Leisure centres in Kensington and Chelsea

Pay and Play

The Kensington and Chelsea residents' Pay and Play card is a free annual membership available to those who live in Kensington and Chelsea. Find out how to get yours.

 

Opening times

Kensington Leisure Centre

Day Opening times
Mondays to Fridays 6.30am to 10pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 8am to 8pm

 

Chelsea Sports Centre

day opening times
Mondays to Fridays 6.30am to 10pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 8am to 8pm

 *Please note that this centre will close at 5pm instead of 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays

If you are an RBKC resident you are entitled to a free Pay and Play membership. Sign up on the Better website

For more information regarding your membership visit the Better website.

 

Background information

 

Kensington Leisure Centre opened to the public on Monday 2 March 2015 and is a result of a £29.4m investment from the Council.

Work began back in December 2012 and the new centre replaces one built in the mid 1970s, which itself replaced the Victorian Lancaster Road baths.

Despite a major refurbishment in 2001 the facilities were simply not tailored to the health needs and pastimes of local people.

Find out other highlights of the new fully accessible leisure centre:

 

Facilities

The new centre has a state-of-the-art 120 station gym. It contains the latest cardio and resistance machines, free weights and functional fitness kit. Other facilities include: 

  • 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool for teaching and swimming at all levels
  • 250-seat spectator gallery
  • 20-metre teaching pool with mobile floor
  • eight-court multi-use hall
  • two Squash courts
  • two fitness studios
  • sauna/steam facilities with treatment rooms
Background information

 

The centre retains its historical charm, while offering a wide range of modern leisure, fitness and sporting activities for local residents and visitors alike.

The centre is managed by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), on behalf of the Council. 

Kensington and Chelsea residents' Pay and Play card

Kensington and Chelsea residents' Pay and Play card is a free annual membership. It is available to those who live in Kensington and Chelsea, giving access to a range of discounted activities. You can use this card at Kensington Leisure Centre and Chelsea Sports Centre. It includes:

  • up to 50% discounts off activity prices
  • FREE swimming for children aged under 8 at specified times
  • young people aged 8–15 years swim for £1 at specified times
  • access to a wide range of activities
  • access to courses and other member-only activities and facilities
  • easy online booking and payment
  • up to 14 days advance online booking and 7 days advance telephone booking

To find out more, speak to a member of staff at your local Better leisure centre.

To sign up to your free residents Pay and Play card, visit the Better website.

Last updated: 10 January 2022