The Oakwood — Attraction in Elmbridge

95% of these reviews are related to skiing/kids parties, so ignore them if you're interested in the gym.

The gym itself is very poor for the price range. The equipment is very old and poorly maintained, some bits have just been fixed having been left broken for the last 3 months, a period during which Oakwood upped their prices for gym only members by 15%... it's comparable to a smaller, ran down pure gym, they're very fortunate there are no low/mid range gyms in the local area. It's also very rarely staffed, which considering the amount of kids they let in on weekday afternoons is a little concerning from a health and safety perspective.

Having said all this, up until a couple of weeks ago I would have still given it a 3/5 probably, as it is quiet and has a nice relaxed atmosphere. A couple of Sundays ago myself and a couple of others watched in astonishment as a PT and his class of about 20 people ganged up on a young lady (my partner) who was quietly going about her workout on one of the squat racks in the free weights room, hounding her out of the room. Firstly, there is a studio room specifically designed for classes; use this, don't take over the whole free weights area stopping any other customer from using it. If this is a rule, then as a gym you need to make that public, perhaps on social media and posters around the building, saying paying customers will not be allowed to use free weights during these times each week whilst classes are on. The worst part of this was the behaviour of the PT and his class though, not once did anyone say sorry for interrupting your workout or excuse me, they just crowded around her until she had to say something and then hounded her to get out, the PT did nothing to simmer things down, instead just jumped onboard with his class members.

I'm still amazed this happened, would be shocked seeing this behaviour from children in a playground, let alone full grown...

I found the phone was sometimes unanswered and messages not returned, so I initially did not have a good impression.

However, having now done an introductory and a private course through them, I can definitely recommend them for the rank beginner (as I am).

On arrival, I found reception efficient and the issuing and checking of ski equipment handled promptly and in a very supportive manner (important for someone who has never skied before). The instructors on the slopes have been professional, friendly, competent and patient.

The group introductory session is well structured and well worth the two hours effort. The only problem I found was that since it was paced at the pace of the slowest learner, we ran out of time to practice the final skill at the end of the session due to one person who held the group back. The web site does, however, warn you of this on booking, but it was frustrating.

The private session I booked a week later was fantastic. I had a one-to-one session and the instructor (Les) was friendly, supportive and very professional. Starting with me not being able to do a proper slow plough turn, he spent the hour working on my posture and technique and had me confident and putting together several turns on the main slope by the end...

We booked a sledging and mini ringo party for 6 and 7 year olds. Everyone had a blast and was buzzing at the end. It was a really enjoyable party!

There was a viewing platform, incase parents wanted to watch and all the kids received a short safety briefing and got given helmets. As the host I was slightly worried about the “waivers” but soon felt relaxed once I saw the Sandown Sports team at work.

I would suggest bringing water with you for the party activity as the kids got quite thirsty going up and down the slope.

There was a nice touch at the end of the party, the birthday child was put in the middle of the ringo rings and they were pushed down as a group whilst singing happy birthday.

The tavern staff met us at the slopes to walk us to our party room. The large pizzas were served quickly and were really tasty. The party room had all the decorations already in place, we just needed to bring a cake!

The kids loved it and from a parent perspective everything was catered for apart from a cake! It was a very...