Grangemouth Sports Complex

The Sports Complex at Grangemouth is a proper working leisure facility rather than a tourist attraction, which is worth knowing upfront. You'll find an indoor swimming pool, gym, sports halls and outdoor pitches spread across the site - the sort of place locals actually use rather than somewhere you'd plan a day around. That said, if you're staying at West Fife Pods nearby and have kids who need burning out, or you fancy a swim without the theme park crowds, it's genuinely useful.

The pool is the main draw for families. It's not enormous, but it does the job well enough for an hour or two, and the leisure element means there's a shallow end that works for younger children. The sports halls host everything from badminton to basketball, so if your family's competitive you could rent a court. The gym is modern enough if you're the type to keep up your routine on holiday, though that's a niche pursuit.

Clackmannan's only three miles away if you need somewhere to grab lunch afterwards. Swimming sessions have set times, so you'll need to check the Falkirk Community Trust website before you go - opening hours and admission prices aren't straightforward walk-up territory. Allow a good two hours if you're swimming, less if you're just popping in for a specific activity.

It's about fifteen minutes from West Fife Pods, so worth considering if you're based there with restless kids. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's functional and local, which sometimes is exactly what a holiday needs.