DG One

DG One is Dumfries's main sports and leisure venue, sitting right on the edge of town. It's a modern facility housing a swimming pool, gym, and sports halls - the kind of place that keeps the local community ticking over rather than a destination attraction in itself.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Newbridge Country Park or Marthrown of Mabie and the weather turns properly grim, it's a solid backup plan. The pool is decent for families who need to burn off energy on a wet afternoon. The gym and courts appeal to anyone keen to maintain their fitness routine while away, though you'll likely need to enquire about day passes when you arrive.

Really though, you're in Dumfries & Galloway for the outdoors - the lochs, the walking trails, the Borders scenery. DG One works better as a rainy-day option than a reason to visit. Allow two or three hours maximum if you're using the pool. It's the sort of place where facilities are functional rather than fancy, which suits the area's straightforward character.

The venue sits conveniently close to Dumfries town centre, making it easy to combine with a café visit or a wander around the High Street. Worth knowing about if the forecast looks dodgy, but don't let it distract you from the proper attractions in the surrounding countryside.