Finding the perfect gym can transform your fitness journey from a chore into a lifestyle you genuinely enjoy. Whether you’re looking for luxury facilities with spa-like amenities, budget-friendly options with 24/7 access, or specialised boutique studios, the UK offers an impressive range of fitness centres to suit every preference and goal. We’ve researched and compiled this comprehensive guide to the top 20 gyms across the United Kingdom to help you make an informed decision about where to invest your time and energy in 2024.
1. Third Space
Location: Multiple locations across London including Canary Wharf, Soho, City, Mayfair, Islington, and Moorgate
Coverage: London-based luxury chain
Unique Facilities
- 13m climbing wall (Canary Wharf location)
- Hypoxic chamber for altitude training
- Medical centre with physiotherapy
- Luxury spa with Himalayan salt wall sauna
- 25m swimming pools at select locations
- Combat cage for martial arts training
Membership Options
- Single club membership from £180 per month
- Multi-club access from £230 per month
- Corporate rates available
- No joining fee for annual commitments
- Day passes available for £30
Pros
- Exceptional range of high-end facilities
- Luxury changing rooms with premium toiletries
- Expert trainers and instructors
- Comprehensive class timetable
- Never overcrowded due to membership caps
Cons
- Premium pricing may be prohibitive
- Limited to London locations only
- Can feel intimidating for beginners
- Peak times can still get busy
Experience Luxury Fitness
Third Space offers a complimentary day pass for first-time visitors to experience their world-class facilities.
2. PureGym
Location: Over 300 locations nationwide across all major cities and towns
Coverage: National chain with the largest UK presence
Unique Facilities
- 24/7 access at most locations
- Functional training zones
- Free fitness app with workout plans
- Large free weights areas
- Multiple studio spaces for classes
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £15.99 per month
- Multi-gym access from £22.99 per month
- No contract options available
- Student discounts (up to 30% off)
- Day passes from £8.99
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- No long-term contract required
- 24/7 access fits any schedule
- Wide national coverage
- Good range of equipment
Cons
- Can get extremely busy during peak hours
- Limited amenities (no pools, saunas)
- Basic changing facilities
- Additional charge for some premium classes
Join Without Commitment
Try PureGym with a day pass or join with no contract – cancel anytime.
3. David Lloyd Clubs
Location: Over 100 clubs across the UK in major cities and suburban areas
Coverage: National premium chain
Unique Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor tennis courts
- Multiple swimming pools (indoor/outdoor)
- Dedicated family zones and activities
- Spa facilities and wellness areas
- Padel tennis courts at select locations
- On-site cafés and restaurants
Membership Options
- Individual membership from £80-£120 per month
- Family packages available
- Off-peak options at reduced rates
- Corporate membership schemes
- 3-month minimum commitment typically required
Pros
- Excellent family-friendly facilities
- Wide range of sports beyond gym equipment
- High-quality studios and classes
- Social atmosphere and community feel
- Comfortable relaxation areas
Cons
- Higher price point than standard gyms
- Can get crowded during school holidays
- Joining fees often apply
- Longer contracts than budget alternatives
Experience Premium Family Fitness
David Lloyd offers guest passes for families to experience their premium facilities.
4. The Gym Group
Location: Over 200 locations across the UK in city centres and retail parks
Coverage: National budget chain
Unique Facilities
- 24/7 access at all locations
- Smart entry system via app
- Free fitness app with workout tracking
- Functional training areas
- Regular equipment upgrades
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £14.99 per month
- Multi-gym access from £20 per month
- Student discounts available
- No contract options (cancel anytime)
- Day passes from £6.99
Pros
- Excellent budget option with quality equipment
- No contract flexibility
- 24/7 access suits all schedules
- Clean, well-maintained facilities
- Simple, straightforward approach
Cons
- Limited class offerings compared to competitors
- Basic changing facilities
- No swimming pools or spa facilities
- Can get very busy during peak hours
Affordable 24/7 Fitness
Join The Gym Group with no contract and work out on your schedule.
5. Virgin Active
Location: Over 30 clubs across the UK, primarily in London and major cities
Coverage: National premium chain
Unique Facilities
- Swimming pools at most locations
- Innovative class concepts (Grid Training, Reformer Pilates)
- Spa facilities and relaxation areas
- Dedicated cycling studios
- Racquet sports at select clubs
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £70 per month
- Premium membership from £110 per month
- Corporate rates available
- Off-peak options at reduced rates
- Day passes from £25
Pros
- High-quality equipment and facilities
- Innovative class concepts
- Excellent swimming pools
- Luxury changing rooms with amenities
- Good balance of gym space and studios
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Fewer locations than budget competitors
- Some clubs need refurbishment
- Can be intimidating for beginners
Premium Fitness Experience
Try Virgin Active with a guest pass and experience their premium facilities.
6. Nuffield Health
Location: 112 fitness and wellbeing centres across the UK
Coverage: National health-focused chain
Unique Facilities
- On-site medical centres at many locations
- Swimming pools and spa facilities
- Health MOTs and fitness assessments
- Physiotherapy services
- Nutritional guidance
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £55 per month
- Joint memberships available
- Corporate wellness programmes
- 12-month contracts typical
- Day passes from £20
Pros
- Integrated health and fitness approach
- Medical professionals on-site
- Comprehensive health assessments
- Good swimming facilities
- Less crowded than budget gyms
Cons
- Higher price point
- Longer contract commitments
- Some locations need updating
- Less focus on cutting-edge fitness trends
Health-Focused Fitness
Experience Nuffield Health’s integrated approach with a free health MOT when you visit.
7. Fitness First
Location: 45 clubs across the UK, concentrated in London and major cities
Coverage: National mid-range chain
Unique Facilities
- Swimming pools at select locations
- Dedicated class studios
- Functional training zones
- Freestyle group training areas
- Digital fitness tracking
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £35 per month
- Multi-club access from £55 per month
- Off-peak options available
- Student discounts
- Day passes from £15
Try Fitness First
Experience Fitness First with a 3-day trial pass at your local club.
8. Gymbox
Location: 10 locations across London
Coverage: London-based boutique chain
Unique Facilities
- Nightclub-inspired atmosphere with DJs
- Olympic-sized boxing rings
- Unconventional classes (e.g., Circus Training)
- Dedicated combat areas
- Holistic studios for yoga and pilates
Membership Options
- Single club from £70 per month
- Multi-club access from £110 per month
- Off-peak options available
- Corporate rates
- Day passes from £20
“Gymbox isn’t just a place to work out—it’s an experience. With its nightclub atmosphere and unconventional classes, it completely transforms what a gym can be.”
Experience the Unconventional
Try Gymbox’s unique approach to fitness with a day pass.
9. 1Rebel
Location: 8 studios across London
Coverage: London-based boutique studio chain
Unique Facilities
- Luxury boutique studios
- Signature classes: Reshape, Rumble, Ride
- Premium changing facilities with toiletries
- Live DJs for select classes
- Shake bars for post-workout nutrition
Membership Options
- Pay-per-class from £20
- Class packages (5, 10, 20 classes)
- Unlimited monthly membership from £220
- Corporate packages
- Intro offer: 2 classes for £30
Perfect for: Those seeking high-intensity, premium boutique fitness experiences with a social atmosphere. 1Rebel specialises in immersive, instructor-led workouts rather than traditional gym facilities.
Join the Rebellion
Experience 1Rebel’s high-energy classes with their intro offer.
10. BLOK
Location: Shoreditch and Clapton in London, Ducie Street in Manchester
Coverage: Boutique studios in London and Manchester
Unique Facilities
- Gallery-like spaces with curated art
- Over 160 classes per week
- Unique class concepts (e.g., BLOKparty, BLOKbreath)
- Vegan cafés at select locations
- Premium changing facilities
Membership Options
- Pay-per-class from £15
- Class packages available
- Unlimited membership from £150 per month
- Digital membership options
- Intro offer: 2 classes for £25
Pros
- Beautiful, Instagram-worthy spaces
- Diverse class offerings
- Excellent instructors
- Community atmosphere
- Holistic approach to fitness
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Limited locations
- No traditional gym equipment
- Classes book up quickly
Experience Art & Fitness
Try BLOK’s unique approach to boutique fitness with their intro offer.
More Top Gyms Across the United Kingdom
11. Barry’s Bootcamp
Location: 7 studios in London
Known for high-intensity interval training in their signature red rooms, combining treadmill work with strength training. Classes cost around £22 each with packages available.
HIIT Specialist
12. F45 Training
Location: Over 40 studios across the UK
Australian-born functional training concept offering 45-minute high-intensity workouts. Membership from £150 per month with intro offers available.
Functional Fitness
13. Energie Fitness
Location: Over 100 clubs nationwide
Budget-friendly chain offering modern facilities and a range of classes. Membership from £19.99 per month with no contract options available.
Budget-Friendly
14. Digme Fitness
Location: 6 studios across London and Oxford
Boutique fitness offering cycling, HIIT, and yoga classes with performance tracking technology. Classes from £20 with packages and memberships available.
Performance Tracking
15. JD Gyms
Location: Over 70 locations across the UK
Budget-friendly chain with a premium feel, offering modern equipment and a range of classes. Membership from £19.99 per month with no contract options.
Best Value
16. Bannatyne Health Club
Location: Over 70 clubs across the UK
Full-service health clubs with swimming pools, spas, and extensive gym facilities. Membership from £45 per month with various tiers available.
Full-Service
17. Anytime Fitness
Location: Over 175 clubs across the UK
24/7 access gyms with global reciprocity, allowing members to use any Anytime Fitness worldwide. Membership from £35 per month.
Global Access
18. Xercise4Less
Location: Over 50 gyms across the UK
Budget chain offering large facilities with dedicated zones for different training styles. Membership from £14.99 per month with no contract options.
Budget Champion
19. Psycle London
Location: 5 studios across London
Boutique wellness brand offering cycling, barre, strength, and yoga classes. Classes from £22 with packages and memberships available.
Wellness Focus
20. DW Fitness First
Location: Over 120 clubs across the UK
Coverage: National mid-range chain
Unique Facilities
- Swimming pools at many locations
- Extensive cardio and resistance equipment
- Dedicated class studios
- Functional training zones
- Steam rooms and saunas at select clubs
Membership Options
- Standard membership from £29.99 per month
- Premium membership from £45 per month
- Off-peak options available
- Student discounts
- Day passes from £10
Swimming Pools
Family-Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Gyms
What should I look for when choosing a gym in the UK?
When selecting a gym, consider: location and convenience, contract terms and flexibility, equipment variety and quality, class offerings if important to you, additional facilities like pools or saunas, peak time busyness, and overall atmosphere. Visit during the time you plan to work out to get a realistic experience.
Are gym contracts in the UK legally binding?
Yes, gym contracts are legally binding agreements. However, UK consumer protection laws provide some safeguards. Many gyms now offer no-contract options with monthly rolling agreements. Always read the terms carefully before signing, particularly regarding cancellation policies and notice periods.
What’s the difference between budget and premium gyms?
Budget gyms (£15-25/month) typically offer basic equipment, limited classes, minimal staff, and fewer amenities. Premium gyms (£70+ per month) provide extensive equipment, numerous classes, swimming pools, spa facilities, towel service, luxury changing rooms, and more personalised service. Mid-range options (£30-60/month) offer a balance between the two.
Can I try a gym before committing to membership?
Most UK gyms offer trial options, including day passes (£5-25), free guest passes, or introductory offers (e.g., £10 for first week). Boutique studios often have discounted first-class rates. Always ask about trial options before committing to a full membership.
Finding Your Perfect Gym in the United Kingdom
The UK fitness landscape offers something for everyone, from luxury health clubs with comprehensive facilities to budget-friendly chains with 24/7 access. When choosing from the top 20 gyms in United Kingdom, consider your personal fitness goals, budget, preferred workout style, and location convenience.
Many of the gyms featured in this guide offer trial periods or day passes, allowing you to experience the facilities firsthand before committing to a membership. Take advantage of these opportunities to find the perfect fitness environment that will keep you motivated and help you achieve your health and wellness goals in 2024.
Start Your Fitness Journey Today
Most gyms on our list offer free trials or discounted first visits. Choose a gym that matches your goals and take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
