Goldenstones Leasure Centre

The leisure centre near Yeovil isn't going to blow your mind with heritage or views, but if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Esme's Escape is only a short drive away - it's a solid backup plan when the Somerset weather turns. Goldenstones is your standard indoor sports setup: pools, gym facilities, the usual suspects. It's the sort of place where families with restless kids can burn off energy on a rainy afternoon, or where you might pop in for a swim if you fancy something low-key.

Best for families with younger children and anyone who wants structured activities rather than countryside rambling. The pools are the main draw. A couple of hours will do it - don't expect to spend your whole day here. Check ahead though because opening hours seem thin on the ground online, and admission prices aren't widely advertised, so a quick phone call before you go saves a wasted trip.

Honestly, if you're based at Esme's Escape and you've got good weather, you'll be out exploring Somerset proper. But for those inevitable damp days when the kids need entertaining and you can't face another board game in the hut, Goldenstones does the job. It's functional rather than fancy, which is sometimes exactly what a holiday needs.