Dewey Sports Centre

Banbury's sports hub sits on the outskirts of town, serving the local community with a proper range of facilities rather than pulling in visitors from across the region. The centre runs swimming pools, gym equipment, and courts for badminton and squash - the sort of place you'd use if you're staying nearby for a few days, not trek to specially.

It's genuinely useful if you're based at Newton Grove, the holiday park just two and a half miles away. Kids can burn off energy in the pool without leaving the area, and if the weather turns grim during a week's break, you've got indoor options that aren't sitting in an arcade. Adults after a proper gym session will find what they need.

The centre itself is functional rather than fancy - clean and well-run, but don't expect anything architectural to write home about. Admission charges apply, though prices are reasonable for the facilities on offer. Opening hours are standard weekday-to-evening, weekend sessions too, though it's worth checking their website or ringing ahead before you visit, as these things can shift seasonally.

If you're planning a Banbury-based holiday, slot this in as an option for rainy afternoons or if someone in your party wants to keep up their fitness routine. Don't build your trip around it, but knowing it's there takes some pressure off. For walkers and outdoor types, the market town of Banbury itself and the surrounding countryside offer more interesting ways to spend daylight hours.