My first time of using the pool today and what can I say! The surroundings were peaceful and calming ,the garden area was beautifully maintained. Now for the pool,all I can say is wow!!!! My confiden... See more
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Location
Switch locationDartmouth Road, SE23 3HZ London, GB
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Really great trainer (Alex) who provided an excellent tailored exercise programme over 8 weeks. I was wonderfully supported and encouraged and was given plenty of information and had all my questions... See more
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Caroline helped me with my direct debit payment and made me feel welcome. This helps me to improve myself at this Better Leisure Centre.
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I was surprised by the new charge of my membership. I would have thought Better would have first written to me to inform me of such a change and I would be given the choice to either continue or not.... See more
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Company details
- #3 of 4 best companies in Leisure Centre
- #9 of 12 best companies in Fitness centre
- #12 of 18 best companies in Gym
- #3 of 3 best companies in Indoor Swimming Pool
- #2 of 2 best companies in Library
- #6 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
Dartmouth Road, SE23 3HZ, London, United Kingdom
4.1
Great
79 reviews
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My first time of using the pool today…
My first time of using the pool today and what can I say! The surroundings were peaceful and calming ,the garden area was beautifully maintained. Now for the pool,all I can say is wow!!!! My confidence was at rock bottom after a traumatic accident last year,that nearly ended up in losing my foot,never ever did i think I would get in a pool and start to learn to swim all over again. Already booked my next three appointments there,and I honestly can't say anymore then a beautiful pool in idyllic surroundings and beyond fantastic value for money. A little bit of heaven all tucked away in a charming remote location.
Thank you so much for allowing myself and others the use of this amazing pool.
15 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your heartfelt review!
It’s wonderful to know that our peaceful surroundings, the beautifully kept garden, and the pool itself created a space where you felt calm, supported, and able to rebuild your confidence.
We're saddened to hear that your traumatic experience led you to hit rock bottom last year, but we're so thrilled that your swimming journey and confidence are growing with your introduction back into the pool.
Hearing that you’ve already booked your next three sessions is the best compliment we could receive.
We’re truly honoured that the pool has become part of your recovery and that it feels like “a little bit of heaven”.
We can't wait to welcome you back soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great company, helpful staff, clean premises
Caroline helped me with my direct debit payment and made me feel welcome. This helps me to improve myself at this Better Leisure Centre.
9 June 2026
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
It's great to hear how helpful Caroline was with setting up your Direct Debit payments and making you feel welcome.
We're overjoyed that you're improving your health, and we can't wait to continue to support you on your journey.
We hope to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that you are enjoying the facilities at Forest Hill Pools, and we hope to see you again soon!
Kind Regards
Amir
Cardiac Rehab Gym Classes
Really great trainer (Alex) who provided an excellent tailored exercise programme over 8 weeks. I was wonderfully supported and encouraged and was given plenty of information and had all my questions fully answered. The course transformed both my physical and mental wellbeing and set me up for regular gym based exercise. I can't recommend the course and my trainer enough. Superb!
4 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
HI Mike,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We're thrilled to hear that Alex has been so encouraging and supportive during your sessions, as well as tailoring exercise programmes to your needs.
We're overjoyed that this has transformed your physical and mental well-being, and we really appreciate your recommendation.
We can't wait to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Increase of membership fee
I was surprised by the new charge of my membership. I would have thought Better would have first written to me to inform me of such a change and I would be given the choice to either continue or not. Whilst I was told when I first joined that it would be only a small increase, to me the increase is now quite significant as I do not receive any income nor benefits.
2 May 2026
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Susie,
Thank you for your review!
We understand that you were previously on the 2-year GP referral scheme with our Healthwise team.
Once our members come to the end of the program, you're automatically upgraded to the Graduate Membership type.
This is still discounted from the standard Memberships we offer, and enables you to use the gym, swimming and attend fitness classes across our facilities in Lewisham.
We're sorry if you were not aware of this, as this information is discussed during your initial appointment with the team.
We're more than happy to discuss your Membership options further, and we also appreciate your feedback regarding our communication.
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!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Great space and equipment but some of…
Great space and equipment but some of the instructors are not upto standard. Li for Spin is awesome!
21 April 2026
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Hassan
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate your feedback and would love to find out more.
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
Rachel
I was referred by my GP
I was referred by my GP. I didn't have to wait long for the initial phone call. The advisor was pleasant and checked if it was a convenient time. The gym induction was booked for the next day.
The consultant was patient and did a thorough assessment of my needs.
Then came the hard part - the gym.
I was shown certain pieces of equipment and given an opportunity to use them. I was given a tailored and detailed exercise plan and the follow up appointment was booked in advance.
I attend Forest Hill. The staff are all friendly, it's clean, all the equipment work. Cleaning sprays and cloths are available and patrons use them to maintain good hygiene.
Pleasant experience all round.
Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
6 April 2026
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Pippy,
Thank you for such a thoughtful review!
We’re really pleased to hear that your experience from the initial referral through to your induction and follow-up support has been positive.
It’s great to know our team made you feel supported, listened to, and well-guided throughout your journey.
We’re also glad you’ve found our Forest Hill Pools Centre welcoming, clean, and well-maintained, and that the equipment and hygiene standards have met your expectations.
Your kind comments about the staff friendliness mean a lot and will be shared with the team.
Thank you for recommending us to your family and friends!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Amazing service Alex GP instructor at…
Amazing service Alex GP instructor at forest hill
2 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Miss
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that Alex has been able to provide a great service, and we will be sure to pass your feedback on!
Kind Regards
Amir
Forest Hill
Forest Hill - very helpful staff made our first visit to the gym v straightforward.
1 April 2026
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi JW
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that the staff at Forest Hill Pools have been able to help with your enquiries and enhance your first visit with us!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions, and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind Regards
Amir
Swimbes is not worth the price tag
My review is for Better’s swimming course for infants ‘swimbes’. Booking the course was difficult as the website is not intuitive for locating and booking these courses. It is extremely unclear upon booking what you’re signing up to. As it turns out you have to provide 20 days notice in order to cancel the next batch of 4 lessons. The lessons themselves are fine but overpriced for what you get - half an hour of the use of a few little toys, repetitive games/songs week on week, and a generic approach to your little ones interaction in the water. There is no assessment of whether each individual baby may be ready for more progression in the water - it’s just the same sort of thing over and over again. 4 sessions are more than enough - you can just take your LO to a family swim session after this. My advice is to make sure to cancel the DD soon after you book!
To note I have no issue with the staff or pool - I think it’s Better’s website and pricing that is the main issue.
25 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for your review!
We advertise on our website that our swimbies courses are mainly for building your little one's confidence in the water.
As swimmers progress to Foundation level and above, sessions become more structured, focusing on developing key skills amongst other pupils of a similar ability.
We greatly appreciate your comments regarding the lessons' feeling repetitive and generic, and we're more than happy to raise this with the wider team for further review.
We’re also saddened to hear that you feel the lessons have not provided value for money.
Thank you for your feedback!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Brilliant physical and mental wellbeing result
Brilliant and excellent support from my personal trainer Alex. The premises has wonderful facilities to support your physical health and wellbeing. Had a chance to pick on what was well suited and worked for me. I've registered with Better for more good lifestyle choices. Lost targeted weight and helped with my mental health too.
19 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Chitalu,
Thank you for your amazing review!
We're so delighted that you've received such excellent support from your personal trainer, Alex.
It's also great that you appreciate the wonderful facilities we offer at Forest Hill Pools, and how they've helped to support physical health and mental wellbeing.
We're pleased that you became a member with us to improve on your good lifestyle choices, and we're here to support you along the way.
We can't wait to welcome you back soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
The care and attention I was shown by…
The care and attention I was shown by Alex during my cardiac rehab sessions was amazing. Communication through all points of my journey was clear and professional and nothing was ever too much. He offered reassurance when I was apprehensive and firm when I need a virtual kick up the bum. He has changed my life for the better and this arbitrary w is truly valuable and life changing for those who participate in the scheme.
19 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Forest Hill Pools.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and are happy that this has been reflected in the service you have received from Alex.
Warm Regards
Hazal
The staff at Forest Hill are extremely…
The staff at Forest Hill are extremely friendly and very helpful
15 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hello William,
Thank you for your 5-Star review.
We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying your time at Forest Hill Pools and that our team has been friendly and helpful to you.
Kind regards
Great experience at Forest Hill Pools
Great experience at Forest Hill Pools. I really enjoy the classes they provide at the gym. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your 5-Star review.
We are delighted to hear that you are enjoying the fitness classes and the friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere at Forest Hill Pools.
Kind regards
Brilliant staff
Brilliant staff, facilities are great and always clean
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Rebecca
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying your experience at Forest Hill Pools.
It is also great to know that the staff are creating a brilliant atmosphere and keeping the facilities clean and tidy!
Kind Regards
Amir
Great experience
Nice leisure centre, lovely staff. Gym is neat and tidy, very helpful members of staff.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Hanna,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
We’re really pleased to hear that you find the atmosphere at our Forest Hill Pools centre so welcoming.
It's great to know that you also appreciate the cleanliness of our gym facility and find the area neat.
It’s especially that our team has been very helpful, as well as our members.
We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable feedback with us, Liliana.
We are delighted to hear that our Forest Hill Pools location and staff meet your expectations.
We truly appreciate it when our team's efforts to provide excellent customer service are recognized and valued.
Kind Regards
Very welcoming staff and user friendly…
Very welcoming staff and user friendly gym
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Leah
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that the staff at Forest Hill Pools are creating a welcoming atmosphere and that you are enjoying the gym!
We hope your experience continues!
Kind Regards
Amir
Really great class with precision…
Really great class with precision teaching. Many thanks!
13 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Susan
Thank you for your review.
We are glad to see you enjoying the fitness classes at Forest Hill Pools.
We hope you are also making use of the other facilities available, such as the swimming pool and gym!
Kind Regards
Amir
help signing up
I was struggling to sign up to swimming lessons using the app. I popped into the centre and the receptionist Esther was really helpful and paitent with me. I've not managed to sign up my 2 children to weekly swimming lessons. Very helpful.
12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Forest Hill Pools
Hi Lexi
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see that Esther has been able to help you sign your children up for swimming lessons, providing wonderful customer service!
We hope your children enjoy the swimming lessons, and if you have any further questions, please let us know.
Kind Regards
Amir
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