Edmonton Leisure Centre

The Edmonton Leisure Centre sits on the eastern edge of London proper, a functional sports complex that serves the local community far better than it impresses passing tourists. Inside you'll find a swimming pool, gym facilities, and a sports hall - the sort of place where school kids take swimming lessons and residents work off their Monday morning frustrations on the treadmills. It's not a destination in itself, but if you're staying at Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park just 1.2 miles away, it's handy for an indoor activity if the weather turns grim.

Who gets value here? Families with young children needing a proper swim rather than paddling pools, and anyone mid-holiday who fancies a gym session without loosening the purse strings. The complex is also genuinely useful for families based at the other nearby parks - Fowley Mead and Theobalds Park are within reasonable driving distance, so if cabin fever sets in on a rainy afternoon, this beats sitting in a tent.

I'd ring ahead to confirm current hours and pricing, as these things change. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're swimming with kids. The Lee Valley area itself is far more interesting for a camping holiday - the wetland reserves and river walks nearby offer proper time outdoors. Use the leisure centre as a backup plan rather than a reason to visit.