Saying it shuts at 3pm, tried ringing at 2pm on the phone for over 15 mins. Arrived at the centre to find the door shut at 2:20pm. Paying for my membership but can’t access the service annoyingly wasting my petrol and time to get there
I love this place. The staff and facilities are second to none, however there are some issues, if improved could make it even better! Swimming - only one lane that caters for the doggie paddler all the way up to Michael Phelps, which is extremely frustrating for all. I have stopped going as toes and arms are going everywhere and makes a decent swim a challenge due to start/ stop a lot of the time. The gym is where I really do believe there is an accident waiting to happen. Although you have gym etiquette signs displayed throughout the gym it is blatantly obvious that these are completely ignored by many. Some members think that when they are in there, it's their gym. I've seen members walking around the gym with no trainers (constantly), wearing training bottoms that are that long, it's beyond belief how they have not fallen over and hurt their self ( there is a lot of nasty equipment in there to inadvertently headbutt). My favourite is where you see someone on a running machine, they then leave it going at a good old speed, then go on to another bit of equipment, to then hop back on the running machine whilst it's in mid flow ( i shudder to think what would happen if someone didn't realise it was going and tried to hop on). Another good one I've seen is someone using the step machine whilst using weights (thats and accident waiting to happen). Last point is the younger members, some must be 16 at best. I see some of them training, and it makes me look away, as some of them are trying to lift weights that must be nearly touching their body weight. I asked one of the staff the other day if it was OK to leave your kit over the floor for someone to potentially fall over (which will happen), and he didn't know? If a member of staff us manning the desk in the gym surely he needs the information on what he should be monitoring? , gym rules? Etc.. I'm not usually one for moaning about a gym, I like to turn up, get my training done, and get home. That said, I do believe in gym etiquette, respect for others using the facilities, and most importantly Health and safety. There is a big accident waiting to happen if some matters are not addressed soonest.
The gym seriously needs to rethink its equipment layout. There is constantly a queue during peak times for the lat pulldown and the cable machines — sometimes 4–5 people deep. Meanwhile, a large area is taken up by hanging bars that barely get used. That space could be repurposed far more efficiently with additional cable stations or pulldown machines. These changes wouldn’t even require a big budget — just better organisation and analysing the flow of people. There’s already the DOSE studio for bar/mat-style activities, so dedicating prime gym floor space to hanging bars feels wasteful. Improvements like this should really be implemented ASAP rather than waiting for the long-term leisure centre relocation. There are frequent situations where groups of under-18s occupy a single machine for 45–60 minutes, often more hanging around than training. It’s great that they’re being active, but it becomes impossible for others to use the equipment. A minimum age limit or mandatory adult supervision would make a huge difference to keeping things fair for everyone. Overall, the gym has potential, but small, sensible changes to equipment layout and usage rules would dramatically improve the experience.
Been coming to this particular facility for the last 3 - 4 years to use the gym, the choice of equipment is good; from machines to free weights, also some more functional training equipment in the DOSE studio. The equipment in the cardio studio upstairs is a little bit dated, however it's usually pretty easy to get on to whatever you need. People are generally friendly and helpful, and there are a good few regulars that use the gym at the times I'm there (mornings), so it kind of makes it a social experience. It can get a little busy at certain times, for example when the physios are there on Fridays.
’ve been a DNA member for some time now, and my daughter regularly attends swimming lessons at the centre. I want to start by highlighting the fantastic instructors — Paul, Norah, Martin, and Noah on the kids' swimming side — who are all incredibly professional, patient, and engaging. Their dedication really makes a difference in the learning experience. However, I do feel the facilities leave much to be desired. The state of the female changing rooms is frankly appalling and not up to the standard one would expect from a centre of this size and reputation. It’s disappointing to see such neglect in an area that’s essential for comfort and hygiene. Additionally, the new policy around class cancellations feels far too rigid, especially considering how frequently classes are overcrowded. Flexibility is important for members who are trying to balance busy schedules, and this policy doesn’t reflect that. Lastly, while staff interactions in person have generally been fine, my experience over the phone has been frustrating. I called twice this week with queries and felt fobbed off both times. It’s not the level of service I’d expect, and it’s something that definitely needs improvement.
I only give four stars because the changing rooms.Cleaner should sanitize the place every day.I visited the swimming pool today and a changing room was very dirty and smelly.There is no place to hang the towels.Staff kind and always friendly.
Big leisure center with lots to do and lots of facilities and vending machines for drinks and snacks with a good selection of items. Clean and tidy place and the staff are wonderful
As a family of 4 with two young children we would like to be able to go swimming with ease and less fuss. The booking website is ridiculous, cannot book as a family, numerous log ins even for the baby. Why let an adult book a small pool swim session and not have a way to book on the children too? Tried phoning all day with no answer so we don't even know if we can book over the phone. Very complicated when it never used to be like this. It should be simpler for families to swim.
Has all the facilities you need. I play squash here regularly and have no complaints. Used to use the gym and pool also. All good
Disappointed had my daughters birthday party here, No contact what so ever from them At all I booked the party then expected a call or something to tell me what was what as when booking you pay and fill out a form that’s it. On the day of the party which was booked 4-6pm a member of staff came in at 5:50 and started putting chairs and tables away while children was still eating. They got the money and just wasn’t bothered and for the price paid for an hour swim and room hire it was a joke.
Carlton Forum Leisure Centre is located at Coningswath Rd, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 3SH, UK
You can contact Carlton Forum Leisure Centre at +44 115 987 2333
You can find directions to Carlton Forum Leisure Centre by following this map link