Stratford-upon-Avon Gyms Compared: Prices, Pools & Contracts (Jan 2026 Guide)
It is that time of year again. The mince pies are gone, the guilt has set in, and everyone in Stratford-upon-Avon is Googling “gym memberships.”
But finding the right gym isn’t easy. Some hide their prices behind “enquire now” forms, while others trap you into 12-month contracts you’ll regret by March. To save you the legwork, we have compared the town’s top fitness centres to see who offers the best value, the best pools, and the fairest contracts for 2026.
Whether you want a budget 24/7 iron paradise or a luxury spa where you can sit in a robe, here is your definitive guide.
1. The Budget King: PureGym (Maybird Shopping Park)
Best For: Beginners, Students, and Night Owls.
If you just want to lift weights and run on a treadmill without paying for a sauna you’ll never use, PureGym is the unbeatable value option. Located at the Maybird, it’s accessible, huge, and rarely intimidating.
- The Cost: From £27.99 per month (+ £15 joining fee, often waived in Jan sales).
- The Contract: No contract (cancel anytime via the app).
What You Get for Your Money
PureGym is “no frills,” but the equipment list is surprisingly high-end for the price. The gym floor is zoned into distinct areas:
- Cardio Zone: Rows of Matrix treadmills, cross-trainers, and stair climbers. Even at peak times (5pm-7pm), you can usually find a cardio machine free.
- Free Weights: A large area with dumbbells going up to 50kg, multiple squat racks, and Smith machines. Note: This area gets very busy with the after-work crowd.
- Functional Area: A rig for pull-ups, plus kettlebells, medicine balls, and plyo boxes.
- Classes: 50+ free classes a week including “Legs, Bums & Tums” and HIIT circuits.
The Cons: No pool, no sauna. The changing rooms are functional but basic (bring your own padlock!).
Parking Warning: You park in the Maybird retail park, which is free but strictly limited to 4 hours. ANPR cameras are active, so don’t get caught out doing a double session.
2. The All-Rounder: Stratford Leisure Centre (Bridgefoot)
Best For: Swimmers and Families.
Run by Everyone Active, the Council leisure centre is the community hub. It might lack the “boutique” lighting of private clubs, but for facility variety, it is unbeatable.
- The Cost: Approx. £38.50 per month (Direct Debit). Significant discounts available for students, seniors, and “Be Active” cardholders.
- The Contract: Rolling monthly or annual options (annual usually saves you ~10%).
The Facilities
This is the only gym in the town centre with a proper pool. Membership gets you:
- The Pool: A 33m, six-lane main pool perfect for serious lap swimming, plus a teaching pool for kids.
- The Gym: Recently refurbished with TechnoGym kit. It has 100+ stations including integrated TV screens on cardio machines.
- Health Suite: Includes a sauna and steam room—great for recovery after a swim.
- Classes: A huge timetable including Aqua Aerobics (which you can’t get elsewhere) and Les Mills BodyPump.
The Cons: The changing rooms can be busy during school holidays. Parking is Pay & Display, though members can usually get a refund or permit for their session duration.
3. The “Serious” Gym: Xtreme Gyms (Masons Road)
Best For: Bodybuilding, Strength Training, and avoiding “Gym Bros.”
Don’t be intimidated by the name. Xtreme is an independent, family-run gym that prides itself on community. It has arguably the best equipment in the county for serious lifting.
- The Cost: £49.99 per month.
- The Contract: 12-month contract options available.
Why It’s Different
Xtreme isn’t a commercial chain; it’s a “destination gym.”
- The Kit: They use premium Hammer Strength and Panatta plate-loaded machines. If you are serious about leg day, their selection of leg presses and hack squats is unmatched in Stratford.
- The Vibe: Capped membership means no waiting for machines. The atmosphere is focused but friendly—it’s where the personal trainers themselves go to train.
- Extras: They run their own “Xtreme Bootcamps” (often included or discounted for members) which are intense, military-style outdoor circuits.
The Cons: No pool. It’s a warehouse vibe with loud music, which isn’t for everyone.
4. The Luxury Escape: Billesley Manor Health Club
Best For: Wellness, Spa Lovers, and over-40s.
If you view the gym as a place to relax rather than sweat, Billesley Manor is the choice. Located 3 miles out of town in a 16th-century manor house, it feels like a retreat.
- The Cost: “Mindful” membership starts at £62.00 per month; “Nurture” (more benefits) is £75.00.
- The Contract: Minimum term applies (usually 3 or 12 months).
The Spa Experience
You are paying for the environment here. The gym itself is small but functional (perfect for a light cardio session), but the “Wet Side” is the draw:
- The Pool: A stunning indoor pool with loungers. It’s rarely crowded, making it perfect for a peaceful dip.
- Relaxation: A high-quality sauna and steam room.
- Tennis: Access to outdoor tennis courts is often included.
- The Yoga Hut: A dedicated space for holistic classes.
The Cons: It’s a drive out of town. If you want to lift heavy weights, the gym floor might feel limited compared to PureGym or Xtreme.
5. The Middle Ground: Anytime Fitness (Maybrook Road)
Best For: Convenience and Global Travellers.
Located near the train station, Anytime Fitness offers a premium 24/7 experience. It fits neatly between the budget of PureGym and the price of the health clubs.
- The Cost: Rolling monthly is approx £49.95, but this drops to around £38/mo if you pre-pay for a year.
- The Contract: Rolling and 12-month options. Note there is usually a one-off £20 fob fee.
Key Features
- Global Access: Your purple key fob gets you into any Anytime Fitness in the world. If you travel for work, this is a massive benefit.
- Bathrooms: Unlike the open locker rooms at leisure centres, Anytime Fitness offers private, individual bathrooms with showers—great for privacy.
- Equipment: Solid range of Life Fitness cardio and strength machines. It’s rarely as chaotic as the budget gyms.
The Cons: No pool or spa facilities.
Summary Table: Stratford Gym Prices (Jan 2026)
| Gym | Monthly Cost | Pool? | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureGym | £27.99 | No | Value & 24/7 Access |
| Leisure Centre | £38.50 | Yes (33m) | Swimming & Sauna |
| Xtreme Gyms | £49.99 | No | Elite Equipment |
| Anytime Fitness | £49.95 | No | Private Bathrooms |
| Billesley Manor | £62.00+ | Yes (Luxury) | Spa & Relaxation |
3 Insider Tips Before You Join
- Check the Joining Fee: Gyms notoriously wave the joining fee (usually £15-£30) in January. If they haven’t advertised it on their website, call them. They have sales targets to hit this month.
- The “Free Pass” Trick: Never join a gym without trying it first. PureGym offers Day Passes, and Xtreme/Anytime often allow a free trial session if you call ahead. Check the showers, check the peak-time crowding, and check the vibe.
- Corporate Discounts: If you work for a major employer in Stratford (like the NFU or the District Council), ask if they have a corporate rate with the Leisure Centre or Wildmoor. You could save 10-20%.
