David Lloyd vs Virgin Active: Which Premium Gym Is Actually Worth It in 2026?
Choosing between David Lloyd vs Virgin Active is one of those decisions that sounds simple, until you actually sit down to figure it out. Both are premium. Both cost real money. And yet they’re built for completely different people. David Lloyd is a family lifestyle club, spa, tennis courts, kids’ crèche, the lot. The club is an urban, professional, trendy gym equipment boutique with classes located in the city centre for those who want to exercise.
Short answer: It suits families and people who want a full lifestyle club with a spa and racquet sports. The club is more suited to urban, working people who are primarily interested in great classes and gym facilities.
This is usually a cost decision, so let’s begin with that. Scroll down for the full cost breakdown, facilities comparison, class timetables, and a clear recommendation, so you can stop going back and forth and just pick the right one.
If you’re still unsure, check our full Is David Lloyd worth it guide for a deeper breakdown.
David Lloyd vs Virgin Active: Membership Costs
Price is the first thing most people want to know, so here it is. Both cost more than your average gym. But what you get for that money is very different. Let’s break it down properly so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
David Lloyd Membership Prices
IT has four main plans. The price goes up as you add more facilities. Here is a clear breakdown of what each one costs and what you get:
| Membership Type | Monthly Fee | Joining Fee | What’s Included |
| Adult (Standard) | £89/month | £120–£130 | Gym, pool, basic classes |
| Couple | £109/month | £120–£130 | Both adults, same facilities |
| Family (2 adults + 2 kids) | £175/month | ~£250 | Full family access |
| Platinum (Full Access) | £129+/month | £130+ | Spa, racquets, everything |
There are a couple of points to note. First, most memberships have a one-off membership fee in addition to the monthly fee, typically between £50 and £130 (depending on which one you choose, and if they’re offering a discount). Second, the club runs seasonal deals in January, over summer, and in September, so timing your sign-up around those windows can save you a fair bit.
You can also do a 2-week trial for £75 to try out the club. Given the monthly cost, it’s worth taking the time.
For a detailed breakdown, see our David Lloyd membership cost 2026 guide.
Virgin Active Membership Prices
It keeps its pricing simple, with three options depending on how much you want to use and when. The price you pay also depends on which club you join:
| Membership Type | Monthly Fee | Notes |
| Standard | From £65/month | Gym and class access |
| Premium / Full | Up to £115/month | Additional facilities vary by club |
| Off-Peak | Reduced rates | Available at select clubs |
The club prices vary by club and are not always listed online: you have to call or visit to find out. Prices also change depending on which club you join. Central London clubs cost more than those outside the city. The good news, though, is that if you’re based in central London, you can use other clubs in the city for free, which is useful if you’re travelling for work.
Quick Price Comparison Across All Major Gyms
They are both premium gyms, but as you can see below, they sit in a completely different price bracket to budget options like PureGym or The Gym Group. The question is whether the extra cost is worth it for what you get:
| Gym | Monthly Cost | Pool | Spa | Classes |
| David Lloyd | £89–£129+ | Yes | Full spa | 190+ per week |
| Virgin Active | £65–£115 | Most clubs | Limited | Strong timetable |
| Nuffield Health | More affordable | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bannatyne | £45–£75 | Some | Basic | Yes |
| PureGym | £20–£40 | No | No | Limited |
| The Gym Group | £15–£25 | No | No | Limited |
Head-to-Head: Full Facilities Comparison
Both clubs cost real money, but they’re not offering the same thing. The club is more of a lifestyle destination: spa, tennis courts, pools, kids’ club, the whole lot. The club keeps it tighter, a solid gym, good classes, and that’s mostly it.
| Feature | David Lloyd | Virgin Active |
| Indoor pool | Yes | Most clubs |
| Outdoor pool | Yes | Some clubs |
| Adults-only spa | Full retreat | Limited / varies |
| Sauna & steam room | Yes | Yes |
| Tennis courts | Multiple + coaching | Generally no |
| Squash courts | Yes | Limited |
| Reformer Pilates | Some clubs | Included in many |
| Kids’ crèche | Yes (3 months–5 yrs) | Not standard |
| Kids’ club & lessons | Full programme | Not standard |
| Group fitness classes | 190+ per week | Strong timetable |
| Business lounge | Yes | No |
| Clubroom / café | Full Clubroom | Smaller café |
| City centre locations | Mainly suburban | Strong city presence |
| 2-week trial | £75 | Not standard |
David Lloyd vs Virgin Active: Full Facilities Breakdown
David Lloyd doesn’t do things by halves. Using it Epsom as a real example of what a fully developed club looks like:
The Gym: is spacious and well-stocked, with Olympic lifting platforms, free weights, resistance machines, Woodway Curve treadmills, Wattbikes, functional training areas, and Reformer Pilates equipment. There’s also a dedicated Blaze studio for combination workouts. Personal trainers can be booked through the app.
Pools: Both an indoor heated pool for year-round lane swimming and an outdoor pool for warmer months, plus splash pools for younger kids. Aqua fitness classes and swimming lessons are also available. Pools are staffed by qualified lifeguards throughout.
The Spa: This is honestly where the club earns its premium tag. It’s a full adults-only spa retreat, not just a sauna in the corner of the changing room. Inside, there’s a large indoor hydro pool, plunge pool, Finnish sauna, amethyst crystal steam room, fire and ice room, salt sauna, and heated relaxation beds. The Spa Garden adds an outdoor hydro pool, an outdoor sauna, and a fire pit terrace. Spa treatments, including massages and facials, can also be booked through the app.
Tennis and Racquet Sports: Multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, 3 squash courts registered with England Squash, expert coaching for all levels, junior tennis from age 3, LTA-accredited events, and competitive leagues.
Family Facilities: A proper crèche for children aged 3 months to 5 years, DL Kids activities, holiday camps, swimming lessons for children, junior tennis coaching, and youth fitness sessions. All staff are DBS-checked and qualified.
Clubroom and Business Lounge: A relaxed social space with freshly prepared food, free Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor seating, a family area, and a separate business lounge, genuinely useful for remote workers or anyone wanting to make a full day of their visit.
Virgin Active: Good Gym, Great Classes
The club puts most of its effort into the gym floor and class timetable, and it shows.
The Gym Good equipment that is kept up to date. The gym itself is the main focus at most clubs. Clean, spacious, and well-organised.
Reformer Pilates is included in many memberships, which is a big deal. A single Pilates class at a studio outside can cost £20 to £30. It also offers HIIT, strength training, and cycling classes with a strong weekly schedule.
Pools and Spa: This is where it gets complicated. Some clubs have great pools and spa areas. Others do not. It really depends on which club you join. Do not assume yours has a pool or spa; check before you sign up.
Classes: Which Gym Wins?
David Lloyd runs over 190 classes per week. There is something for everyone — no matter your fitness level or how much time you have. Some of the most popular ones:
- Blaze: cardio, strength, boxing, and martial arts in a purpose-built studio
- IGN1TE: high-energy HIIT built around mixed martial arts moves
- SPIRIT: yoga, Pilates, and meditation blended into one calmer session
- Rhythm: immersive cycling to music at your own pace
- Cyclone: performance-focused group cycling with live stats on screen
- Battlebox: outdoor full-body bootcamp combining fitness challenges and teamwork
One thing to watch, popular classes book up fast. You need the app to grab a spot early.
Virgin Active also has a strong timetable, with a particular emphasis on boutique-style workouts. Reformer Pilates is a standout inclusion. However, in recent years, several clubs dropped Les Mills classes like Bodypump and switched to a different music provider, which caused a lot of disruption, some instructors left, timetables changed, and reviews took a hit as a result. Worth checking the current timetable at your specific local club.
What Members Say
David Lloyd members are mostly happy. The most common things people mention are the friendly staff, the community feel, and how good the facilities are. Members often say they feel like they belong there and wish they had joined sooner.
Virgin Active gets mixed reviews. People who like it say the gym equipment is great and the classes are good. But cancellation is a big complaint. Many members say it is very hard to cancel. One person on Reddit said it took “about three years on hold” just to get through by phone. There have also been complaints about price rises with little warning and changes to class programmes. Worth keeping in mind before you sign up.
Who Should Pick David Lloyd?
The club is the right choice if you:
- Have children and want a gym the whole family can use
- Want a full spa as part of your membership
- Play or want to learn tennis or squash
- Want somewhere to relax or work after your workout
- Live outside the city and want a big, well-rounded club
- Plan to use more than just the gym regularly
Who Should Pick Virgin Active?
It is the better option if you:
- Live or work in a city centre and want a gym nearby
- Mainly want a good gym and fitness classes, nothing else
- Want Reformer Pilates included in your membership
- Want to use multiple clubs across London
- Do not need a kids’ area, tennis courts, or a spa
How to Join David Lloyd vs Virgin Active
David Lloyd, Step by Step:
- The club website: find a club
- Fill in the form to get current prices sent to you
- Choose your plan: Club, Plus, or Platinum
- Try the 2-week trial for £75 first if you are unsure
- Set up your joining fee and monthly payment
- Get an induction to get to know your way around
Virgin Active, Step by Step:
- Go to the club website to find a club
- Prices are not online, call or visit to get a quote
- Ask about off-peak options if you can be flexible on timing
- Ask about multi-club access if you travel around the city
- Read the cancellation policy!
Key Takeaways
- The club is pricier (£80-120+ per month) but has more to offer – spa, racquet sports courts, family rooms and a more than just a gym community
- It is cheaper to start (from £65) and is better located for city professionals, but the offering is narrower and varies a lot by club
- David Lloyd wins on family: the crèche, kids’ club, junior lessons, and holiday camps are unmatched
- The club wins on city convenience: multi-club central London access is genuinely useful
- Both have joining fees: always ask about current promotions before signing up
- Cancellation is important: It gives 3 months’ notice; It has a recent history of complaints about cancellation
- Do the trial: It has a “try before you buy” 2 weeks for £75 before a 12 month commitment
FAQs
Which is more expensive, David Lloyd or Virgin Active?
When comparing David Lloyd vs Virgin Active, it is slightly pricier. It is more expensive (£89 per person and per month vs its £65 per month), but the club is more, so it’s not necessarily value for money.
Does David Lloyd have better facilities than Virgin Active?
Yes, it is more all-encompassing with amenities, spa, pools, tennis, family, and social Clubroom. It has a larger number of clubs and is more inner city, with a great gym, but not necessarily the spa and tennis court.
Can I try David Lloyd before joining?
Yes, they have a 2-week trial for £75. So this is a good option before you take out a membership, induction and notice periods.
Which has better fitness classes?
Both have great timetables. It has over 190 classes per week, of all types. It is “boutique”, and many have reformer Pilates (good!). Compare the facilities of the local club with those of the one you are considering.
Is it hard to cancel Virgin Active?
Several members have complained about this, saying they have had to wait a long time to speak to someone over the phone and/or that processes are tedious. Always read the cancellation terms before signing up and get everything confirmed in writing.
Do either offer NHS or corporate discounts?
The club may offer up to 10% off for NHS staff and Blue Light Card holders. Corporate rates may also apply, depending on your employer. It’s worth asking about both when you enquire.
What’s the cheapest gym alternative if neither fits my budget?
PureGym costs £20 to £40 a month, no pool or spa, but a solid gym. The Gym Group is from £15 per month (no contract). Bannatyne costs between £45 and £ 75, and gives spa benefits. All are more affordable alternatives.
Final Thought
When you put David Lloyd vs Virgin Active side by side, the right answer really comes down to what you need from a gym.
If you want something more than a gym, the extra cost of the club is worth it. The spa (by itself) would be expensive. Add the pools, tennis courts, family facilities, over 190 weekly classes, and a proper lounge, and for someone who uses all of that, £89 to £129 a month makes sense.
If you mainly want a good gym and classes, and you need something close to work in the city, it is the smarter choice. The Reformer Pilates is a great money-saver, and having access to several clubs in London is great. And watch out for the cancellation policy and read the fine print.
Either way, use the club’s 2-week trial for £75 before you decide. The best way to see if it will work for you is to go and see it at the times you intend to use it.
Many users compare these with PureGym, which offers lower-cost memberships but fewer facilities.
