Billingham Forum
Billingham Forum
4.2
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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4.2
140 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
51
Average
9
Poor
7
Terrible
7
steakhunter x
England, UK8 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
It's not the poshest place but they have some big names on that stage!
I've seen several shows over the years - music, stand up comedy, plays, opera, ballet - they have it all and the production is excellent. Even the annual panto is top class.
One of the great things is that is small enough that you get a good view from every seat.
The staff are always friendly and helpful. The toilets are clean. The refreshments are not cheap but also not stupidly over-priced either. I mean, it is still Billingham after all!
I've enjoyed every show here from Madame Butterfly to Ross Noble. This theatre is so under rated.
I've seen several shows over the years - music, stand up comedy, plays, opera, ballet - they have it all and the production is excellent. Even the annual panto is top class.
One of the great things is that is small enough that you get a good view from every seat.
The staff are always friendly and helpful. The toilets are clean. The refreshments are not cheap but also not stupidly over-priced either. I mean, it is still Billingham after all!
I've enjoyed every show here from Madame Butterfly to Ross Noble. This theatre is so under rated.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,677 contributions
Aug 2019
We recently learnt to scuba dive and visited this pool several nights over a couple of months to practice in the deep pool. There is the normal swimming pool with lane and a smaller deeper pool next to this which we used.
Plenty of changing rooms, all locks worked on doors and lockers all worked satisfactorily. The facilities were clean and well-kept, lifeguards always noticeably present. The showers always had hot water.
Large carparks nearby, which are free to use, so very easy to park right next to the centre.
Plenty of changing rooms, all locks worked on doors and lockers all worked satisfactorily. The facilities were clean and well-kept, lifeguards always noticeably present. The showers always had hot water.
Large carparks nearby, which are free to use, so very easy to park right next to the centre.
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review
Written 18 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kemp1234
122 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Me my partner and my 7 month went to the forum may 2021 to use the pool. I haven't been to the forum in over 15 years so I knew it would have all changed and it has... For the better. It was modern, clean and over all really good. The baby swimming pool was a nice warm temperature and perfect for what we wanted. The changing areas and the toilets were spotless. The only issue we had was there wasn't enough family changing rooms and I don't like where the showers are. I just think it's really odd to shower in front of everyone using the pool, it should be sectioned off. All the staff we came across were friendly and helpful. Will be back.
Written 4 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your swim with us! At the moment the other showers are closed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we will be able to open these as well as more of the changing facilities as soon as things are safer and social distancing is removed.
We hope to see you again!
Written 7 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connoisseur226
Darlington, UK245 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The forum used to be a great venue to attract big theatre companies and southern productions.
We used to come often. No more.
This recent visit was utterly ruined by the other members of the audience, completely ignored and let loose by the incompetent ushers and theatre staff.
We sat through a performance of The Woman In Black while so many of the audience chatted to each other and mindlessly fiddled with sweet wrappers throughout the entire performance.
The staff and management should be ashamed of themselves - several times we had to painfully watch as even the actors on stage had to stop and wait for people to shut up.
Disgraceful.
We used to come often. No more.
This recent visit was utterly ruined by the other members of the audience, completely ignored and let loose by the incompetent ushers and theatre staff.
We sat through a performance of The Woman In Black while so many of the audience chatted to each other and mindlessly fiddled with sweet wrappers throughout the entire performance.
The staff and management should be ashamed of themselves - several times we had to painfully watch as even the actors on stage had to stop and wait for people to shut up.
Disgraceful.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kodie Collings
Cumbria, UK20 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I went ice skating with friends.
We arrived early to have ample time to put on skates but got told they can't until 10 minutes before. Waited around went back to the reception only for her to redirect us to a second queue that was now long. By the time we got our skates it was on the hour running into our time.
Thankfully I brought my own skates as my friends hired some and they were in poor condition compared to other rinks I've visited.
The ice was busy as expected as it's half term for kids but there were no staff on the ice. There were kids skating backwards and throwing ice, families linking arms and many just standing on the outside blocking.
The facilities are nice apart from one of the men's toilet door locks being broken. Staff all seemed depressed.
In the future, I'll travel elsewhere even if it takes longer and costs more fuel.
We arrived early to have ample time to put on skates but got told they can't until 10 minutes before. Waited around went back to the reception only for her to redirect us to a second queue that was now long. By the time we got our skates it was on the hour running into our time.
Thankfully I brought my own skates as my friends hired some and they were in poor condition compared to other rinks I've visited.
The ice was busy as expected as it's half term for kids but there were no staff on the ice. There were kids skating backwards and throwing ice, families linking arms and many just standing on the outside blocking.
The facilities are nice apart from one of the men's toilet door locks being broken. Staff all seemed depressed.
In the future, I'll travel elsewhere even if it takes longer and costs more fuel.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent visit to the centre and I am sorry to hear of your disappointment during your time with us.
February Half Term was popular this year for people to come skating, and as a result of this, it took a little longer to clear and clean the Ice Arena in preparation for the next session. This also resulted in a slightly longer time to get served for some of the customers in the queue – which we apologise for.
The hire skates are replaced periodically – this year we have replaced 70 pairs. Some customers prefer new skates, but these can be problematic for some as they haven’t been worn in – others prefer the older style skate as these are kinder to the feet as they have already been worn in by other skaters. Next time you visit, please ask the staff for the skates of your choice and they will help where necessary.
If you would like to skate again in the centre in a quieter time to avoid the queues, I’d recommend the holiday periods from Easter to the Summer Holidays, as this is a less demanding time for skating.
Please be assured that we have spoken to the staff in attendance during your visit with regards to improving our customer service and hope that if you do decide to return to the centre in the near future you find your visit a more pleasurable experience.
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Davew78
Durham, UK105 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Tried to go ice skating today. First of all, at least 20 minutes of the session is lost because they don’t open the tills until they start the session. Then there is another long wait for ice skates. This is where the problems arose. They run out the double
Ice skates for little ones. I had a really upset 3 year old because she couldn’t skate. How difficult would it be to make sure you have enough skates, the hire for them costs enough. We also wanted a penguin/snowman for my daughter to use, but you would only be able to use it for 30 minutes because again, they don’t have enough to go round. Yet they still have the cheek to charge £3 for the hire of it for 30 minutes.
Seriously now, get the kit and get the equipment so the next generation can learn to love the ice. The management pretty much shrugged their shoulders when I complained. Complete mismanagement. Thankfully I got a full refund, but that wasn’t much consolation to my upset little girl.
Ice skates for little ones. I had a really upset 3 year old because she couldn’t skate. How difficult would it be to make sure you have enough skates, the hire for them costs enough. We also wanted a penguin/snowman for my daughter to use, but you would only be able to use it for 30 minutes because again, they don’t have enough to go round. Yet they still have the cheek to charge £3 for the hire of it for 30 minutes.
Seriously now, get the kit and get the equipment so the next generation can learn to love the ice. The management pretty much shrugged their shoulders when I complained. Complete mismanagement. Thankfully I got a full refund, but that wasn’t much consolation to my upset little girl.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Further to your feedback regarding your recent visit to the centre, I am sorry to hear of your disappointment during your time with us.
February Half Term was popular this year for people to come skating, and as a result of this, it took a little longer to clear and clean the Ice Arena in preparation for the next session. This then resulted in a slightly longer time to get served for some of the customers in the queue – which we apologise for.
We periodically replace our supply of ice skates – this year we have replaced 70 pairs. However, as a direct result of your feedback we have purchased 10 pairs of the twin blade skates, so that we are more than able to meet the needs and expectations of our customers during future sessions.
With regards to the stability aids, these are available for hire during the public skate sessions and at times the demand for them is high, which is why we set a time for their hire of 30 minutes. The duration time of 30 minutes for the hire of the penguins and snowmen is set in line with industry guidelines – 30 minutes per session being sufficient time for the user to gain a degree of confidence on the ice without becoming too dependent, but this is just an indicator. At times of peak demand we do need to adhere to the 30 minutes for their hire, to allow a fair process for all, which I am sure you will appreciate. However, at quieter times/sessions, were possible we do let the customer use the stability aid for a little longer than the 30 minutes, as we appreciate some may need it a little longer than others to gain their confidence on the ice.
If you would like to skate again in the centre in a quieter time to avoid the queues and possibly utilise the stability aid a little longer, I’d recommend the holiday periods from Easter to the Summer Holidays, as this is a less demanding time for skating.
Please be assured that I have spoken to the staff in attendance during your visit with regards to improving our customer service and hope that if you do decide to return to the centre in the near future you find your visit a more pleasurable experience.
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex
Durham, UK3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Really poorly organised, even when you pay for and reserve an aid for children at reception, there aren’t any available on the rink side. We were told to come back in 15 minutes, we did, but still none available. Therefore, one of the party had stand next to the boot collection point to wait, meanwhile the clock is ticking. Also, why no music?!
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for getting in touch with us regarding your recent visit to the centre and we are sorry to hear of your disappointment. Whilst this time of year is an extremely busy time for the centre, we are unable to predict the demand on skating and the skating aids. The skating aids are paid for pre use and available on a first come first served basis. Unfortunately, on the day you attended there was a high demand for the skate aids – which is why we have a time restriction on their use, as this allows fair access for all. We are sorry you had to wait for your skate aid in this instance due to this high demand. If you found the session too busy for your family, from April to September we are quieter and the skate aids tend to be more available, if that helps you plan your next visit.
Written 6 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
julie g
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Lovely warm teaching pool which my grandaughter enjoyed. We then had lunch at Cooks Cafe within the forum. It was delicious and very reasonably priced. Very nice staff on the till today too. Would definitely recommend it.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gottahaveslush
Hartlepool, UK11 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Went to Go Climb at the Forum for a birthday party - great for my daredevil four year old. After the climbing we were transferred to the function room so the kids could eat their Happy Meals. In between, I went to the baby change with my other daughter, and a friend said she’d keep an eye out to point us to where to go. After leaving the baby change I couldn’t for the life of me find a function room, so headed downstairs to ask the receptionist where it was. Her reply was ‘I don’t know, off the top of my head’ and I was left standing there awkwardly. I was quite anxious as I was aware of a time limit on the room, and was up visiting from the Midlands so time was precious with our friends. Thankfully a male member of cleaning staff saw me looking lost and gave me directions - 10/10 to him for customer service!!! Overall a lovely visit to the Forum - it must be 15 years since I last visited and it has improved immensely.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we're glad that you all enjoyed the party at GoClimb and we hope to see you again. We will pass your feedback for our team to action
Written 12 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Johnathan12345
Billingham, UK1 contribution
Apr 2014
It's an absolute joke can't even get in through the door half the time because card machine is so slow it tries to trip you up, A/C could do with being switched on! And it's far to busy you won't get on anything without atleast a 10 min wait easy answer have an On peak and Off peak time table !!
Written 13 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is best hotel to stay at near Billingham Forum? I'm gojng October 23rd to see Jimmy Osmond :-)
Written 28 August 2016
This Premier Inn is just off the A19 at Wolviston Services, with easy access to Billingham Forum (just 8 minutes drive). There is a Toby Carvery, KFC, McDonald's and Subway (located inside fuel station) all on the site of this hotel.
TS22 5PZ is the postcode it is on Coal Lane, Wolviston Services.
Written 29 August 2016
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