Chatsworth Tennis Club

Tennis courts on the outskirts of Carlisle might not sound like a holiday highlight, but Chatsworth Tennis Club is the sort of place that makes sense if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks and fancy a proper game rather than another afternoon doing the tourist rounds. It's a members' club primarily, so you'll need to check if casual play is possible before turning up - their website has the details, though opening hours aren't listed anywhere obvious, which is typical for smaller clubs.

If you're a decent player or your kids are keen to improve their game, it's worth a phone call to see what they offer. Most clubs in Cumbria run coaching sessions through the summer months, and the grounds are well maintained. You're looking at maybe ninety minutes for a decent hit, depending on how much you want to do.

Really, this works best as part of a broader stay at Green Acres Caravan Park or Englethwaite Hall, both barely more than five miles away and both rated consistently high. If you're the type who travels with a tennis racket because you can't resist a few games, brilliant - crack on. If you're hoping for a casual knockabout without membership, ring ahead first. Don't just roll up expecting to play.