How to cancel your My Places Leisure membership and reclaim your rights
Why you might want to cancel your My Places Leisure membership
My Places Leisure operates community leisure facilities across the United Kingdom on behalf of local councils, managing gyms, swimming pools, and fitness centres that serve thousands of members. If your circumstances have shifted, you deserve a clear and straightforward route to cancellation without unnecessary friction or delays.
Common reasons for cancellation
Relocation ranks among the most frequent reasons members pursue cancellation. If your nearest My Places Leisure facility becomes inaccessible due to a house move or change of workplace, you should not remain locked into a contract you cannot use. Financial hardship is equally legitimate; when your circumstances change, consumer protections enable you to exit your agreement without penalty.
Health conditions also make gym membership unsuitable for many people. Injury, illness, or medical guidance may prevent safe facility use. Furthermore, some members discover they do not use their membership as anticipated, or they identify better-value alternatives. Each of these reasons gives you grounds to explore cancellation without guilt or pressure from the organisation.
Understanding your consumer rights before you start
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you when you enter into any membership contract in the United Kingdom. This legislation means My Places Leisure must honour cancellation requests that comply with your membership terms and conditions. Understanding your specific rights before initiating cancellation removes confusion and strengthens your position if the organisation disputes your request.
My Places Leisure membership pricing and contract structure
Membership costs at My Places Leisure vary significantly across facilities, as each centre negotiates its own rates with local authorities.
Typical membership costs by tier
| Membership tier |
Approximate monthly cost |
Access details |
Typical contract term |
| Adult full access |
£25-£45 |
All facilities, all opening hours |
Rolling monthly |
| Off-peak adult |
£18-£30 |
Restricted daytime hours, weekdays only |
Rolling monthly |
| Junior membership |
£15-£25 |
Age-appropriate facilities and classes |
Rolling monthly |
| Family package |
£50-£80 |
Multiple household members |
Rolling monthly |
| Swimming only |
£20-£35 |
Swimming pool access only |
Rolling monthly |
These figures are approximate and vary by location. Your exact monthly payment, any joining fees you incurred, and your minimum contract period are detailed in your original membership agreement. Before you proceed with cancellation, locate and review this document; it contains the specific notice period My Places Leisure may require.
Understanding your contract terms and notice periods
Most My Places Leisure memberships operate on a rolling monthly basis after an initial commitment period, typically ranging from one to three months. Once you complete this minimum term, you can usually cancel by providing notice, typically 30 days before your next billing date. Some facilities may require less notice, whilst others might request more, so your agreement remains your definitive reference point.
If your membership includes an initial fixed term, you cannot cancel before that period ends without potential financial penalty, unless you have grounds under consumer law (such as failure to provide the service). Review your terms carefully to identify your exact notice deadline and any associated fees.
When you should consider cancellation
Assessing whether cancellation suits your situation requires honest evaluation of your circumstances and contractual obligations.
Clear indicators that cancellation makes sense
Cancel your membership if you have relocated beyond reasonable travel distance to any My Places Leisure facility, if you face genuine financial hardship, or if health conditions prevent safe gym use. Additionally, if My Places Leisure has failed to deliver the service as described in your contract (for example, facilities remain consistently closed or promised classes do not operate), you may have grounds for cancellation under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
You should also cancel if you have completed your minimum contract term and simply no longer wish to continue. Rolling monthly contracts give you flexibility; you are not obliged to renew indefinitely.
Reasons to delay cancellation
If you remain within a fixed initial term with no qualifying grounds for early exit, cancellation may trigger penalty charges specified in your agreement. In this case, weigh the cost of cancellation against the cost of remaining a member until your term naturally concludes. If you anticipate relocating soon but have not yet done so, confirm the exact date of your move and time your cancellation notice to align with it.
How to cancel your My Places Leisure membership
Yafee has identified the most effective cancellation routes for My Places Leisure members; follow these steps to submit a formal cancellation request.
Step one: locate your membership agreement and notice deadline
Find your original membership contract or the most recent statement or confirmation email from My Places Leisure. Identify your current billing date, your notice period (typically 30 days), and the date by which you must submit your cancellation request. Calculate the date that is 30 days before your next billing cycle; this is your cancellation deadline.
Step two: check available cancellation methods on the website or app
Visit the My Places Leisure website or open their mobile app and navigate to the account settings or membership management section. Many facilities now offer online cancellation through a member portal; if this option appears available, proceed directly to step three. If no online cancellation route is visible, proceed to step four to contact customer service.
Step three: cancel online (if available)
If your facility offers online cancellation, follow these substeps:
- Log into your member account using your email address and password.
- Navigate to your membership or account settings section.
- Select the option to cancel or end your membership.
- Confirm your effective cancellation date (which should align with your notice deadline).
- Take a screenshot or download a confirmation document as proof of your cancellation request.
- Retain this confirmation in your records and by email to yourself with the date and time.
Step four: contact My Places Leisure customer service in writing
If online cancellation is unavailable or does not work, submit your cancellation request in writing. This ensures you have a permanent record of your request and the date you submitted it, which protects you if a dispute arises.
Follow these substeps to contact the organisation effectively:
- Identify the specific leisure centre where you hold your membership.
- Locate the customer service email address on the My Places Leisure website under "contact us" or account enquiries.
- Draft a clear email stating your intention to cancel your membership, your membership number, and your desired cancellation date (which must be at least 30 days from today unless your notice period is shorter).
- Include your full name, address, and phone number so the organisation can identify your account.
- State that this email serves as formal notice of cancellation in accordance with your membership terms and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
- Request a written confirmation of cancellation, including the date on which your membership will terminate and details of any final charges or refunds.
- Send the email using read receipt enabled or record the date and time of sending.
Step five: follow up if you receive no response within 7 days
After submitting your cancellation request via email, allow 7 working days for a response. If My Places Leisure does not confirm receipt or acknowledge your cancellation within this period, send a follow-up email referencing your original request and requesting immediate confirmation. Alternatively, contact the facility by telephone and request that a manager confirm your cancellation request has been recorded on your account.
What happens after you cancel your membership
Cancellation does not conclude instantly; understand what occurs during the notice period and after your membership ends.
During your notice period
Your membership remains active and you retain full access to facilities until your cancellation date arrives. You continue to pay your regular membership fee for each month during this period. If you do not intend to use the facilities, you cannot demand a refund for these final months; you are paying for the right to access the service, not for usage itself. However, if circumstances prevent access (such as the facility unexpectedly closing), you may have grounds for a partial refund.
After your cancellation becomes effective
On your cancellation date, your membership ends and your access credentials (membership card or app login) will no longer grant entry to facilities. Billing stops immediately after this date. Retain your cancellation confirmation email for your records; if you attempt to rejoin later, this document proves you completed a clean cancellation and have no outstanding balance.
Outstanding payments and final invoices
Check your bank statement for 2-3 billing cycles after your cancellation date to confirm that no further payments have been taken. If My Places Leisure attempts to charge you after your cancellation date, this constitutes a breach of contract. Contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Refunds and outstanding balances
Your entitlement to a refund depends on the circumstances of your cancellation and your membership terms.
When you are entitled to a refund
If you have prepaid fees that cover a period extending beyond your cancellation date, My Places Leisure must refund the unused portion within 30 days of your cancellation. For example, if you paid an annual joining fee but cancelled after 6 months, you may recover a proportion of that fee. Similarly, if your account contains credit from overpaid monthly fees, this credit must be returned to you.
If My Places Leisure has failed to provide the service as contracted (facilities closed unexpectedly, equipment broken, promised classes cancelled), you may claim a partial refund for the months affected, even if you remain within your minimum contract term. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be delivered as described and with reasonable care and skill.
How to claim a refund
Include a refund claim in your cancellation email. State clearly: "I am entitled to a refund of £[amount] for [reason, for example: unused months or service failure]. Please confirm that this refund will be processed to my original payment method within 30 days of my cancellation date." If My Places Leisure does not process the refund within 30 days, escalate your complaint (see the section on your consumer rights below).
Processing timescales
My Places Leisure must refund any outstanding balance to your original payment method within 30 days of your cancellation date. Bank transfers typically arrive within 3-5 working days, whilst card refunds may take 5-10 working days depending on your card issuer. If no refund arrives within 35 days of cancellation, contact customer service and request a refund status update with a specific payment date.
Your consumer rights and legal protections
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes your position and remedies if My Places Leisure refuses to cancel or disputes your request.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel a rolling monthly membership at any time by providing the notice period specified in your contract (typically 30 days). If your membership is within a fixed term with no grounds for early termination under consumer law, you may still cancel, but the organisation may charge you a penalty equal to the remaining monthly fees up to the end of the initial term. If My Places Leisure refuses to cancel despite your valid notice, or if the organisation fails to refund you within 30 days, you can lodge a formal complaint with your local citizens advice bureau or escalate to the local authority that oversees the leisure centre. Furthermore, you may pursue a claim in the small claims court for any financial loss caused by the organisation's breach of contract.
Grounds for cancellation within a fixed term
You can cancel without penalty before your minimum contract term ends if My Places Leisure breaches its obligations. Breaches include: the facility closes or becomes inaccessible, promised facilities or services become permanently unavailable, or the organisation materially alters your membership terms without your consent. In each case, gather evidence (emails, photographs, date-stamped records) and state your grounds for cancellation clearly in your cancellation request.
How to escalate if My Places Leisure refuses to cooperate
If the organisation ignores your cancellation request, charges you after your cancellation date, or refuses to process a refund, follow these steps:
- Send a formal complaint letter by recorded delivery to the leisure centre manager, stating that you are invoking the formal complaints procedure under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
- Allow the organisation 8 weeks to respond in writing.
- If no response arrives or if you remain dissatisfied, lodge a complaint with your local citizens advice bureau. Yafee recommends this free service as your first escalation route; advisers can mediate with the organisation on your behalf.
- If mediation fails, contact the local authority that contracts with My Places Leisure to operate the facility. Local councils often have power to compel contractual compliance and can exert pressure on the operator.
- As a final resort, pursue a claim in the small claims court for the refund or cancellation fee, using your email correspondence and cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Many members encounter avoidable delays or disputes during cancellation; recognising these pitfalls in advance protects your interests.
Failing to provide formal written notice
Telling a receptionist or gym staff that you want to cancel is not legally binding. My Places Leisure may claim no record of your request if you do not submit written notice via email or the online portal. Always use a method that creates a timestamp and audit trail. Email is ideal; it is free, traceable, and produces automatic read receipts if you enable them. If you must cancel by phone, follow up immediately with a written email confirming the conversation, the date, the staff member's name, and what you discussed.
Cancelling too close to your billing date
If your notice period is 30 days and your billing date is tomorrow, your cancellation request will likely be rejected or processed for a future month. Calculate your deadline carefully and submit your request at least 31 days before your next billing cycle. If you have miscalculated and missed the deadline, your request may apply to the following month instead, extending your membership by an additional cycle.
Not retaining evidence of your cancellation request
Screenshots, confirmation emails, and read receipts are essential. Do not assume the organisation has recorded your request. Save every piece of correspondence in a dedicated folder on your computer and take a backup. If a dispute arises, this evidence is your only protection against the organisation's claim that no cancellation request was ever made.
Ignoring your account after cancellation
Check your bank statement for at least 2-3 months after your cancellation date. If My Places Leisure continues to charge you, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge. The organisation cannot continue billing you after your formal cancellation date; if it does, this is theft and your bank will reverse the transaction if you provide your cancellation confirmation.
Comparison of cancellation routes at My Places Leisure
Different cancellation methods offer varying levels of certainty and speed; this table summarises the most reliable options.
| Cancellation method |
Speed |
Evidence trail |
Recommended for |
| Online via member portal |
Instant |
Strong (screenshot + confirmation email) |
All members with online access |
| Email to customer service |
2-3 working days |
Strong (email timestamp + read receipt) |
Members without online portal access |
| In-person at leisure centre |
Instant |
Weak (only if staff print confirmation) |
Last resort; always follow up with email |
| Telephone call to customer service |
Same day |
Weak (no automatic record) |
Never use alone; always follow up with email |
| Registered letter to facility address |
5-7 working days |
Strong (Royal Mail tracking) |
Final escalation if email is ignored |
After you cancel: next steps and future membership
Cancellation is not final; you retain the option to rejoin My Places Leisure, and understanding the implications helps you plan your fitness journey.
Rejoining after cancellation
You can rejoin My Places Leisure at any time after your cancellation becomes effective. Most facilities do not impose a "cooling off" period or rejoin fee; you will simply restart a standard membership from the date you reapply. However, confirm this with the specific leisure centre, as local policies vary. Yafee advises members to contact the facility directly before planning to rejoin, as some centres have temporary waiting lists or promotional pricing that may affect your decision.
Obtaining proof of cancellation
Request written confirmation of your cancellation date and any outstanding refund status. This document is useful if you wish to dispute a charge, rejoin later, or claim against the organisation. Retain all correspondence indefinitely; consumer law disputes can arise months after cancellation.
Switching to alternative fitness providers
If you have cancelled due to dissatisfaction with My Places Leisure, compare alternative gyms and fitness services in your area. Yafee can guide you through similar cancellation procedures for other providers, ensuring you avoid lock-in contracts in the future. Always review a new membership agreement before signing; check the notice period, any joining fees, and the minimum contract term.
Checklist: ensure your cancellation is complete
Before you consider your cancellation resolved, verify each of these points.
- You have submitted a formal written cancellation request (email or online) with a clear cancellation date at least 30 days away.
- You have received written confirmation from My Places Leisure acknowledging your cancellation and confirming the effective date.
- Your membership access (card or app) no longer functions after the cancellation date.
- You have received no charge on your bank statement in the billing cycle immediately following your cancellation date.
- If you paid any upfront fees or prepaid months, you have received a refund within 30 days of cancellation.
- You have saved copies of all cancellation correspondence in a folder labelled with the date and facility name.
- You have contacted your bank immediately if any charge appears after your cancellation date, providing your cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Why choose yafee for cancellation guidance
Yafee is the United Kingdom's leading cancellation advice platform, helping thousands of consumers navigate complex contract terminations across fitness memberships, subscriptions, and services. Our specialist guides translate consumer law into clear, actionable steps, ensuring you understand your rights and the most effective cancellation routes for your specific situation.
My Places Leisure operates across dozens of local authority areas, each with slightly different billing systems and cancellation procedures. Yafee's detailed guidance covers the full range of cancellation methods, from online portals to written correspondence, and protects your legal position throughout the process. If My Places Leisure refuses to cooperate, Yafee provides escalation strategies and regulatory contact details to compel compliance.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel gym memberships, membership contracts, and recurring charges without unnecessary fees or delays. Our evidence-based approach-combining Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections with practical procedural steps-gives you confidence that your cancellation will be accepted and processed correctly. You do not need to negotiate with customer service representatives or accept refusals based on the organisation's internal policies; your statutory rights supersede those policies.
Visit Yafee today to access guides for My Places Leisure and hundreds of other services. Our transparent, jargon-free explanations ensure you cancel on your terms, reclaim any refunds you are entitled to, and move forward without financial or administrative burden.
To submit your cancellation request or complaint, contact My Places Leisure through the following routes:
- Online: Visit the My Places Leisure website and navigate to your member account portal or the "contact us" page. Your specific leisure centre's contact details appear there.
- By email: Locate your facility's customer service email address on the official website. Address your cancellation request to the customer service team, copying in the facility manager if possible.
- In person: Visit your local leisure centre and speak to the reception desk, requesting a cancellation form or requesting the manager confirm your cancellation request. Always follow up with a written email on the same day.
- Registered letter: If email communication fails, send your cancellation request by Royal Mail Special Delivery to your leisure centre's address (listed on their website). This creates a timestamped delivery record that serves as legal evidence.
If My Places Leisure fails to process your cancellation or refuses to refund you, escalate to your local citizens advice bureau, contact your local authority leisure services department, or pursue a small claims court action using your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Yafee remains your trusted partner throughout this process, providing free guidance and supporting your right to cancel.