Crystal Leisure Centre

The Crystal Leisure Centre in Kidderminster is the sort of place you take the kids when the weather turns and you need to burn off some energy without breaking the bank. It's a proper leisure complex with pools, a gym, and various activity spaces - the kind of venue that's genuinely useful rather than a tourist attraction, which is exactly what makes it worth knowing about if you're staying in the area.

The main draw here is the swimming pools. There's usually a main pool for serious swimmers and a shallower option for younger children, which means families with mixed ages can actually have a decent time without someone getting frustrated. If your lot are into diving or water aerobics, they sometimes run classes - though you'll want to check current timetables on their website or ring ahead.

Beyond swimming, there's a fitness suite if you need to maintain your routine while on holiday, and they often host badminton, squash, and other court sports. It's not going to rival a theme park for excitement, but that's the point. Rainy Tuesday afternoon? Kids driving you up the wall? This is your answer.

If you're camping at Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site just five miles away, the Crystal is genuinely handy for a half-day activity. Admission costs vary depending on what you're doing - swimming is cheap, gym sessions less so - so pop in and ask current rates when you arrive in Worcestershire. Allow a couple of hours if it's just the pool.