Chiswick's Riverside Refit: A Family Haven

The Virgin Active Chiswick Gym, nestled by Dukes Meadows, has always been an anomaly among London’s fitness clubs. While its counterparts are often crammed into urban nooks, this one sprawls by the Thames, offering a vast 24 tennis courts (10 indoor, 14 outdoor), four indoor padel courts, and two 25m pools—one basking under the open sky. Locals still fondly refer to it by its former name, the Riverside Health & Racquets Club.

The recent overhaul mirrors the Social Wellness shift seen in Mayfair, although here it takes on a more leisurely, country club vibe. Aimed at those who prefer an unhurried Saturday with the family over a rushed pre-work treadmill session, the Chiswick club’s biggest transformation is its health-centric offerings. The new Medical and Longevity Wellness Suites, in collaboration with Marylebone Health Group, bring physiotherapy, osteopathy, and sports therapy under one roof—ideal for those untimely on-court injuries.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the addition of a Pilates Lab for bespoke sessions and Trackman iO golf simulators offering over 200 virtual courses, including the iconic St Andrews. Meanwhile, the Recovery Zone now boasts heated hydromassage beds and Hyperice equipment, ensuring members are well-cared for post-exercise.

Riverside’s co-working facilities have also expanded. A refurbished lounge accommodates around 180 members, with work pods and meeting rooms catering to professionals seeking a serene workspace. For those who prefer a quieter environment, a separate adults’ lounge with private meeting spaces is available, allowing parents to escape the din of family life.

Club V, the kids’ club, has been reimagined to provide a vibrant space alongside a crèche, swimming lessons, junior tennis, holiday camps, and a new Junior Padel programme. This ensures that while parents engage in a class or a game of tennis, their children are equally entertained and active.

With approximately 140 classes weekly, including Reformer Pilates, Hot Yoga, and the Lift Club, Riverside maintains its status as a comprehensive fitness hub. Additionally, as an official HYROX Training Club Partner, it caters to the burgeoning community of fitness enthusiasts.

Membership doesn’t come cheap, with fees starting at £300 monthly on a 12-month contract and a £250 joining fee. Yet, for those in Chiswick who frequent the courts, the convenience and breadth of services on offer justify the investment. This is merely the first phase of an ongoing transformation, with more enhancements slated for 2027.