Downham Leisure Centre

Downham Leisure Centre sits on the edge of Warlingham, a proper working sports facility rather than a tourist draw. You'll find the usual mix - indoor pool, gym, sports courts - the kind of place locals actually use rather than somewhere you'd stumble across on a country walk.

It's worth knowing about if you're staying nearby at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping and want to burn off some energy on a rainy afternoon. The pool is decent for families, though it's not one of those fancy water parks with slides and lazy rivers. If you've got kids who just need a swim and you're based locally, it does the job. Adults after a proper workout will find the gym setup fine, nothing fancy but functional.

The real question is whether it's worth a special trip when you're exploring the Warlingham area. Honestly? Not unless you need a specific facility. The surrounding countryside - walks down to the valley, local pubs - offers better reasons to be here. That said, if you're spending a week at a glamping site and the weather turns, it's a solid backup plan rather than a trudge into central London.

Best to check their current opening hours and prices before heading over, as leisure centres vary wildly. Most offer casual swimming and gym passes without membership, but ring ahead to be sure.