Eastgate Tennis Club

Tennis courts on the edge of Lincoln aren't what most tourists come to the East Midlands for, but if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - South Cliff is barely three miles away - and someone in your group actually plays, Eastgate Tennis Club is a straightforward option. It's a proper local facility rather than a flashy resort court, the kind of place where you book a slot and get on with it.

This works best for families who've brought rackets and want to burn off some competitive energy during a caravan holiday. It won't be a highlight - let's be honest - but if you've got a teenager who'd otherwise sulk about being dragged to Lincolnshire, an hour on the court might save your sanity. The setting is functional rather than scenic, and there's no reason to visit if you're not actually playing.

Details on fees and exact opening hours weren't readily available when I checked, so ring ahead before you turn up. You're close enough to Lincoln's cathedral and high street that you could combine a morning game with a proper afternoon exploring the city. Langdale Lakes and Seven Acre Farm are also within reasonable driving distance if you fancy a base with more amenities than pure tennis access. Save your energy for the courts rather than driving out of your way to look at them.