My child is enjoying her swimming lessons. The teachers are very accommodating and experienced. Even though it grouped, they can identify when a child needs extra support. The staff at the reception a... See more
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Location
Switch location164 Portland Road, SE25 4PT South Norwood, GB
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This southnorwood branch is brilliant. Not only are the staff welcoming and very friendly and helpful always with a smile, but they also take that extra time to help you if needed and are very patient... See more
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Despite booking a swimming session the pool was incredibly busy, 5/6 people in each single lane. This was due to a swimming lesson over running by 30 minutes. When we escalated the issue with the... See more
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Great introduction back into the gym after a year off. Jean-Luc showed me around the gym, he made me feel very comfortable with the machines and with my workout plan. Both him and Yath were both espec... See more
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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
164 Portland Road, SE25 4PT, South Norwood, United Kingdom
3.9
Great
60 reviews
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My child is enjoying her swimming…
My child is enjoying her swimming lessons. The teachers are very accommodating and experienced. Even though it grouped, they can identify when a child needs extra support. The staff at the reception are friendly and welcoming. I like the fact that you can sit and view the lesson. The facilities like showers could do with a repair. The lockers are great - big enough for your items including jacket.
11 June 2026
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Mrs N,
Thank you for your lovely review of South Norwood Leisure Centre!
It's so wonderful to hear that your child is enjoying her swimming lessons and that the teachers have been so accommodating and experienced. Helping children grow in confidence in the water is something we take real pride in.
We hope she continues to thrive and we look forward to welcoming you both back soon!
Warm Regards,
Hazal
Super fun for me
Super fun for me. I'm only 7 months old and I enjoy the swimming lessons. The staff are very friendly and kind. I would like the changing rooms to be a little better though as it's not so clean.
17 May 2026
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Kieran,
Thank you for your review!
We're thrilled that you and your little one are enjoying our swimbies lessons at South Norwood Leisure Centre.
We're overjoyed that these sessions have been super fun, and that our team have been very friendly.
We also appreciate your comments regarding the cleanliness of our changing room facilities, and we'll share this with our wider team for further review.
Thank you again for your review!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Linda
Thanks for your review!
We are so pleased to hear that the staff at South Norwood Leisure Centre have been so supportive!
Warm Regards
Azaria
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Michael
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that the staff at South Norwood Leisure Centre are creating a friendly atmosphere and keeping the facilities nice and clean!
We hope you continue to enjoy your experience with us!
Kind Regards
Amir
Great introduction back into the gym…
Great introduction back into the gym after a year off. Jean-Luc showed me around the gym, he made me feel very comfortable with the machines and with my workout plan. Both him and Yath were both especially so helpful and attentive.
17 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Cindy
Thank you for your review and welcome back.
We are very pleased to see that your gym induction with Jean-Luc went well, and we hope that you can use what you have learnt within your gym sessions with us!
It is also great to know that both Jean-Luc and Yath have been able to enhance your experience with us, and we hope to see you soon.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Milton
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that you are enjoying your experience at South Norwood Leisure Centre, and it is great to know that the centre staff have been able to add to your experience!
We hope to see you soon.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Diana,
Thank you for your amazing review!
We’re really pleased to hear that you feel our South Norwood Leisure Centre is affordable, offers good value and supports enhancing one's wellbeing.
We hope to see you again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Needs more hands on staff in the gym…
Needs more hands on staff in the gym and needs water fountains and needs more area for stretching and gym to to be cleaned more regularly
16 February 2026
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello Dee,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
We are sorry that your experience at South Norwood Leisure centre did not meet your expectations.
We have passed on your comments to the centre to review.
Kind regards
I've been waiting for a Junior GYM…
I've been waiting for a Junior GYM instructor for 3 days, they say come tomorrow, we made a monthly membership, but we didn't benefit from it for 1 week.
27 January 2026
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello Kaan,
Thank you for your review.
We are truly sorry that you have not been able to get a gym instructor for the pass 3 day.
I have passed on this feedback to the centre manager to review.
Warm regards
I paid £50 for the gym and it was very…
I paid £50 for the gym and it was very small for something that paid a lot and there are not even the necessary machines to exercise, very bad
15 December 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Antonella
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to see that you are not pleased with the equipment at South Norwood Leisure Centre and we hope you enjoy using the other Better facilities included within your membership.
Kind Regards
Amir
Staff friendly & helpful
Staff friendly & helpful. Pool water often very cold , it makes my swim difficult to enjoy. Often have a shorter swim than intended & shivering afterward. Changing rooms & air temperature around pool could be warmer too. Sometimes cleanliness not perfect.
16 December 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing your experience at South Norwood Leisure Centre with us, Linda.
We truly appreciate your detailed and honest feedback.
Kind Regards
Ease of app and notification via email…
Ease of app and notification via email . Pleasantly surprised.
20 November 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Jen!
Kind Regards
Lovely staff
Lovely staff
All facilities are accessible and good choices for swimming or gyming
11 November 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Thank you for sharing such kind words about our facilities.
We’re delighted to know that our services meet your needs and that you’re enjoying the results of our team’s hard work.
Warm Regards,
Sara
Just joined, good so far!
Just joined, so early days, but all good so far. Pool is great, with booking a lane easy. Changing rooms are fine. Gym is good, but tbh lacks equipment.
5 November 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hello Kenneth,
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
Kind Regards
The facilities are quite dirty
The facilities are quite dirty, and there is an overwhelming scent of urine both in the pool and in the ladies dressing room. Tons of hair in the showers.
18 October 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Patrice
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to hear about the cleanliness at South Norwood Leisure Centre, and we will pass this on to the General Manager to review.
We hope that this will contribute to enhancing your experience with our services.
Kind Regards
Amir
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Stephan
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see that the staff at South Norwood Leisure Centre have been able to assist with your enquiries.
It is also great to see Morgan receiving a shout-out. We will pass this on!
Kind Regards
Amir
The gym needs improving
The gym is okay, I think for the £40 I pay a month there should be a bigger gym and more weights. I feel much of the leasuire centre is unused. I also went to a class which was not good. I would hope for a much higher standard of teaching.
6 October 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Phoebe,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate you providing us with this valuable feedback and have sent this to the centre.
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Ladydee
Thank you for your review.
It is great to see the staff have been able to help when required, and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Kind Regards
Amir
Staff are always so helpful
Staff are always so helpful, the centre cleanliness is maintained and always exceeds customer expectations.
Five star from me!!!
25 September 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Good Morning Dave,
Thank you for your Comments and Feedback.
Kind Regards
Pool too busy, unbothered management.
Despite booking a swimming session the pool was incredibly busy, 5/6 people in each single lane. This was due to a swimming lesson over running by 30 minutes. When we escalated the issue with the supervisor/manager he wasn’t bothered and said there’s nothing he can do.
What is the point of booking a session if you’re going to control the amount of people in a pool?!
Though I must say the staff at the centre are usually polite and kind.
4 September 2025
Reply from Better - South Norwood Leisure Centre
Hi Navdeep
Thank you for your review.
We are sorry to see that you did not enjoy your recent swim session at the South Norwood Leisure Centre. Additionally, it is great to see that the staff are creating a great atmosphere.
We offer adult swimming lessons throughout the day and into the evening. You can check the schedule for these lessons using the link below, and we strive to ensure that they run within the designated times.
Bookings | Choose a Time Slot (https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/south-norwood-leisure-centre/swim-doctor/2025-09-12/by-time)
Kind Regards
Amir
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