Brookes Sport
Oxford, OX2 9AT, GB
Rating: 3.9 ★ (46 ratings)
Details
Oxfordshire's premier climbing and bouldering wall can be found at Brookes Sport in Headington, welcoming both seasoned climbers and curious newcomers to its varied routes. Beyond the climbing arena, extensive, well-equipped gyms cater to all fitness pursuits, from cardio enthusiasts to those focused on strength and conditioning with an array of machines and free weights. Across its two centres, Brookes Sport also offers over 40 weekly fitness classes, providing a diverse timetable to explore everything from high-energy workouts to calming Pilates sessions. For those who prefer team activities or individual court sports, facilities for badminton and squash are readily available for casual hire or more structured training and competition. This vibrant hub serves not just students and staff of Oxford Brookes University, but also warmly welcomes the wider community to utilise its comprehensive sporting amenities.
Visitors seeking outdoor activities will find high-quality, meticulously maintained grass and artificial pitches suitable for training, competitive matches, or simply a casual kickabout. The centre even boasts a boathouse on a remarkable 10km stretch of the Thames, recognised as one of the country's finest non-tidal rowing waters. Beyond physical pursuits, Brookes Sport fosters a social atmosphere, with spaces like the Sports Bar and Breton Café providing a place for students and community members to connect. Membership options are flexible, with choices for monthly or annual commitments and no joining fees or minimum contract lengths, making it accessible for regular users and occasional visitors alike. Pay-as-you-go options are also available for many facilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to engage in an active lifestyle.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 534100
Comments
This gym is a wreck, yet they keep raising the prices — which, honestly, I'd love an explanation for. Are we paying extra for the ambiance of unchecked mould on the walls? Because I notified them about it over a year ago, and not only did they ignore it, but the mould has spread like it’s aiming for a takeover.
The equipment? Old, broken, or just sticky with... whatever it is, because it clearly hasn’t seen a cleaning cloth in ages. When a machine breaks, expect it to stay broken for months, like a permanent "Out of Order" exhibit.
And don't get me started on the mirrors and lighting. Half the mirrors are cracked or just gross, and the lights? Flip a coin if you’re there at night; it’s a game of “Will I Be Working Out in the Dark?” every time.
Summer workouts are an absolute joy, too — no air conditioning. But hey, they’ve got a big, dusty fan that looks like it’s still holding onto particles from the pandemic. Real commitment to hygiene there.
So, bottom line? Save your money, your time, and maybe even your health.
The quality of this gym has become unacceptable. Management clearly gave up on it and are just waiting to shut.