Arkleby Leisure Swimming Pool

The leisure pool in Cockermouth isn't going to blow your mind, but if you've got kids who need to burn off energy on a rainy afternoon, it does the job. Arkleby's got the standard setup - a main pool for proper swimming, a shallow end for splashing about, and usually a fun pool with a slide if you're lucky. Water temperature is decent enough that you won't spend the whole time gritting your teeth.

It's the sort of place families staying at North Lakes Country Park - just five miles away - might pop into for a couple of hours rather than plan a whole day around. Kids under eight will have more fun than teenagers, to be honest. The changing facilities are fine, nothing fancy, and the cafe does the basics if you need a post-swim snack.

Go on a weekday morning if you can. School holidays are mental, packed with screaming toddlers and chaos. You're looking at maybe two hours maximum before even resilient kids get bored. Entry isn't free, but it won't break the bank - call ahead to check current prices and opening times, because leisure centres do change their hours seasonally.

If you're basing yourself at North Lakes and need an indoor activity between park walks and attractions around Cockermouth, it's worth knowing about. Don't make a special journey for it though.