Freedom Leisure Uckfield

The leisure centre in Uckfield isn't going to win any architectural awards, but that's precisely why it works. You get a proper public pool - indoor and outdoor depending on the season - without the faffing about that comes with some of the grander facilities. The indoor pool is warm enough for young kids to actually enjoy themselves, and the outdoor one in summer is genuinely pleasant when the weather cooperates, which in Sussex means maybe six weeks a year.

Families with small children will get the most out of this. There's a shallow end that doesn't require a degree in bravery to enter, changing facilities that are functional rather than fancy, and reasonable opening hours that actually fit around school runs. Older kids and serious swimmers might find it a bit limiting - it's not Olympic-sized, and the lane swimming sessions are specific times rather than all day.

It's free to enter, though you'll pay a modest fee for a swim. During school holidays it gets rammed, so go mid-week morning if you want elbow room. Allow an hour to ninety minutes all in - swim, shower, dry off, the lot.

If you're camping at The Secret Campsite or Dernwood Farm Glamping, this is a solid rainy day option or a morning before heading out on a walk around Lewes. It won't be the highlight of your trip, but it'll stop the kids complaining about being wet and cold.