Brandon Leisure Centre

The leisure centre in Brandon is the sort of place you'd take the kids on a rainy afternoon when the Norfolk broads have lost their appeal. It's a proper community sports hub with a swimming pool, gym facilities, and courts for badminton and other indoor activities - nothing fancy, but it does the job.

The pool is the main draw for families, and it's decent enough for a few hours of splashing about. There's also a gym if you're the type who can't bear to miss a workout during holiday, though I suspect most people aren't. The facilities are functional rather than flashy - this isn't a luxury resort centre, it's what Brandon residents actually use.

For a quiet rural area east of the River Great Ouse, it serves its purpose well. You're not coming here for adventure or views - you're coming because the weather's turned and you need to burn off some energy indoors. It's useful to know about if you're staying at somewhere like Willow Grove Farm Glamping nearby and fancy a change of pace.

Best bet is ringing ahead to check current opening hours and what activities are actually on when you're visiting. Admission costs aren't advertised online, so phone Brandon Leisure Centre directly. Allow a couple of hours if you've got kids who like the water. It's convenient rather than unmissable.