It was a wonderful experience. However a 30 minute lesson has limited time for practice. I suggest at least 45 minutes duration makes a lot of sense and will be value for money
Company replied
Location
Switch locationDunston Bank 6, NE11 9PY Gateshead, Dunston, GB
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Nice clean facilities, friendly helpfull staff. Only issue I had was only standing area for hairdryers. Due to my health issues I couldn't stand to dry my hair before leaving I really need to be able... See more
Company replied
I am happy with the swimming lessons my daughter is having. The leisure centre just changed management and had become ‘Better’. The change over happened without much changing and she still has the sam... See more
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Wide range of facilities and classes, subscription and pay as you go prices are reasonable and good value. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
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Company details
- #3 of 4 best companies in Leisure Centre
- #8 of 11 best companies in Fitness centre
- #13 of 20 best companies in Gym
- #3 of 4 best companies in Indoor Swimming Pool
- #2 of 2 best companies in Library
- #5 of 6 best companies in Outdoor Swimming Pool
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
Dunston Bank 6, NE11 9PY, Gateshead, Dunston, United Kingdom
3.6
Average
35 reviews
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It was a wonderful experience
It was a wonderful experience. However a 30 minute lesson has limited time for practice. I suggest at least 45 minutes duration makes a lot of sense and will be value for money
3 August 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Ken,
Thank you for your feedback.
We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience with the lesson. It's great to know that you found the session enjoyable and valuable.
We also appreciate your suggestion regarding the lesson duration. We understand your point that a longer session could provide more time for practice and development, helping participants get even more from their lessons. Your feedback has been noted and will be shared with the relevant team for consideration.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Warm Regards,
Hazal
Fantastic
Got this membership for my son and he has been going after school and on weekends as there is not much for kids to do in the community he was just sitting on his computer which wasn't healthy or good for him hes now lost over a stone in weight going to gym/swim well worth £20 a month very happy.
7 July 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Vinnie
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to hear that your son is enjoying the membership and seeing such positive health benefits.
It is also great to hear he’s staying active, making the most of the facilities and benefiting from his time at Dunston Leisure Centre.
We hope he reaches his health and fitness goals with us!
Kind Regards
Amir
I booked a Aqua Aerobics got into the…
I booked a Aqua Aerobics got into the water and 15mins later someone came and said it was cancelled
12 April 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Sheila
Thank you for your review.
We are very sorry to hear about your recent experience at Dunston Leisure Centre.
We strive to ensure all our classes are fully staffed and available; however, this may not always be possible.
Please understand that we strive to avoid these situations, but sometimes they are unavoidable.
Kind Regards
Amir
Amanda was amazing
Amanda was amazing at knowing what my boy needs. She was amazing with him and me.
28 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Harry
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that Amanda has been able to provide an amazing service, and we will be sure to pass your feedback on!
Kind Regards
Amir
Trouble getting booked in as website…
Trouble getting booked in as website too busy at 10pm.
Not enough 3kg dumbbells or 2.5kg weights for bars for classes
Wi-Fi at Heworth ridiculously slow and often have to get in via reception
Not enough car parking at Dunston
9 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Audrey,
Thank you for your feedback!
We’re sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced at our Dunston Leisure Centre.
We understand how frustrating it can be when the website is busy at peak times, and we’re more than happy to feed this back to the relevant team.
We also appreciate your comments regarding equipment availability during classes, Wi-Fi at Heworth, and parking at Dunston, as these are all important to the overall experience.
Your feedback is valuable and helps us to make improvements across our facilities.
Thank you again for raising this with us!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Can not always get get booked on the…
Can not always get get booked on the class you want and it’s so silly that you can’t book till 10 o’clock I want to go to bed
16 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your review.
We are sorry to hear that you have been unable to book on to some classes recently.
We release fitness class bookings at 10pm as this is the quietest time on the servers, so eases congestion.
We appreciate your feedback and hope this helps!
Warm Regards
Hazal
The staff are helpful
The staff are helpful, I enjoyed the session of bums and tums, some of the clients were also helpful , si nice it was my fist time going there
25 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Avril
Thank you so much for your wonderful review
We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your first visit to Dunston was such a great experience and that both our staff and customers made you feel welcome. We hope you enjoy your membership and get to explore some of our other great classes, too.
Kind regards
Rachel
Excellent gym and staff
26 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Ian
Thank you for your fantastic review.
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying the gym at Dunston 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.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Good facilities and cheerful staff
The staff are helpful and cheerful and the centre is not crowded when I go.
25 March 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Marjorie
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at Dunston Leisure Centre have been so helpful and that you have been enjoying the facilities.
We will ensure this is passed on to the centre team.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Nice clean facilities
Nice clean facilities, friendly helpfull staff. Only issue I had was only standing area for hairdryers. Due to my health issues I couldn't stand to dry my hair before leaving I really need to be able to sit down to do it
2 February 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Karen
Thank you for your email.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying the facilities at Dunston Leisure Centre, and we appreciate your feedback.
Please do not hesitate to ask the centre staff for a seat if you require one. They will be able to assist at the time of your visit if a seat is available!
Kind Regards
Amir
Good leisure centre
Wide range of facilities and classes, subscription and pay as you go prices are reasonable and good value. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
4 February 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Mrs Morley,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying our facility at Dunston 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!
Warm Regards
Aaiasa
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi J
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that you are having an all-round good experience with us!
We hope this continues, and thank you for choosing Better!
Kind Regards
Amir
I found my experience excellent
I found my experience excellent, staff are great and the complex is clean and well looked after.
14 January 2026
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Timothy,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Dunston Leisure Centre!
Warm Regards
Hazal
First time visit with friends
First time visit with friends, the two little members of the party had a hour long session playing with the floats. The pool was lovely and warm so they didn’t shiver. Also showers were warm and the changing rooms clean and staff were friendly and helpful. An enjoyable visit. Thank you.
31 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Kay,
Thank you so much for sharing your positive feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that the little members of your party enjoyed their session and that you found the pool warm, the showers comfortable, and the changing rooms clean.
It’s also wonderful to know that our staff were friendly and helpful!
Thank you again for your kind words!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
How poor better are
The class size is to big and there is 2 lessons going on at the same time which is to distracting for the all the kids in the pool no one know who to list to.
The changing rooms and toilets are discussed there not clean and smell horrible.
The reception staff don’t have a clue what they are doing the lifeguard need some send training so they can understand not all disabled are visible
The only good thing is the swimming teachers they know what’s going on and you can see how frustrated they are with what is going one. Charlotte is the only reason I am staying with better swimming lessons.
The fact children now done get a certificate and badge is stupidity as you have removed the incentive to learn or achieve anything. I understand certificates can be downloaded and print but most of your clients won’t have a computer and can barely afford to live.
20 October 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are truly sorry to hear of your experience at Duston.
We have passed on your feedback to the centre so they can look at improving.
Kind regards,
Hazal
Swimming. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
The staff at Dunston re very helpful and friendly.
15 October 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Dorothy
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that the staff at Dunston Leisure Centre have been able to assist with your queries and are creating a friendly environment for all members.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Kind Regards
Amir
Non existent customer service and poor lessons
Better have essentially made swimming lessons much 'worse'. The customer service is non existent, they make it very difficult to obtain a refund for cancelled classes. They have doubled the child to adult ratio and reduced class time - all while charging the same amount. The lessons are chaotic and my children get very little actual swimming time done. Have raised issues numerous times only to get told it will be raised with local teams then I hear nothing more. The only good thing about this swim school are the wonderful teachers - sadly I cant imagine the good ones sticking around long.
22 September 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for your review.
The length of our all the Development swimming lessons to from 1st September is 30 minutes to align our programmes with the Better Swim School model.
Our experience has also shown that this focused approach helps children stay energised and retain more from each session as it allows us to deliver sharper, more effective lesson plans that maximises engagement and skill progression.
Only the children on our Lessons and Courses Swim School memberships have 'free' swimming access in public sessions outside of their swim school lesson at their local Better Leisure centre in line with our Terms and Conditions.
As a Charitable Social Enterprise, we are a non-profit and all the money we make is re-invested back into the business. By asking parents to support us with this by purchasing a swim or have their own membership options, this enables us to keep our swim school costs lower and provide the best possible service for all our customers.
We are more than happy to assist you with looking into membership options to make this cost-effective for our valued customers.
We understand that some of these changes may be challenging at first and we appreciate your feedback and this has been logged, however, as these changes are there to bring unity between your preceding membership and our membership structure, we would be unable to change the architecture of our memberships to include previous benefits from your last provider.
Additionally, when a class is cancelled, customers can either request a replacement lesson or a refund. If they are requesting a refund, an online form needs to be completed so we can collect your details securely.
We thank you for your continued custom and hope you stay with us and discover why we are Better!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Honestly one of the most awful…
Honestly one of the most awful companies to work with, offered a discount and then there wasn’t an appropriate place to upload my evidence so was told that I needed to upload it again, which obviously still wasn’t going to work. Got that sorted and cancelled a dance class as I realised I was going to be late at work only to be charged £3 because I hadn’t cancelled earlier. I didn’t know someone was going to phone in sick earlier. I feel this policy was not fully explained upon sign up. It also costs 20p per swim session on top of my monthly subscription to rent a locker. I’m moving to a gym that has nicer facilities and admin that makes sense.
10 September 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hello Miss G.
Thank you for contacting Better customer services.
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.
Please be informed that our cancellation policy is implemented to ensure equitable usage for all customers. A reservation that is occupied and subsequently canceled within four hours does not provide sufficient opportunity for another customer who wishes to book the same space.
Regarding the lockers, please note that not all of our centers offer complimentary lockers; some are managed by a third party that charges for locker usage within the facility. This is the reason for the associated fee for locker space.
I trust this information will be helpful. Wishing you a pleasant day.
Real time
I am happy with the swimming lessons my daughter is having. The leisure centre just changed management and had become ‘Better’. The change over happened without much changing and she still has the same teacher and time slot. The main change was the awards system. Previously it was numbered badges and now it is a bronze, silver, gold system. It’s tricky as she is now between badges. The online portal to track her progress is an improvement and tracks real time to the iPad the teachers are using. The downside is there are no physical certificates and badges which my daughter and I am sure most kids enjoy getting. Last week she was awarded her silver award and I was told to ‘download on the app’ but I tried lots of different ways but not yet been successful. Also previously the teachers would choose ‘swimmer of the week’ but this is not a system ‘Better’ uses. It’s a shame the physical awards system has been lost, I’d be happy to pay a little to buy a certificate and badge but I don’t think this is an option.
16 August 2025
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Hello RW,
Thank you for your feedback.
We appreciate you providing us with this valuable feedback as this helps us improve.
I understand that it can be somewhat frustrating that the structure of the swimming lessons differs from what you are accustomed to. Regarding the certificate, it is indeed correct that the center does not issue certificates. However, you may request a certificate by emailing customer services at customerservices@gll.org Our L&C department can then arrange this for you.
I hope this information is of use. I hope you have a nice day.
Kind regards
Aaiasa
Back again to talk about how useless…
Back again to talk about how useless this company are.
Have the audacity to make you upload child’s disability information to your own and your child’s account - and make it difficult by not accepting information sent.
Please be aware they do not inform you that you are entitled to a reduced price if your child has a disability- found this out by chance after paying full price. Disgraceful.
Still have not rectified the issues with my account making this even more difficult.
Appalling treatment of disabled people and their carers. I would say the worst treatment I have ever faced with a disabled child.
The costs to purchase a membership are through the roof compared to other centres in Gateshead - highly recommend looking at Gateshead leisure centre.
The only redeeming feature is the excellent quality teacher however he was there prior to the “better” take over.
Save your money, visit one of the non better centres in Gateshead, especially if you are a carer to a child with a disability.
18 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dunston Leisure Centre
Good Afternoon Hilary,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you've faced and appreciate you bringing these concerns to our attention.
We understand how important it is for families—especially those caring for children with disabilities—to receive clear communication, fair treatment, and accessible support. We sincerely apologise if the process for uploading documentation or accessing the appropriate pricing options was unclear or frustrating. That’s not the experience we want anyone to have.
Your feedback highlights areas where we clearly need to improve, particularly in making our systems more user-friendly and ensuring all eligibility information is made visible and easily accessible. We’re currently reviewing our processes to prevent similar issues from happening in the future.
We’re also sorry to hear that your account issues have yet to be resolved. If you're willing, we’d like to speak with you directly so we can assist further and ensure your concerns are properly addressed. Please reach out to us at customerservices@gll.org so we can help.
We’re pleased to hear your kind words about the quality of the teaching—that’s something we are proud of, and we’ll make sure your feedback reaches the instructor.
Thank you again for your honest review. It’s only through feedback like yours that we can do better.
Warm regards,
Charmaine
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