Aquaterra is a not for profit company that's commissioned by Islington council to provide leisure services to the borough. They have quite a few places all over islington and my nearest is Archway leisure. Members can also use facilities from other councils at a discounted rate.
I've been a member with this group for around 18 months and very happy indeed. Its not luxury, occasionally the showers are cold and there is a distinct lack of polish but it does the job. It costs me a mere £250 a year for unlimited swimming and off peak gym plus discounts on a whole range of things including climbing and squash.
The main reason I went with these guys is that in most of their locations they have full size pools with lane swimming, even at the leisure centre round the corner from me and next to Archway Underground; albeit with restricted hours. The gym is as good as any chain and the trainers dont bug you for extra business every few mins unlike the more commercial gyms. The quality of the classes are excellent and the trainers great.
I never feel that I'm just a customer, there just to be sold more overpriced stuff. Although its basic people from all walks of life come from doctors, accountants, tube drivers, students, office men or housewives, something thats really refreshing having used corporate gyms! The place is as clean as anywhere (The council places have to be especially stringent with health and safety standards) though I have to admit one has to arrive twenty mins after the kids session ends!
On top of that there is an iphone app called "splashpath" that connects to the pool's timetable and tells you when they are open with the sessions they are doing (they change in school holidays) letting you plan and log your swims.
So, for the amount you pay, the range of activities, the way you're treated and the convenience it gets five stars. I'd expect more in terms of "luxury" if I was paying the industry average (more than double) but I'm not and I get to swim!
This place is officially awesome! read more