Manage Places Leisure

How to cancel places leisure membership: your complete guide for UAE members

What places leisure is and who should read this guide

Places Leisure operates a network of community-focused leisure centres across the UK, offering gym memberships, fitness classes, swimming sessions and pay-as-you-go activity bookings. If you hold a membership or have booked activities through their app, website or at a physical centre, you may need to cancel for various reasons-whether you are relocating, changing fitness priorities or simply reassessing your budget.

This guide walks you through every cancellation scenario: from cancelling a single booked class to terminating your entire membership contract. We cover your consumer rights, refund timelines and the specific notice periods Places Leisure requires. Whether you are in the UAE or elsewhere, understanding these rules protects you from unexpected charges and ensures you reclaim any money owed.

Why this matters to you

Gym memberships and activity bookings often involve recurring charges and complex cancellation policies. Without clear steps and knowledge of your rights, you risk paying for services you no longer use or missing refund deadlines. Stopee exists to cut through that confusion and help you cancel with confidence.

What we cover in this guide

You will learn the three main cancellation scenarios at Places Leisure: cancelling individual classes included in your membership, cancelling pay-as-you-go activity bookings, and terminating your membership contract entirely. We also explain refund eligibility, your consumer protection rights and the most common mistakes that delay cancellations and cost you money.

Your consumer rights when cancelling places leisure

Consumer protection law gives you significant rights when cancelling memberships and activity bookings. Understanding these rights is your strongest lever if Places Leisure refuses to process your cancellation or delays a refund.

The 14-day cooling-off period

Under UK consumer law (which applies to Places Leisure memberships), you have 14 calendar days from the date you join to cancel without penalty and receive a full refund, including any joining fee. This cooling-off period applies to memberships and one-time activity or course bookings. You do not need a reason; you simply notify Places Leisure in writing-by email or post-and the full refund must be processed. Stopee recommends you send your cooling-off cancellation by email to ensure you have a timestamped record.

Notice periods after the cooling-off window

Once the 14-day period expires, you enter the "Minimum Term" of your membership contract. Places Leisure requires you to give at least 15 days' written notice before your next payment date. If you meet this notice requirement, your membership ends on the next scheduled payment date and no further charges occur. Critically, no pro-rata refund is offered for unused time after the Minimum Term ends-you forfeit the remainder of your billing cycle.

Your escalation rights if places leisure refuses

If Places Leisure fails to honour a valid cancellation request, process a refund owed to you, or responds to complaints within 8 weeks, you can escalate to the relevant consumer authority. In the UAE, the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP) handles disputes; in the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Citizens Advice Consumer Service can intervene. Document every communication-emails, receipts, screenshots of app messages-because authorities require evidence to rule in your favour.

Three ways to cancel at places leisure

Places Leisure accepts cancellations through email, phone and postal mail. Each method has strengths and risks; choosing wisely protects you from disputes later.

Email cancellation to the general enquiries address

Sending a written cancellation request by email is the safest method because you retain a timestamped proof of submission. Address your email to enquiries@pfpleisure.org, the official general enquiries address listed by Places Leisure. In the subject line, write "Membership Cancellation Request" or "Activity Cancellation" so it routes to the correct team. Include your full name, membership number, the date you joined, and your preferred cancellation date. If you are within the 14-day cooling-off period, state that explicitly and request a full refund. Stopee advises sending this email from the address associated with your Places Leisure account and keeping a copy for your records.

Phone cancellation during business hours

You can call Places Leisure customer service during business hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (UK time). Ask to speak with a manager or the cancellations team. Have your membership number, joining date and payment method details ready. During the call, clearly state whether you are cancelling within the cooling-off period or giving 15 days' notice, and request written confirmation of your cancellation via email immediately after the call. The risk with phone cancellation is that you lack documented proof unless you follow up by email-so always send a follow-up message summarizing what was agreed and ask the agent to confirm by return email.

Postal cancellation with recorded delivery

For the highest level of proof, send a physical letter to Places Leisure's head office address: 305 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8QR, UK. Write a short, clear letter stating your name, membership number, joining date and cancellation request. If you are within the cooling-off period, write "14-day cooling-off cancellation-full refund requested." Include your contact details and preferred cancellation date. Send the letter by registered or recorded delivery so the postal service provides a tracking number and proof of delivery. Stopee recognizes this method takes longer (7-14 days for mail delivery plus processing) but it creates an undisputable paper trail if Places Leisure later disputes your cancellation.

How to cancel a single class or activity booking

If you have booked a class or session included in your membership, you can cancel that individual booking without cancelling the entire membership.

1. Open the Places Leisure app, website or visit your local centre reception
   • Log in with your membership credentials on the app or website
   • Alternatively, speak with staff at your centre during opening hours
2. Find the booked class or session in your schedule
   • Look under "My Bookings" or a similar menu
   • Identify the session you wish to cancel
3. Select "Cancel" or notify the centre manager
   • If using the app or website, confirm the cancellation
   • If in person, ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date and time
4. Check the timing to avoid late-cancellation fees
   • Cancellations made at least 6 hours before the session are free
   • Cancellations made less than 6 hours before may incur a £4 late-cancellation charge
   • Pro tip: If another member books your cancelled spot (the "Backfill Rule"), the late-cancellation charge is waived automatically
5. Keep your cancellation confirmation
   • Screenshot app confirmations or request an email receipt from the centre

How to cancel a pay-as-you-go activity booking

Pay-as-you-go bookings for non-included activities are handled differently from membership classes and carry stricter terms.

1. Understand the refund policy before you cancel
   • Pay-as-you-go activity bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable according to Places Leisure's published policy
   • This means you cannot recover the fee once payment is processed, even if you cancel in advance
2. Check the specific activity booking policy on the Places Leisure website
   • Visit placesleisure.org and search for "Activity bookings policy"
   • Confirm whether your specific activity falls under the non-refundable rule
3. Contact your local centre or central support for exceptions
   • Email enquiries@pfpleisure.org or call customer service Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
   • Request a refund or credit if Places Leisure cancels the activity, or if you can provide evidence of unforeseen circumstances (illness, injury, emergency)
   • Warning: Stopee notes that Places Leisure only offers refunds or credits if they cancel the session-not for personal reasons-so this exception is narrow
4. Keep your booking confirmation
   • Retain your booking receipt and confirmation email in case you need to escalate

How to cancel your places leisure membership entirely

Terminating your membership contract requires different steps depending on whether you are within the 14-day cooling-off period or beyond it.

Cancellation within 14 days (cooling-off period)

1. Confirm you are within 14 calendar days of joining
   • Count from the date you purchased or first paid for the membership
   • The 14th day is your final day to cancel without penalty
2. Prepare a written cancellation notice
   • Write a short email or letter stating: your name, membership number, joining date, and that you are cancelling under the 14-day cooling-off right
   • Request a full refund of all fees, including the joining fee
   • State your preferred method for the refund (original payment card, etc.)
3. Send the notice to Places Leisure by email or post
   • Email: enquiries@pfpleisure.org (fastest and most reliable)
   • Post: 305 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8QR (use recorded delivery)
4. Expect confirmation and refund processing
   • Places Leisure should acknowledge receipt within 2-3 business days
   • The full refund (including joining fee) is typically processed within 10 working days to your original payment method
5. Verify the refund appears in your account
   • Check your bank or card statement after 10 days
   • If the refund is missing, contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org with your cancellation date and request proof of processing

Cancellation after the cooling-off period (Minimum term)

1. Determine when your Minimum Term ends
   • Check your membership agreement or account page on the app or website
   • The Minimum Term is usually 12 months from your joining date
   • Note the date of your next scheduled payment
2. Calculate when to send your notice
   • You must provide at least 15 days' written notice before your next payment date
   • For example, if your next payment is 25 March, send your cancellation notice by 10 March
   • Pro tip: Send your notice 20 days early to allow a buffer for email delivery and processing delays
3. Prepare and send your written notice
   • Write an email or letter with: your name, membership number, current membership tier, and the date you want the membership to end (must be the next payment date)
   • State: "I am providing 15 days' written notice of cancellation as required by the membership terms"
   • Email to enquiries@pfpleisure.org or post to the head office address
4. Confirm your cancellation with Places Leisure
   • Request a confirmation email or letter stating the cancellation date and final payment due date
   • If you do not receive confirmation within 5 business days, follow up by phone at customer service (Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm)
5. Monitor your payment account until the end date
   • Verify that no charge appears on your next payment date
   • If a charge does appear after you sent notice, contact Places Leisure immediately with a copy of your cancellation email
   • Stopee recommends taking screenshots of your cancellation confirmation for your records

What happens after your cancellation is processed

Understanding what occurs after you send your cancellation request removes anxiety and helps you verify the process is complete.

Your access and membership end date

If you cancel within the 14-day cooling-off period, your membership is closed immediately once your refund is processed, and your access to the centre, app and classes stops. After the Minimum Term, your membership continues until your next scheduled payment date (the date you specified in your cancellation notice). On that date, your access is terminated-you cannot attend classes, book sessions or use any membership facilities after that point. Stopee advises you to plan any final visits before your end date.

Recurring payments and automatic renewal

Once your cancellation is valid and processed, no further automatic payments are charged to your card or account. Your membership does not renew after the cancellation date you specified. If a payment is charged after a valid cancellation, contact Places Leisure immediately and request a reversal, citing your cancellation notice as evidence.

Your account and personal data

After cancellation, your Places Leisure account is deactivated or closed according to their privacy policy. You will no longer receive marketing emails or app notifications. If you need a copy of your transaction history, payment records or personal data before the account is fully deleted, contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org and request this within 30 days of cancellation. Under UK data protection law (GDPR), you have the right to access and port your data.

Refund timelines and eligibility

Refunds are not automatic-your eligibility depends on when you cancel and whether you meet specific conditions.

Full refunds within 14 days

You are entitled to a full refund of all membership fees, including the joining fee, if you cancel within 14 calendar days of purchase. This right applies to standard memberships and one-time activity or course bookings. Stopee emphasizes that this is a legal right under consumer protection law, not a favour-Places Leisure must honour it. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method (card, bank account, etc.) within approximately 10 working days. If your refund does not appear within 10 days, contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org with your cancellation date and demand proof of processing.

No refunds after the cooling-off period

Once the 14-day cooling-off window closes, Places Leisure does not offer pro-rata refunds for unused time or early cancellation. If you cancel after the Minimum Term with proper 15 days' notice, you receive no money back for the month or year remaining on your membership. You pay for the full billing cycle up to your specified end date. The only exception is if Places Leisure cancels a class or session you have paid for-in that case, they offer refunds or credits, and any late-cancellation fees may be waived if another member books your spot.

Refunds if places leisure cancels or changes services

If Places Leisure closes your local centre, cancels a service you depend on or significantly changes the membership terms without your consent, you may be entitled to a refund even outside the cooling-off period. Contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org immediately and request a refund based on the service change, citing the specific policy breach. Document everything: emails, screenshots and dates. If they refuse, escalate to the consumer authority (Federal Authority for Consumer Protection in the UAE, or Citizens Advice in the UK).

Pricing and membership tiers at places leisure

Understanding what you currently pay and what you are cancelling helps ensure the refund amount is correct.

Prices vary by location and tier. Check your original receipt or account page for your exact costs. When requesting a refund within 14 days, confirm Places Leisure refunds both the monthly fee and the joining fee-they sometimes try to withhold the joining fee, which is illegal within the cooling-off period.

Common mistakes that delay or prevent cancellation

Cancellation is stressful, and small errors can derail the entire process. Here are the traps Stopee sees most often, and how to avoid them.

Cancelling through the wrong contact address

Many members email a local centre manager rather than the central enquiries address (enquiries@pfpleisure.org). Local staff may delay forwarding your request or lose it entirely. Always send your cancellation notice to the official central address. If you must contact your local centre first, follow up by emailing enquiries@pfpleisure.org with a copy of your cancellation request so there is a central record.

Failing to give the required notice period

After the cooling-off period, Places Leisure requires 15 days' written notice before your next payment date. If you send notice on, say, 20 March and your next payment is 25 March, your notice is too late and your cancellation may not take effect that month. You would then be charged again and forced to cancel the next cycle. Calculate your payment date first, then work backwards 15 days to determine your deadline. Send your notice early-20 days is safer-to avoid this trap.

Not sending written notice

Phone calls and in-person conversations do not count as "written notice" under Places Leisure's terms. If you call to cancel and do not follow up with an email, the company can later claim they never received a formal request. Always send a written notice by email or post, even if you have already phoned. This creates the timestamped proof you need if there is a dispute.

Cancelling in the app without notifying the company

Disabling notifications or hiding your membership in the app does not cancel it. Your subscription continues and you are charged. You must submit a written cancellation request to Places Leisure directly, not just stop using the service.

Forgetting to check your bank account after cancellation

Always verify that the cancellation took effect and no further charges appear on your payment method. Stopee recommends checking your bank or card statement at least once after your supposed end date. If a charge appears, you have proof it was unauthorized and can dispute it with your bank immediately.

Not requesting a confirmation email

After you send a cancellation notice, ask Places Leisure to confirm receipt and processing by return email. If they do not, follow up by phone and request written confirmation. Without this, you have no proof the request was received if a dispute arises.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and have the documentation you need.

1. Gather your membership details
   • Membership number (found on your card or app profile)
   • Joining date and payment date
   • Current tier and monthly/annual fee amount
   • Payment method (card or bank details)
2. Determine your cancellation scenario
   • Are you within 14 days of joining? (Full refund, immediate cancellation)
   • Are you beyond the Minimum Term? (15 days' notice required, no refund)
   • Are you cancelling a single class or pay-as-you-go booking? (Different rules apply)
3. Prepare your written notice
   • Write a clear, brief email or letter with your name, membership number and the specific cancellation date
   • If within 14 days, state "cooling-off cancellation-full refund requested"
   • If beyond, state "15 days' notice of cancellation-end date [your next payment date]"
4. Send the notice by email or post
   • Email: enquiries@pfpleisure.org (keep the sent email)
   • Post: 305 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8QR (use recorded delivery and keep the receipt)
5. Request a confirmation email
   • Ask Places Leisure to confirm receipt and processing within 2-3 business days
   • If you do not receive confirmation, follow up by phone or a second email
6. Document everything
   • Save your cancellation email, confirmation from Places Leisure, and any phone call notes
   • Take screenshots of your membership account on the app or website
   • Keep your bank statement showing the refund (if within 14 days)
7. Monitor your account and bank statement
   • Check that no further charges appear after your cancellation end date
   • Verify that a refund appears within 10 working days (if applicable)
8. Follow up if charges continue
   • If you are charged after valid cancellation, contact enquiries@pfpleisure.org immediately with your cancellation notice as proof
   • Request a reversal and full refund of unauthorized charges
   • If Places Leisure refuses, contact your bank or card issuer and dispute the charge

Comparing places leisure with similar fitness services

If you are deciding whether to cancel, or comparing Places Leisure to alternatives, this table shows how their cancellation policies and pricing stack up.

Places Leisure's cooling-off period (14 days) matches the legal standard and most competitors. However, their notice period (15 days) is slightly longer than Puregym (10 days) but shorter than Les Mills or Virgin Active (30 days). If you are unhappy with their flexibility, Puregym or your local council leisure centre may offer faster exit options.

What to do if places leisure refuses to cancel

If you have sent a valid cancellation request and Places Leisure ignores it or refuses to process it, you have legal remedies.

Send a follow-up email with formal notice

If Places Leisure does not acknowledge your cancellation within 5 business days, send a second email marked "URGENT: Cancellation Request Follow-up." Reference your original email date and request confirmation of receipt within 48 hours. State clearly: "If I do not receive confirmation, I will escalate this to the consumer protection authority and dispute any charges as unauthorized."

Escalate to consumer protection authorities

In the UAE, file a complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP) at www.fca.ae or by email. In the UK, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service or the Financial Conduct Authority. Provide your cancellation emails, the date you sent them, Places Leisure's response (or lack thereof) and proof of charges you believe are unauthorized. Stopee recommends submitting this escalation only after you have given Places Leisure 3 weeks to respond, as authorities may request that you allow the company a final chance.

Dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer

If Places Leisure continues to charge you after a valid cancellation, contact your bank or card issuer and initiate a dispute. Provide them with your cancellation email, Places Leisure's confirmation (if any) and your bank statement showing the disputed charges. Banks take cancellation disputes seriously and will often reverse charges and issue refunds on your behalf, especially if you have written proof of your cancellation request.

Contact information and next steps

Here is the official contact information you need to complete your cancellation at Places Leisure.

Places leisure contact details

Email: enquiries@pfpleisure.org (use this for all written cancellations)

Phone: Customer service central support, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (UK time)

Postal address: 305 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8QR, United Kingdom

Website: placesleisure.org (check for updated terms and activity policies)

If places leisure refuses or delays

UAE consumers: Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP), www.fca.ae

UK consumers: Citizens Advice Consumer Service, www.citizensadvice.org.uk or the Financial Conduct Authority, www.fca.org.uk

Summary and empowerment

Cancelling a gym membership or activity booking should be simple, but Places Leisure's policies and processes are often opaque. You now have the knowledge to navigate every scenario: cancelling a single class, a pay-as-you-go booking or your entire membership. You understand your legal rights-the 14-day cooling-off period is non-negotiable, and the 15-day notice requirement applies only after the Minimum Term ends. You know which contact method creates the strongest proof, and you can recognize the traps that delay cancellations and cost money.

Most importantly, remember that this is your cancellation to control. Places Leisure does not own your membership or your right to cancel; you do. Write clearly, send written notice, keep copies and follow up. If the company refuses or ignores you, escalate confidently to the consumer authority-you have law on your side.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted memberships, reclaim refunds and resolve disputes with fitness and leisure services. Whether you are in the UAE, the UK or anywhere else, understanding your cancellation rights and the steps to enforce them turns frustration into action. Use this guide as your reference, follow the checklist step-by-step and take back control of your money and your choices.