Deans Leisure Centre

Deans Leisure Centre sits just outside Brighton and serves as the kind of place you'd drag the kids to on a rainy afternoon rather than plan a trip around. It's a proper sports facility with the usual suspects - indoor pools, gym kit, courts for badminton and squash. Nothing fancy, but it does the job if you're staying nearby and need to burn off some energy.

Families with younger children will find the pools useful, particularly if your accommodation at Three Ponds Holiday Park doesn't have its own water amenities. Swimmers of any standard can get a decent session in, though this isn't a destination pool - don't expect the wow factor of some of the grander leisure complexes you'll find across the South East.

The centre works better as a backup activity than a headline attraction. If you're based in Brighton with a rainy day looming, or you fancy a proper swim without heading to the seafront, it's convenient. Serious sports enthusiasts might appreciate the court hire options, particularly for badminton or squash players wanting a structured game.

Because opening hours and admission prices aren't straightforward online, phone ahead before you visit - nothing worse than rocking up with restless kids only to find it's closed for a tournament. Realistically, allow an hour to ninety minutes if you're doing a swim and leaving it at that. It's functional, accessible, and does exactly what it says on the tin, which is sometimes all you need during a seaside holiday.