Crook Leisure Centre

If you're staying at Bradley Burn Caravan Park or any of the sites around Bishop Auckland, Crook Leisure Centre is the practical option when you need to burn off energy without leaving the area. It's a proper community sports facility - swimming pool, gym, sports hall, that sort of thing - housed in a modern building that's seen recent investment.

The pool is the main draw for families. It's indoor, heated, and decent-sized without being overwhelming. You'll find it busy during school holidays and after 4pm on weekdays when the local kids pile in. The gym appeals to anyone who can't face a week without their usual routine, though it won't rival anything in the city. The sports hall hosts badminton, volleyball, and various classes throughout the week.

Opening hours are sensible: 6am starts on weekdays, 7am on Saturdays, 8am on Sundays. It's open until 9pm weekdays, so evening swims are possible. Costs vary depending on what you use - expect to pay per session rather than a day pass, though there are membership options if you're staying longer.

Honestly? It's not a destination in itself. No one visits Crook specifically for the leisure centre. But if you're camped nearby and want a rainy-day option or somewhere the kids can properly tire themselves out, it works. It's five miles from Bishop Auckland's town centre if you want to combine it with shops or a café. Don't expect anything fancy, but it does what it says on the tin.