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The Best Sports Centres and Leisure Centres in Manchester

Manchester is renowned for its diverse culture, vibrant music scene, nightlife, independent shops, world-class Universities and famous football teams.

However, its sports and leisure facilities aren’t too shabby either. If you’re thinking about relocating to this great city and want to find the best place to work out, here are the best sports and leisure centres in Manchester.

Oh, and if you haven’t found your new place yet, make sure to check out UNCLE’s apartments in Manchester.

The best leisure centres and sports centres in Manchester

East Manchester Leisure Centre

This multi-purpose centre offers fitness fans a wide selection of sports equipment. 

From a superb gym, with all the regular cardio equipment, to a fitness class studio, and even two swimming pools, you're spoiled for choice when undertaking your weekly fitness regime. The centre also offers junior gym classes for ages 11 to 17, priced from £5.55 per session.

Located in Beswick, Grey Mare Lane, close to the Etihad football stadium, East Manchester Leisure Centre offers membership prices starting from £22.50 monthly or  £9.65 for non-members.

Belle Vue Leisure Centre

Belle Vue Leisure Centre caters for both local community goers and elite performance professionals. It offers fitness fans two fully equipped gyms: one for general use and another dedicated to female gym-goers only. They also have a junior gym for ages 11 to 17.

Open from Monday to Friday 06.30 to 23.00 and weekends from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Other facilities include multiple indoor courts and halls for basketball, netball and badminton. Prices start from £ 16.99 per month, but there is also a non-membership fee of £9.00 per session for adults and a fee of £5.05 for residents under the MCRactive.

Hough End Leisure Centre

Hough End Leisure Centre, situated at 480 Princess Road, offers customers a wide range of gym facilities. The main gym has 100 Technogym stations and space dedicated to women-only, junior, and disability-friendly classes.

The swimming pool spans over 25 metres and has a depth of 1.0 to 1.8 metres. Other fantastic facilities include a health suite, sauna, steam room, two squash courts, and indoor and outdoor sport pitches perfect for football, rugby, and other club sports.

A basic membership will cost around £16.99 per month, and you can also take advantage of pay-as-you-go adult sessions starting from £9.65 for non-members.

Moss Side Leisure Centre

Moss Side Leisure Centre, based at Hulme High Street, Moss Lane, opens Monday to Friday 06.30 to 22.00 and on weekends from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Moss Side Leisure Centre features a state-of-the-art gym, including a dedicated strength-and-conditioning area. There is also a dedicated zone for women-only and junior gym-goers. This centre has a main pool stretching 25m long with six lanes, and a depth of 1.8 meters. It's also heated to around 29 degrees Celsius, making it an option even in the winter.

Additionally, why not unwind in their luxury sauna and steam rooms? You can also hook up with friends and enjoy group sports like netball, volleyball, and football. Monthly memberships cost around £22.00, and there is also a pay-as-you-go option from £9.65 for non-adult members, and juniors pay £5.65, again a non-member price.

Sugden Sports Centre

Sugden Sports Centre is a well-equipped, multi-sports centre in the heart of Manchester, on Grosvenor Street, serving Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, and the local student community.

Boasting over 150+ stations in our gym with brand-new cardio equipment and a spacious strength training area. Aside from the usual cardio machines, students can play tennis, five-aside football, badminton, and other ball sports.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 06.15 to 22.00 and on weekends 9.00 am to 7.30 pm Students pay an excellent price of just £5.50 per visit, or you can go for a yearly membership at just £190 for use of all the facilities.

North City Family and Fitness

North City Family and Fitness is another community and elite complex governed by MCRactive, a not-for-profit organisation established and overseen by Manchester City Council. Located at Upper Conran Street, Harpurhey, expect the usual facilities like a gym, swimming pool, and health suite. This centre is very family-oriented and includes a four-tier soft-play area for children as well as a studio for a wide range of classes. You can indulge in dance, aqua, pilates, HIIT and other female-only sessions.

Gym monthly prices start at £28 for members, and there is also a non-membership price of £9.65. Swim sessions cost £5.20 for adults, £3.64 for residents, and £3.15 for concessions.

Stretford Sports Village

Stretford Sports Village is a multi-facility leisure complex comprising several centres: the Chester Centre, the Talbot Centre, and the Old Trafford Sports Barn. The gym offers free weights, resistance machines, and lots of cardio equipment. If you prefer to exercise in groups, try badminton, table tennis, or football.

Further facilities include a 25-metre pool and smaller children's pools. A full membership gives you access to the gym, swimming, and exercise classes, and costs £33.95 for a 12-month contract. You will also need to pay a joining fee. You can also purchase a three-month flexible membership for £39.95. Day pay-as-you-go costs for the Chester Centre are £5.40.

Trinity Sports Centre

Trinity Sports Centre, based in the heart of Manchester on Cambridge Street, offers locals a wide range of facilities, including a sports centre, dance studio, 3G artificial sports pitch, table tennis, and outdoor netball courts. Open Monday to Thursday, peak time 5 pm to 9 pm, and off-peak 9.00 pm to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday peak from 10 am to 4 pm, and off-peak from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Membership costs £190 for a standard annual membership and £140 for students /concessionary membership. There are also options for 6, 3, and 1-month plans at lower prices.

Getting to know Manchester

There are so many exciting things to do in Manchester. From seeing some of the best football in Europe, to international artist and comedians playing in great venues and some of the best pub culture in the world, you’ll love Manchester.

After the quiet life? Manchester also has some of the best parks in the UK and some beautiful walks in and around the city. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are new to the city, there’s something for everyone!

Found your perfect home yet?

Manchester really does have it all, from a prime location in the North West, to excellent transport links, shopping, eating and leisure facilities, all a stone's throw away from the City Centre. Considering moving to Manchester? Browse our apartments in Manchester today to find your perfect home.

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