Jackie my PT, was amazing and arranged for my personal workout. The staff at the front very welcoming. Great experience , they took all my needs into consideration.
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Location
Switch locationSt Pauls Drive, SN3 5DA Covingham, GB
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Lovely friendly team working there and have enjoyed the classes. However the ladies changing rooms need some attention lockers not working properly and hair dryers either broken or cut out after a c... See more
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Brilliant really like the instructors. They give good lesson.
Company replied
I sent a complaint after my 5 year daughter tripped and fell in front of her swimming in front of her, she was crying and unlocked her up and rushed her to the changing room, I wasn’t followed by th... See more
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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
St Pauls Drive, SN3 5DA, Covingham, United Kingdom
4.3
Excellent
23 reviews
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Brilliant really like the instructors
Brilliant really like the instructors. They give good lesson.
October 12, 2026
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Louveena,
Thank you for your great review!
We're so happy that you're loving your lessons and that your instructors have been brilliant.
We can't wait to welcome you back soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Marinica
Thank you for your review.
It is great to know that the swim teachers at Dorcan Recreation Complex are creating a friendly atmosphere and providing good lessons!
We hope you attain the confidence and skills you wish for in the water!
Kind Regards
Amir
Jackie my PT
Jackie my PT, was amazing and arranged for my personal workout.
The staff at the front very welcoming.
Great experience , they took all my needs into consideration.
September 15, 2026
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good morning,
Thank you for your lovely review!
It's great to know that our staff, specifically Jackie, are providing such a positive experience!
We will be sure to pass on your kind words.
Warm regards,
Ellis
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Katie,
Thanks for your review.
We are so pleased to hear that you are enjoying Dorcan Recreation Complex!
Warm Regards
Azaria
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good Morning,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We're over the moon that you enjoyed your swimming lesson with our swim teacher.
We'll be sure to pass on your kind words.
We can't wait to welcome you back again soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
First time visiting
First time visiting, friendly staff with clear directions when entering. Nice small gym with everything you need. Pool is big enough to get a few lengths in at lunchtime or after work as I did
July 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Jon,
It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed your first visit!
We're pleased our team made you feel welcome and that you found everything you needed in the gym. It's also great to know the pool was ideal for fitting in a swim around your day.
Thank you for your lovely feedback, and we hope to see you again soon.
Kind regards,
Suheera
Excellent instructors
Excellent instructors, recognising differing abilities and abilities and engaging and encouraging.
April 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We're thrilled that you find our instructors at Dorcan Recreation Complex excellent at recognising differing abilities to create fun and engaging classes.
We can't wait to welcome you back for more fun soon!
Warm Regards,
Kaisha
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Andrea
Thank you for your review
We are so delighted to hear that you are enjoying Dorcan Recreation Complex.
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
The lesson was great but there was no…
The lesson was great but there was no one present attrition on arrival so I had no idea where the pool was.
March 23, 2026
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good afternoon
Thanks for your review.
We are pleased to hear that the lesson was good, we will pass your feedback onto the team at Dorcal Recreation Complex in regards to the other point you have raised.
Warm Regards
Rachel
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your review.
We appreciate you awarding us 5 stars!
It is great to hear that you are enjoying Dorcan Recreation Complex and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Warm Regards
Hazal
The app is very easy to use and signing…
The app is very easy to use and signing up was very straightforward.
You can clearly see what activities are available and the booking process is simple.
Staff are very helpful and friendly
January 23, 2026
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hello Julie,
Thank you for your valuable comments and feedback.
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for selecting Dorcan Recreation Complex. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future.
Kind regards
Good swimming Teacher to train kids
Good swimming Teacher to train kids. I like how they train their students.
October 8, 2025
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Fagan,
Thanks for your review.
It is so great to hear that you are enjoying lessons at Dorcan Recreation Complex!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Adrian
Thank you for your review.
It's wonderful to hear that you're enjoying your time at the clean Dorcan Recreation Complex and that you've had the chance to meet our friendly staff!
Should you have any more questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to the staff anytime.
Kind Regards
Amir
Great value ! Come on Better Market your offers better!
I’ve recently set up my membership I chose the £5 a month concessionary for over the summer meaning I get 50% off on off peak and 30% off peak plus 1 free activity a month. I think this is great value and I will look to pay the £25 concessionary price in September provided I’m using it enough. I’ve posted on my Facebook page about this offer. I don’t feel in my area that better do enough to market what they do. When we pay badminton we are the only ones in there and sometimes the pool is very quiet. Having worked in marketing there is so much more Better could do to push their offers out there for free on social media and encourage families to do more activities and being informed of the great value offers is key. 3 of us swam for £2 yesterday ! Both my daughters and I used my free activity for the month. Come on Better you need to pull people in maybe other areas are busier but Dorcan Swindon I’ll happily do your marketing ! I’ve swam 6 times in the last 2 weeks and we’ve played badminton. It’s brilliant value especially over summer.
July 30, 2025
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hello Frances,
We appreciate your comments and feedback, and we will pass this over to our Membership Team.
Kind Regards.
It does the job
I joined mainly for the swimming pool. The gym is small but has everything you need.
June 20, 2025
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Swindon
Thank you for your review.
We are very pleased to see you are enjoying all the facilities at the Dorcan Recreation Complex.
We hope this continues, and thank you for choosing Better.
Kind Regards
Amir
Nice little facility that isn't too busy
So far the experience has been very good. Ash who did my Gym Induction was very supportive and all staff have been great. I use the gym and the pool and it has never been too busy at the times I go.
March 7, 2025
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are very happy to hear that you've had such a positive experience with us at the Dorcan Recreation Complex. Ash will be especially happy to hear your feedback! It's great to know that both the gym and pool are meeting your expectations and that you're able to enjoy them without the crowds.
We look forward to continuing to support you on your fitness journey!
Kind regards,
Charmaine
New to the area really good staff and…
New to the area really good staff and very helpful will be using every week
January 22, 2025
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Hi S. Floyd,
Thanks for your review.
Welcome to the area and we hope you enjoy Dorcan and your new membership!
Warm Regards
Hazal
Lovely people, dirty changing rooms
I’ll start with the positives, the staff and fellow users of the pool I’m using are friendly. But the changing facilities are a disgrace. It is very dirty, and you never see anyone cleaning between sessions. The showers are but a drizzle of freezing cold water. If it is too expensive to supply hot water then at least give us some water pressure,so that we can rinse and get it over with. Equally, there was no water in the hand sink tap previously, or soap for that matter, so unable to wash hands after using the toilet facility.
Might I suggest, that people should have to take their shoes off before entering the changing facility, at least then, the floor wouldn’t be covered in outdoor muck, which we then have to walk on , before and after entering the pool. Other pools insist on a no footwear policy, which makes a huge difference.
On the plus side the pool area is clean(no shoes here!) and the pool is a good temperature and room for a good swim.
November 25, 2024
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good Afternoon Mrs. RS Wilson,
Thank you for taking the time to share your review with us. We genuinely appreciate your feedback.
It brings us great joy to learn that you are enjoying the pool facilities at the Dorcan Recreation Complex. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment, and it’s wonderful to hear that you have found both our staff and fellow members to be friendly and approachable during your visits. Positive interactions like these are so important and contribute to a pleasant experience.
However, we are sincerely sorry to hear about the challenges you encountered regarding the changing facilities and showers. We take these matters very seriously, as we want all our guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I assure you that your feedback will be communicated to our centre management team promptly. They will look into the specific issues you've raised to ensure they are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
Thank you once again for your valuable insights and for being a part of our community. If there are any further details you would like to share or if you have any additional concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Charmaine
Membership Probkem
I have repeatedly tried to change my membership but have had no response. This is poor customer service.
November 18, 2024
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good Evening Stuart,
Thank you for your review.
I am very sorry to hear that you are trying to amend your membership but have received no help.
If you still require assistance with this please respond back to the review and I will then email directly to assist you with the changes.
Hope this helps.
Charmaine
I love my swimming lessons but i wish…
I love my swimming lessons but i wish they would be longer than 30 minutes because i love swimming.
September 7, 2024
Reply from Better - Dorcan Recreation Complex
Good evening Christiana,
We appreciate your feedback.
We are pleased to learn about your positive experience with the swimming lessons at the Dorcan Recreation Complex. We understand your desire for longer sessions, and we regret any inconvenience caused by the standard 30-minute duration. Some members who seek extended lessons opt for an additional membership, enabling them to attend two 30-minute sessions per week. This may be an option worth considering to accommodate your preference for longer sessions.
Sincerely,
Charmaine
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