Porchester Centre

Excellent sports centre! Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Would highly recommend this cente especially the gym. A much higher standard than other gyms in the area

Only joined to use the pool but they always book swimming lessons in the evening on weekdays so the lanes are overcrowded to the point where there's more than 6 to a lane at completely different speeds! I'm so upset that the last 3 times I've come here to go swimming I haven't been able to as there wasn't even any room for me to join!

Also they need a new cleaner, even though it's been refurbished the bathrooms already smell of mould, have flies and silver fish on the floor

I went to use the pool for the first time today and I really enjoyed it here. The building is beautiful and has a lot of history but it is worth noting first of all that if you expect private gym standards then this is not the place for you - it's an old baths. That said the changing rooms are modern and clean with plenty of lockers and space to get changed, including a few cubicles.

I used the main pool and the water was perfect temperature and not over-chlorinated. There were only about 6 other people using the pool at lunchtime and I had the lane to myself for a bit! The tiles in the pool are old and some of the glaze is cracked and that has lead to discolouration but they are clean, the bottom of the pool was clean, not littered with the usual plasters and hairband detritus. The showers are hot but could do with staying on for a bit longer, you have to hold the button down constantly.

Finally, the receptionist was very friendly and attentive, even though she did try to give me the hard sell on membership she did it in a nice enough way that I didn't feel like running away.

Actually a very well equipped gym, that is hardly ever busy, and doesn't cost a lot. The changing rooms are good too.

If you live nearby I'd strongly recommend it.

Lovely swimming pools, even though the bottom of the swimming pool looks a little dirty. Sometimes it gets very crowded, 4 narrow lanes is not very practical I am scared of bumping into other swimmers and I hit my hands on the floating separation. I have been advising staff to tell people to swim in the right lane based on their speed but staff seems to ignoring and let people swimming wherever they want obstructing swimmers with faster pace . mmhhh....

I just wish i`d have given 0 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I`ve been in this centre on last December as a membership.
The guy who ``explained`` to me how s working up monthly payments was very rude and he had let me keep waiting in the office for about half and hour! He even didnt apologize.
He hadn`t told me about the refund within 7 days from registration, he just said that this money will be refund, that`s it! Then automatically I`ve spent 70£ to register, and next month 70£ for a month in advance which none told me though. Next day I`ve ask them and they said rudly and unpolite that the money was for a month in advance.
Changing room and restroom were terrible!
When next day ive decided to leave, ive called them explaining my situation about my deposit and my experience. When i said that i want my deposit back, she said ``The deposit won`t be refund! will be withing 7 days from the registration``. Then she hang up.
This people should have been working in farms

Worst customer service I've ever seen.

Absolute rubbish. Charged me incorrectly for two months and even though I showed every possible proof, they disappeared and never answered when I called or replied to my e-mails. Look for a different gym, there are WAY better ones out there.

Update: after mentioning making a complaint to The Ombudsman they magically called and refunded my money right away. What a coincidence.

They recently refurbished the whole gym and have brand new equipment (free weights room, 2 cardio rooms, one quiet workout room, spin room) and also converted one of their studios into a hot yoga studio.

I would strongly advise anyone to AVOID this place at all costs. Excepting one lady who works reception all the staff here behave as though the clients are an inconvenience and if anyone in membership can actually spell customer service I would be amazed. In 9 weeks of a hot yoga membership there have been 6 class cancellations (!!!!) including, unbelievably, TWO in one day! No one is ever sorry and simply want to offer another lame excuse.
Visiting this place has become quite a stressful experience as you're never sure whether or not the class will actually happen - I and a number of other clients have waited for up to 40 minutes in the studio before a member of staff arrives to tell you the class won't be happening.
I have been a member of a gym for 20 years at all economic scales and I have NEVER experienced the complete incompetence you are likely to witness at this establishment.
Unprofessional, impolite and seemingly run by amateurs - find somewhere else!