!
We’re currently in contact with our Management Team regarding the concerns you’ve raised.
Once we receive a response, we’ll update our response to your review!
[Update]
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for your patience!
Firstly, we fully recognise that the gym environment at Ulverston is not typical of many modern leisure facilities.
The gym operates from a large temporary tented structure and has done so for over ten years, and this does mean there is currently no air conditioning or fixed heating system in place.
This can result in colder conditions during winter and warmer temperatures in summer, and we apologise for this, as we recognise the impact on member comfort, and we understand the frustration expressed.
We are currently working closely with the local council regarding redevelopment plans for the Ulverston site.
While discussions are ongoing, we do not yet have confirmed details or timelines to share publicly. Please note that improving the overall facility experience for our members is a key focus of these discussions.
In relation to the concerns raised about equipment condition, cleanliness, layout, and items being out of order, these matters are being reviewed locally.
We expect all equipment to be maintained to a safe and clean standard, and any reports of unclean surfaces or long-term equipment outages are taken seriously.
The team will be reminded of the importance of regular cleaning checks and timely repairs to ensure standards are met.
Regarding equipment variety and layout, we acknowledge that space limitations within the current structure can restrict how the gym floor is organised and the range of equipment we can accommodate. That said, we continually review our offering to ensure we are meeting member needs as effectively as possible within those constraints.
Finally, in respect of the recent price increase, we understand that any change in membership cost can be frustrating, particularly when members feel improvements are needed.
Pricing decisions reflect wider operational and economic pressures; however, member feedback is always considered and valued.
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Pleasant helpful stafff
November 19, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Mrs Yvonne,
Thank you for your incredible review!
It's wonderful to hear how pleasant and helpful the staff have been at the Ulverston Leisure Centre!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Terrible app
Terrible app, account management and degrading fs I lites. Endless surveys
And no improvement
October 29, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to see that you are having trouble using the Better App, and we have passed your feedback on to the relevant team to review.
Kind Regards
Amir
Good service
Very good introduction to the gym and helpful guidance for using the equipment.
October 16, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hello Carry,
Thank you for your comments.
Kind Regards.
Friendly & helpful staff, but ...
Leaving aside the age of the building, the staff are really heapful and friendly. But the web site (and other IT) is terrible.
The booking process is non-intuitive, as a result I've needed to call the helpdesk to sort out lessons for the grand kids.
Then there are basic things, like when the system emails to say congratulations on reaching a milestone (such as completing all the requirements for a swimming standard), it doesn't send a nice PDF ready for printing - so the printed certificate has all the "stuff" your email program adds. The online sysyem is no better - the download a PDF cuts off half the text.
October 3, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hello Simon,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties with the app and website.
We have a dedicated customer service team ready to assist you in resolving this matter. Please feel free to email us directly at customerservices@gll.org, and our team will be happy to help, with the goal of turning your experience into a positive one.
We look forward to assisting you.
Kind regards
Hazal
Staff are welcoming and helpful
Staff are welcoming and helpful. The trainer was not intimidating and adjusted the machines for older less fit clients. The other users of the gym were friendly and made helpful comments.
August 8, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Anne
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you felt welcomed and supported at the Ulverston Leisure Centre.
It’s great to hear our trainer helped make things comfortable, and that the other members were friendly too.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Kind Regards
Amir
Cruel Policy towards Juniors
Took out a Junior Membership so that my teenage daughter could join me at the gym, only to discover the site policy is to heavily restrict juniors usage to only an hour each day - which is booked solid for weeks in advance. Completely useless and frankly miss sold membership - the telephone customer service agents don’t seem to understand what the outcome of their policies are and advise membership packages which then can’t be used.
The Better Gym policy towards youth membership is frankly awful - completely at odds with the national drive to improve health and fitness levels in young people. This needs serious reform - a membership that allows more generous time allowance, particularly if accompanied by parents.
May 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Matt,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re genuinely sorry to hear about your experience with the Junior Membership and understand how frustrating it must be to find that your daughter is unable to access the gym as expected.
Our intention with the junior usage policy is to ensure a safe and manageable environment for all our members, especially during peak hours. That said, we acknowledge your concern that the current time restrictions and limited availability may not meet the needs of families looking to work out together.
We also appreciate your point about aligning our offerings with broader goals to encourage youth fitness. Your suggestion for a more flexible membership, especially when accompanied by a parent, is very valid and will be passed on to our membership and policy teams for review.
We regret any miscommunication you experienced when speaking with our customer service team and will address this internally to help improve clarity and guidance going forward.
Thank you again for your feedback—it’s through insights like yours that we can continue to improve.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
A suprisingly well-equipped gym
A suprisingly well-equipped gym for a very reasonably price. The range of machines, free weights, and other equipment is great and there is plenty of space to set up circuits. Some of it is getting a little tired and rusty but frankly when you're there to get sweaty and lift heavy things it doesn't matter too much. The space is a bit of a drafty hangar in winter and a greenhouse in summer but they have ample fans and you just have to work harder in winter.
May 13, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Dan,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and honest review! We're really glad to hear you’re enjoying the variety of equipment and the space available for your workouts at the Ulverston Leisure Centre. We know our facility isn’t fancy, but we aim to keep it well-equipped and functional for serious training—and it's great to know that resonates with you.
We appreciate your feedback about the wear on some equipment and the seasonal temperature swings. We're always working on improvements where we can, and your comments help us prioritise what matters most to our members.
Thanks again for being part of the gym community—we look forward to seeing you continue to crush your goals!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Lovely welcoming staff
Lovely welcoming staff. Very helpful. Great class.
Could be a bit cleaner. Showers very hot!
May 7, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Kate,
I hope this message finds you well!
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your kind and encouraging words! It truly makes us happy to hear that you had a positive experience in our fitness classes at the Ulverston Leisure Centre. We're thrilled that you found our staff to be so welcoming and helpful; we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Your insights regarding cleanliness and the shower temperature are incredibly valuable to us. We are committed to continual improvement and will certainly take your suggestions into consideration as we work on enhancing our facilities.
We genuinely look forward to welcoming you back soon for another enjoyable experience!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
Report on Ulverston Leisure Centre
I sent an email to the general manager Jolene Swannof Ulverston &Kendal Leisure Centre about numerous complaints members had re the time taken to get some refurbished equipment as well as existing broken appliances fixed : nearly SIX MONTHS and during this time more and more of existing equipment kept breaking. Everyone struggled to find equipment to use in some cases queue’s forming to find a piece of equipment that we could use. !! We were told middle of June but no-one seemed bothered about our concerns! Standard reply ,” we’ve logged it as faulty and that’s it , can’t do any more”! No one just checks the machines for a little oil for example as the adjuster pin that you pull out and go into the next weight hole, rusting away till you can’t move the pin , it’s rusted in solidly!!! A little maintenance would prevent breakages. I referred to could we have sanitizer stations, like in hospitals to prevent germ /bacteria transfer but again no reply to my email: together with somewhere to put coats: at the moment as membership increases the foot is the only place for jackets/ coats when the benches are full. Cleanliness is also important, floor often mucky, why can’t people have some sort of pride in their work. NON OF THESE LATTER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BACK TO ME; To explain the way going forward! You can see Swann’s email that I sent , only mentioning the date when the equipment is to be fixed : NOTHING MENTIONED ABOUT OTHER QUERIES!! Hopefully this survey report might stem action by people who are concerned and finding’s actioned !!
April 23, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologise for the frustration and inconvenience you've experienced at the Ulverston Leisure Centre. We understand the importance of timely equipment repairs and the challenges caused by broken or outdated machines. It's clear that communication around these issues has fallen short, and we truly regret that your concerns were not properly addressed.
We take your comments regarding equipment maintenance, cleanliness, and the need for sanitisation stations seriously. Regular upkeep of equipment is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, and it seems we've missed the mark in this regard. We'll work closely with our team to ensure more proactive maintenance checks and timely repairs are done.
Regarding the sanitation and coat storage concerns, we understand how important these details are to the overall member experience, and we'll look into implementing better solutions moving forward.
Once again, we appreciate you taking the time to provide this detailed feedback. Rest assured, we’ll use it as a catalyst for improvement. We aim to do better, and your concerns will be shared with the relevant teams to ensure a more efficient and responsive approach going forward.
If you'd like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out directly, and we will keep you updated on the next steps.
Kind regards,
Charmaine
Overall 7/10.
The staff are really good and probably the biggest asset: knowledgeable, professional, personable and always willing to help and advise.
Facilities have a lot of potential but they're let down a bit by:
1) The amount of equipment that's either broken or awaiting commissioning. If all of the equipment was operational it'd be a really well-equipped fitness centre.
2) The actual building: it leaks and its really cold!
Membership fees are really good and flexible terms are a real bonus.
All in all, for the fees charged, the equipment that's currently available and the time of day that I use it (off peak), it's a good facility and with a bit of TLC it could be a lot better.
April 16, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Steve
Thank you for your review
We are very pleased to see that the team at the Ulverston Leisure Centre is providing such a great service and creating a welcoming environment.
We also really appreciate your feedback regarding the equipment and the building. We are always working on improving our facilities and repairing equipment as quickly as possible.
It’s great to hear that our membership options and value are hitting the mark, and we're glad the facility works well for your needs overall.
Kind Regards
Amir
Warm Welcoming and Understanding…
Warm Welcoming and Understanding attended via prescription from GP as I suffered deconditioning following surgery and require additional surgery to live again So very high odds to succeed I need help
April 7, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Patrick,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
We're truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing, but we're glad to know that you felt welcomed and understood during your visit to the Ulverston Leisure Centre. Your strength and determination in overcoming such difficult circumstances are truly inspiring. We’re here to support you every step of the way and will do everything we can to help you on your journey to recovery. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further assistance. Wishing you all the best on your road to healing and better health!
Warm regards,
Charmaine
The person who dealt with my query was…
The person who dealt with my query was professional polite and helped me with everything
I am very pleased I have chosen Better
April 1, 2025
Reply from Better - Ulverston Leisure Centre
Hi Bernadette,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our team at the Ulverston Leisure Centre. It's great to know that our professionalism and helpfulness made a difference. We're so glad you chose Better, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future!
Wam regards,
Charmaine
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.
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.