Concordia Leisure Centre

The Concordia Leisure Centre sits right on Whitley Bay's seafront, a proper focal point if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Sandy Bay and fancy getting active. It's a full-service sports facility with pools, a gym, and usually some kind of activity class on the go - the sort of place that keeps families occupied on a drizzly afternoon when the beach isn't calling.

Inside you'll find a main pool for proper swimming and typically a smaller pool for kids or those building confidence. The gym's decent enough if you need to maintain some fitness routine while on holiday, though honestly most people are there for the water. There's usually a cafe area too - not Michelin-starred but perfectly adequate for a post-swim snack and hot drink.

Families with younger kids get the most value here. An hour or two splashing about while parents supervise from the viewing area is time well spent, particularly if the weather's turned. Teenagers might find it a bit basic unless they're seriously into swimming or climbing. Casual gym users would be better off at their holiday park's own facilities if available.

You'll want to check their current admission prices and session times online before you go - these leisure centres change their operating patterns seasonally. Allow two to three hours if you're bringing kids, including changing time. It's close enough to Parkdean Resorts Sandy Bay that you can pop over for the day without much hassle, making it a solid backup plan when the North Sea's looking particularly uninviting.