Imagine walking into a club where, instead of a cramped gym with dusty treadmills, you’re greeted by gleaming equipment, inviting swimming pools, sauna‑steam rooms, tennis courts, kids’ activities, and even a place to unwind or socialise. That’s roughly the vision behind David Lloyd Clubs, a premium health and leisure network promising more than just workouts: a full‑on lifestyle upgrade.
But after paying month after month, many begin to wonder: is this membership truly worth the cost, or is it just an expensive gym membership wrapped in fancy amenities?
Membership Plans at David Lloyd – Which One Fits You?
Explore the cost range of membership plans at David Lloyd and find the perfect balance of fitness, wellness, and lifestyle, whether you’re after basic gym access or a full‑service club experience.
Club Membership
This is the most basic/off‑peak tier. You get access to the gym, swimming pool, and group fitness classes, but only during off‑peak hours (weekdays ~11 am‑4 pm, weekends after ~2 pm). It does not include racquet sports, “Blaze” sessions, spa facilities, or guest passes, so it’s best suited for those wanting a simple, low-cost fitness + pool option.
Plus Membership
This is a step up from Club. You get gym, pool, and fitness class access without time restrictions (i.e. any time the club is open). However, like Club, it doesn’t give access to racquet sports, premium “Blaze” workouts, spa retreats or the extra perks that come with higher tiers.
Platinum Membership
Platinum is a full-access package for general fitness + wellness + lifestyle needs. You get: gym + pools + all group classes, racquet‑sports courts, “Blaze” high‑intensity classes, and in many clubs you also enjoy some spa/sauna/steam‑room access (though not necessarily the full “spa‑retreat” facilities). Additional perks often include monthly guest passes, towel service, discounts on food/drinks and kids’ courses, family/child‑friendly facilities (kids’ clubs, courses), and in many cases, access to more than one club location under the same membership (multi‑club access).
Diamond Membership
This is the most premium, all‑inclusive membership tier. It gives unrestricted access to all club facilities across the network, full spa & luxury wellness services, racquet sports, pools, classes, guest passes, multi‑club access (even nationwide), and the maximum flexibility and benefits.
Diamond is ideal for those who want a full lifestyle + wellness + fitness + social club experience, especially frequent users, families, or those who value premium amenities and flexibility (e.g. travel and using different club locations).
14-Day All-Inclusive Fitness & Wellness Trial
Enjoy 14 days of full access to all gym and wellness facilities, with prices ranging from £14 to £35 for the entire period. Your trial includes over 70 fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and HIIT, along with state-of-the-art equipment, swimming pools, spas, and more. After your trial, you’ll also receive access to exclusive offers on memberships, personal training, and wellness services.
What Do You Get with David Lloyd ?
Gain access to a full‑service fitness and lifestyle club, from cutting‑edge gym and heated pools to spa retreats, racquet‑sports courts, group classes and family‑friendly amenities, all under one roof.
Full-Service Gym & Fitness Facilities
David Lloyd provides access to modern cardio machines, weight equipment, and functional training areas. Membership includes a variety of group fitness classes, from HIIT and spinning to yoga and pilates. For swimmers, the heated indoor and outdoor pools ensure year-round access, regardless of the weather.
Wellness, Spa & Relaxation
Membership tiers grant access to saunas, steam rooms, and locker rooms with full amenities. These wellness facilities promote recovery and relaxation, turning the gym experience into a holistic health journey. For those seeking stress relief, the wellness offerings enhance the overall fitness experience.
Racquet Sports & Variety
Higher-tier memberships (Platinum and above) offer access to tennis, squash, and badminton courts. These courts are a rarity in many gyms, providing diverse options for physical activity. Whether competitive or recreational, the variety adds value for those looking beyond traditional workouts.
Family-Friendly & Social Features
David Lloyd caters to families with kids’ programs and supervised play areas, making it easier for parents to balance fitness and family time. The social atmosphere includes cafés and events, creating a sense of community. Multi-club access offers flexibility for members who travel or live in different locations.
Pros: What Makes David Lloyd Worth It?
Comprehensive facilities & lifestyle positioning
David Lloyd clubs offer more than just a gym, they combine fitness, wellness, relaxation, sport, and family facilities. For someone who values variety (gym, pool, spa, racquet sports, family time), this can be a significant advantage.
Flexibility and variety of offerings
With multiple membership tiers, you can choose what suits you best: from basic fitness + pool to full luxury club access. If you pick a mid/high tier, you unlock spa, racquet sports, and even multi‑club usage (great if you travel).
Family-friendly & multi‑generational appeal
If you have kids or want a club that serves the whole household, David Lloyd includes kids’ clubs, swimming classes for children, creche services, making it a family destination rather than just a gym.
Quality & consistency across clubs
Based on many member reviews and club descriptions, facilities tend to be well maintained, modern, and professionally run.
Perceived lifestyle value beyond just fitness
For many, membership isn’t just about lifting or cardio, it’s about relaxation (spa), socializing (clubroom, café), sport & recreation (swimming, tennis), and a “club‑like” lifestyle. That makes the value extend beyond training.
Cons: Where David Lloyd Might Not Be Worth It?
High cost, especially premium tiers
Compared to budget gyms (many of which cost far less), David Lloyd’s price, especially under Platinum or Diamond is high. If you’re only training occasionally or just on basic gym access, the cost might not justify the benefits.
Not all tiers offer full access; limitations at lower tiers
If you go for entry-level membership (Club / Plus / Standard), you may lose access to spa, racquet sports, and guest passes, meaning you don’t get the “full club” experience.
Value depends heavily on use‑frequency and lifestyle
As one user comment from a public forum put it:
“It’s a really nice gym … but if I wasn’t using it 4+ times a week it would feel like a real waste.”
If you barely go, or only use a couple of facilities, you may not get sufficient value for money.
Location & club quality varies
Some clubs reportedly have issues, smaller gyms, oversubscription, or limited space at certain times.
Long-term commitment & potential extra costs
Standard memberships may require 12‑month contracts; even “flexible” memberships often involve initial fees and possibly higher monthly dues.
Tips to Maximize Value from a David Lloyd Membership
Get the most out of your David Lloyd membership by smart usage, frequent visits, and leveraging all perks, turning that monthly fee into a full lifestyle investment.
- Choose the right tier for your needs. If you only need gym + pool, go for Club/Plus; if you want full benefits (spa, racquet, guest passes), Platinum or higher might be justified.
- Use the club often. Frequent visits make a big difference in value, aim for multiple sessions per week (gym, swim, class, spa) to get full benefit.
- Make use of family/children amenities if you have kids, swimming lessons, kids’ club, family sessions increase value.
- Check for promotions or special offers some clubs offer reduced joining fees, discounts, or seasonal deals.
- If traveling or moving around, leverage multi‑club access (if your membership includes it), this flexibility can offer more value than a single‑club membership.
Is David Lloyd Membership Worth It?
Yes, but only if you leverage it fully. For individuals or families committed to using swimming pools, group classes, spa facilities, racquet sports, or bringing children into a family‑friendly club environment, David Lloyd offers excellent value and a premium, comprehensive experience.
If, however, you just want basic gym access, or you’re unlikely to go frequently, the cost often outweighs the benefits. Lower‑cost gyms or budget‑friendly options may be more practical.
In short: David Lloyd membership becomes “worth it” when you treat it as more than a gym, as a holistic health + lifestyle + family club. If you’re only after casual fitness, you may end up paying more than you gain.
FAQs
Is David Lloyd membership worth it if I only need a gym for occasional use?
If you only plan to use the gym occasionally or want to stick to basic fitness, the cost of David Lloyd’s membership may not be justified. You might find more affordable options at local gyms or budget fitness centers.
How do the amenities at David Lloyd compare to budget gyms?
While budget gyms may offer basic gym access and limited equipment, David Lloyd’s premium offerings include luxury amenities like spas, racquet courts, kids’ clubs, and multi‑club access, making it a higher‑value option for those looking for an all‑inclusive fitness experience.
Can I use multiple David Lloyd clubs with one membership?
Yes, certain higher-tier memberships (like Platinum and Diamond) allow you to access multiple David Lloyd clubs across the country, making it a great option for those who travel frequently or live near different locations.
What are the additional costs associated with a David Lloyd membership?
Aside from the monthly fee, you may incur additional costs for services like personal training, guest passes, premium classes (such as “Blaze” sessions), or spa treatments, depending on your membership tier.
How does David Lloyd’s family membership compare to other gyms?
David Lloyd’s family membership is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, with access to kids’ clubs, swimming lessons, crèche services, and family‑friendly spaces, making it ideal for parents looking for a fitness and lifestyle club that caters to both adults and children.
