Nuffield Health Bristol (Clifton) Fitness & Wellbeing Gym Clifton, Bristol

Reviews

1. Tom Queens ★☆☆☆☆

   I’ve been a member of Nuffield Health Clifton in Bristol for over four years, and I’m cancelling my membership because the gym has gone steadily downhill while the price keeps going up. The fees have increased multiple times, yet the facilities haven’t improved in the slightest. I get more texts about the pool or sauna being closed than I get from my own wife. Every week it seems there’s another message about something being out of order. For a gym that markets itself as anything close to “premium”, it’s become anything but. The standard has dropped dramatically over the past two years, and it’s clear the investment just isn’t going back into the club. I’m fed up paying more for less. After years of loyalty, it’s disappointing to see how little value is left. Hence the cancellation.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Simon MacDonnell ★★★★★

   I had 4?PT sessions with Jasper Badger at Nuffield and they were just brilliant. Really informative and gave me the confidence to use the gym. Would highly recommend Have also been to many classes with all the other instructors over the past few years at the gym and everyone is superb ! Love it.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Bev Allen ★★★★★

   I've been a member at Nuffield Clifton for about 3 years. The gym facilities are good, as are the pool, sauna and steam room, though the changing rooms & showers could do with a little tlc. However, the gym's best asset is their Fitness Manager, Jessica. I began PT sessions with her earlier this year and she's honestly the reason I keep my membership going. If you're looking for an experienced & knowledgeable PT that really listens to your goals, demonstrates & explains exercises well, pushes you just the right amount whilst understanding your limitations, regularly varies & tailors your routines and is also really nice with it, then I can't recommend her highly enough.

   almost 8 months ago

1. Anne ★★☆☆☆

   I’ve been a member of Nuffield Clifton on and off for over 15 years. Unfortunately, it’s clear that the facility has not seen meaningful maintenance or upgrades during that time, despite consistent and significant membership price increases. It now appears the cost of membership is around £115 a month – pricing that suggests a premium experience, but the reality is far from that. Facilities and Cleanliness: The gym feels outdated and poorly maintained. The swimming pool water often looks murky and gives off an odd smell. While it seems a “cleaning team” has been introduced in response to negative reviews, their efforts don’t appear thorough. Surfaces might get wiped down, but deeper cleaning is clearly being neglected. The changing rooms are especially disappointing. Dirty, wet towels are often left lying around. The cover sheets in changing rooms are visibly caked in muck, makeup, and grime. Showers frequently contain hair, plasters, and general residue. Lockers are outdated and could benefit from a full refurbishment. The cleanliness of the shower area continues to be a concern. There is frequently visible hair in the drains and on the floors, suggesting that these areas are not being adequately cleaned or checked throughout the day. The showers themselves appear old and rusted, with grime accumulating around the fittings, making them look neglected and unhygienic. In the changing rooms, the sheet pullovers used on benches are often stained with make-up, dirt, and general grime, which is not only off-putting but raises concerns about sanitation standards. Small but noticeable issues such as paint peeling near the hand dryers and a faulty shower cubicle door — which is almost coming off. Classes and Studios: Pilates and other studio spaces are also poorly managed. One of the Pilates rooms currently contains building equipment scattered across the floor. In a recent class, there was even a pot noodle left in the corner – not quite the calm, clean environment you’d expect from a health and wellbeing venue. Gym Equipment and Amenities: Many machines do not support Bluetooth connectivity, and screens that used to play Sky Sports have been removed. This removes a once-popular feature that added to the gym experience. Suggested Improvements: • Clean the changing rooms regularly and thoroughly – not surface wipes, but a full, scheduled clean with accountability. • Swimming pool loungers – invest in heated ones like other clubs offer. • Sports access on gym screens – reinstate Sky Sports or a similar subscription for gymgoers. • Steam room – update it fully, not just patch repairs. • Make the cleaning team effective – provide training or oversight to ensure the job is done properly. • Locker replacement – update the lockers to provide a more modern, functional experience. • General maintenance – ensure studio spaces are free from construction gear or leftover food. • Transparency on pricing – if fees increase, members deserve to see tangible improvements.

   almost 11 months ago
2. H T ★★★★☆

   I had a good return here for 1 afternoon only, visiting for the first time since my student days in 2011-14. The gym floor has been reconfigured, with newer machines and a larger, better situated free weights area. I also used the swimming pool and sauna, which are fantastic for the Clifton location. Unfortunately, the changing rooms and lockers are way past their best and in other areas the decor is worn, with wiring left exposed. Repairs also appear to have been abandoned, with errant ladders lying about. I suspect the facility hasn’t been given much care since at least 2011, accounting for its deterioration. This place just about manages a 4* but they urgently need to invest in the facilities, especially in the changing rooms.

   1 year ago
3. Katie ★★☆☆☆

   I noticed an odd smell from the drains/shower heads of the ladies' showers and didn't think anything of it, but after my first week of using both showers and sauna, I felt unwell and was told I had picked up a water-borne infection (which is now affecting my kidneys). My membership can only be frozen however, not closed, as I have to give a whole month's paid notice...I recommend David Lloyd for cleaner facilities and shall not be going back in a hurry.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Tyler Peck ★☆☆☆☆

   For some reason my previous review was deleted. Unfortunately the gym has gone downhill, it’s over subscribed and too busy even off peak times. There isn’t enough squat racks and too much cardio equipment. There’s only one bench press and they for some reason have a reverse incline bench. No smith machine and the equipment is unfortunately technogym. The gym is penny pinching too, the heating or air conditioning is rarely used and it’s common for the gym to be too hot or cold. The cardio machines will be turned off with signs on them saying they are off to save energy. The sauna temperature is 85 degrees when it was 93-95 before and you can feel the difference. The same for the hot water temperature. It’s not a premium gym anymore and unfortunately too busy and trying to save money and the experience has suffered. Unfortunately there aren’t really any alternatives nearby unless you go to David Lloyd.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Jay Ellis ★★☆☆☆

   Gym standards have slipped recently. Way too many new users which has resulted in peak times being a complete no go unless you want to wait 20 mins for a bench, staff are clearly aware of this so they've posted pictures of when the gym is less busy upon entry. If I can't go at lunch I'm having to wait until post 7:30. The price however has continued to climb to the point where it's not reflective of the service, the equipment is standard and the pool area not much improved since what looks like the 90s. Getting a locker is a roll of the dice and most are on their last legs. Compared to other Nuffields this is grossly overpriced. The staff are friendly and helpful and the classes ok when you can get a spot. I'd recommend trying a David Lloyd or bannatynes down In Redland, zero point in getting a peak membership here.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Buzz Killington ★★★☆☆

   The pool, classes and location are the best things about this place. If you won't get value from these, I'd go elsewhere, particularly given the nearly £100/month this place charges. The building itself is a bit cramped for space, especially when busy. The changing facilities are can feel old and dirty, think broken lockers, smell of mould in the showers, etc.

   almost 3 years ago

1. David De-U ★★★★☆

   This is a nice gym for the price. It has most of the facilities to get you healthy. May be missing a few if you're into body building. I feel the swimming pool and sauna area could do with a little update to make it feel more premium. A drinking tap in that area would also be good. It's focused around families and you can bring your little ones to the gym for around £17 a month. Swimming is included in the membership for kids. They have a crèche area for kids re-opening in December so you can do classes and let your kids play in a safe space while you train. All in all a good gym. Just needs a little refit on parts to put it in line with the premium brand.

   almost 4 years ago

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