Highbury Pool and Fitness Centre

I must say, I had never been to a fitness centre in London, so maybe my expectations were a little too high, but I really was a little taken back by how dirty the locker room was. Granted, it was in the afternoon and all of the little kids that had just gotten out of school were running around after their swim lessons, so maybe that contributed to the look of the facility. Nevertheless, it just seemed to be poorly maintained. The key I used for the lock had a broken wrist band, so I had to try to hold it in my hand the entire time I was swimming.

The entry fee for a non member was only 3.90 pounds so that is one plus side if you don't mind changing in grime. The pool I will admit was nice, but during the time of day that I went it was packed (around 5:30pm). At first there were two lap lanes for swimming, but it was reduced to one at 6pm to allow more room for swim lessons. I'm sure the place is much nicer when it is not so busy. I'd say if you can go when all of the kids are in school, that is probably your best bet. I have not tried out the rest of the work out options at the place although I glanced at the weight/aerobic room and it didn't look too bad, but it did appear to be quite full.

Bottom line, if you like to work out in peace, this is probably not the best place for you if you can only go after you get off of work in the evenings. However, if you have a flexible schedule, and you want to save some money, and you don't mind a little grime in the locker room, this migh... read more

I've only tried the Swimming pool and not the Fitness Centre. The pool is pretty big, there are either 3 or 4 lanes and it is open from 6.30am to 10pm except on Saturdays and Sunday where it opens at 7.30am and on Saturdays it closes at 7.45pm.

I've gone twice now and once it was packed and it was just annoying, at the end we were 10 people in the same lane! However the last time I went it was great, there were 3 large lanes open and we were only 3 people per lane. I guess you have to be there at the right time...

There is also a small pool for children just beside the main one. Many different classes are given here at the Highbury Pool, you can have just basic swimming lessons or Aqua Aerobics.

The basic entry price is 3,90£.
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