Bluecoat Sports FAQs
Read answers to our frequently asked questions
Welcome to Bluecoat Sports’ FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our facilities, services, and policies. We’ve compiled this information to help you make the most of your experience with us, whether you’re a current member or considering joining. From membership details to facility amenities, we aim to provide clear and helpful information.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff for further assistance on info@bluecoatsports.co.uk or 01403 247572.
General club questions
What facilities are available?
We’re proud to offer a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities. These include:
- An expansive high-tech gym with a full range of exercise machines and strength training equipment.
- A fully equipped outdoor fitness yard.
- Group exercise studios and sports hall where we hold over 80 fitness classes per week.
- Six tennis courts, six squash courts, badminton, table tennis, and pickleball courts are available for classes, hire, and clubs. Plus, new padel courts are coming in Spring 2025.
- A 25-metre swimming pool for lap swimming, aqua aerobics classes and family swimming.
- A sauna to promote relaxation and recovery.
What is the WiFi password?
AquaSplash
What are your opening hours?
- Monday – Thursday: 06:30-22:00
- Friday: 06:30-21:00
- Saturday – Sunday: 07:00-18:00
Is there a café or restaurant on-site?
Yes, we have a newly refurbished café on site. It is open to the public, not just members, and serves hot drinks, smoothies and snacks. Find out more about the café.
What are the Gallery Café opening hours?
- Monday: 09:00-14:00 16:00-18:30
- Tuesday: 09:00-14:00 16:00-18:30
- Wednesday: 09:00-14:00 16:00-18:30
- Thursday: 09:00-14:00 16:00-18:30
- Friday: 09:00-14:00 16:00-18:30
- Saturday: 09:00-13:00
- Sunday: 09:00-13:00
*Please note, during the School Holidays, the Gallery Café will not reopen in the afternoon.*
Is there a crèche or childcare facilities?
Unfortunately, we do not currently have a suitable space within the BCS building for a crèche to happen. Studio 1, where the crèche was situated prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, is now used for classes each morning. We are always looking at how we might make more effective use of the space we have within the footprint of the current BCS building, and planning for a crèche space is high on the list of desirable outcomes or any repurposing of the space.
We do offer a range of parent and baby classes, where you can bring your baby along while you workout. Learn more about our parent and baby classes.
Is there parking and is it free?
Yes, we have a car park for Bluecoat Sports members, and parking is free. Please ensure you park in an allocated bay. Charges will apply to those parked outside of the allocated bays.
Are there lockers for storing personal belongings?
Yes, lockers are available in the changing rooms and the Fitness Suite. You will need to bring a £1.00 or locker token to access the locker (which will be returned upon returning your locker key).
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, we have both male, female and disabled changing facilities on-site.
Are there baby-changing facilities?
Yes, baby-changing facilities are in our changing rooms and the disabled toilet.
Are there water fountains?
Yes, there are two free water fountains. One in our reception area and one in the Fitness Suite.
You can also purchase water bottles or other refreshments in our vending machine or at the Gallery Café, our on-site cafe.
What payment methods do you accept?
We are a cashless facility, so we only accept card payments. The Gallery Café accepts both cash and cards.
How old do I need to be to join?
Our Junior membership starts at age 0. For further information on how old you need to be to access various areas of the Club, please contact info@bluecoatsports.co.uk.
Can I use the electric car charging points in the Christ’s Hospital Car Park?
Yes, to use the electric car charging points, please visit the Christ’s Hospital reception during their opening hours. Outside of their opening hours, please email cjb@christs-hospital.org.uk in advance of your visit.
Can my child take part in an activity without a parent present?
No child under eight years of age will be allowed to use the Club’s facilities, except:
- When accompanied by an adult, or responsible person.
- When taking part in a coached activity, where an adult, or responsible person must remain in the building for the duration of the activity.
Membership questions
What types of memberships do you offer?
We offer a wide range of memberships to suit different needs and lifestyles. They are:
- Full
- Off Peak
- Rackets Only
- PAYGO
- PAYGO+
- Junior
- Junior Plus
- Teen
- Young Person
Can non-members use the facilities?
Our fitness suite, classes, and racket sports are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. The swimming pool is open to members and their guests only.
Do you offer corporate memberships?
Local businesses can enjoy the benefits of our full membership with a 15% discount and no joining fee. If you would like to start a Corporate membership for your business, please get in touch today.
How can I cancel or freeze my membership?
If you pay your membership fee monthly by direct debit, you must ensure that we receive the notice of cancellation by the 20th day of the month before your membership ceases to ensure we have sufficient time to take action on your notice of cancellation. Your written notice of cancellation must be either emailed to info@bluecoatsports.co.uk or sent to the Membership Team at the Club Office.
If you have paid your Membership Fee annually in advance (in return for our discounted annual subscription fees), your Membership will automatically be cancelled at the end of the 12-month membership period unless you renew it. Requests to cancel an annual Membership before the end of the 12-month period will not normally be considered, but any extenuating circumstances should be put in writing to the Membership Team at the Club Office.
Can I bring a guest?
For a small fee, members can bring up to three guests to the swimming pool, racket sports activities, or fitness suite at one time.
You do not need to book your guests activity ahead of visiting, simply check-in at reception to enter your guests details and pay the guest fee.
Please note, all guests must be doing the same activity as the member.
Do you offer student discounts?
We offer student memberships for only £10 per week. These aren’t contracted, so you can pay for any week you’d like to use our facilities.
Do you have accessibility features for members with disabilities?
For further information, please contact us on info@bluecoatsports.co.uk, where our team will assist you further.
Are there any social events or clubs for members?
We regularly host internal events for members to get involved in. Learn more about our upcoming events.
We also have a number of sports clubs that use our facilities. Learn more about sports clubs at Bluecoats.
Can I try out the facilities before committing to a membership?
We offer free tours of our facilities, so you can look around and learn more about what we offer. You can also use our pay-as-you-go membership to try out our classes and our gym before signing up for a monthly or annual contract.
When will my first payment be taken?
Your first payment will be taken on the day you purchase your membership. When purchasing a monthly membership, your first payment will be a pro-rata amount due for the rest of the month. Your first direct debit will be taken on the 1st of the following month.
What happens if one of my payments fails?
If your membership payment fails, our Membership Administrator will contact you to confirm how you can make the failed payment.
Swimming pool questions
What is the temperature of the pool?
Our swimming pool is 29.5 degrees.
What is the depth of the pool?
Our swimming pool is shallow on both ends (at 1m deep) and deepest in the middle (at 1.8m deep).
Are there lifeguards on duty?
Yes, a lifeguard is on duty during all swimming sessions. They have all passed the official NPLQ qualification and undergo regular training.
Do you offer swimming lessons?
When can I put my child on the waiting list for after-school swimming lessons?
The Swim Academy is currently at full capacity, with extensive waiting lists. In light of this, we will not be taking any new enquiries for after-school swimming lessons until January 2025.
What age can children use the sauna?
The sauna can be used from the age 16+.
Racket sports questions
Can I hire racket equipment?
If you don’t own your own equipment, you are welcome to rent our rackets for £1.00 (a refundable deposit of £5.00 will be charged upon hire and refunded upon the safe return of the equipment).
How far in advance can I book a court?
As a member, you can book a court eight days in advance (to the time of the activity).
As a PAYGO+ member, you can book a court four days in advance (to the time of the activity).
As a PAYGO member, you can book a court one day in advance (to the time of the activity).
How long do I have the court for?
Our court bookings are 45 minutes at a time.
Fitness classes questions
Can I book classes online?
Yes, all of our classes can be booked online using our online timetable. This is for members and PAYGO users. Book online.
What group fitness classes do you provide?
We offer a diverse range of exercise classes for people of all ages and abilities. With over 80 classes per week, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Choose from aerobic, strength, body and mind, Les Mills, core stability, racket sports and water fitness classes.
When can I book classes?
Members can book classes eight days in advance, to the time of the class/activity taking place. PAYGO+ members can book four days in advance, to the time of the class/activity taking place. PAYGO members can book one day in advance to the time of the class/activity taking place.
Why is spin called indoor cycling?
Spin is a registered trademark of a particular type of indoor cycling bike. We can’t call our classes spin classes because we do not use these spin bikes.
Gym questions
Do you offer personal training services?
Yes, several fully qualified personal trainers work at Bluecoat Sports. They all offer personal training services and cater to various needs and preferences, including nutrition, ante and postnatal fitness, strength and boxing.
Do you offer gym inductions?
We offer inductions for Full/Off-Peak members. This is a 30-minute appointment during which our expert fitness team will walk you through how to set up the equipment safely and correctly.
How do I enter the gym?
To access the gym, you will need to check in with your allocated key fob at reception. This will then allow you to scan you key fob at the gym doors (accessed at the top of the stairs).
What are the Off-Peak hours in the gym?
Off-Peak hours are Monday-Friday, up until 17:00 (excluding Bank Holidays).
What age can children use the weights area?
The weight equipment in the Fitness Suite is suitable for 16+ only. Teens aged 14-15 years can use the Fitness Suite up until 18:00 and with parent/guardian supervision (or in our Junior Circuits/Teen Gym classes).
Expansion questions
We’re excited to be having work to expand our facilities at Bluecoat Sports. This includes new padel courts, a 400m running track and an exercise adventure trail.
