Grimsby Amateur Boxing Club

The Amateur Boxing Club sits tucked away in Grimsby, just a short drive from Cleethorpes. It's the real deal - a working boxing gym where local fighters actually train, not some tourist attraction dressed up for visitors. You'll walk in and smell the sweat, hear the speed bags rattling, see people properly grafting on heavy bags and in the ring.

This is one for people who actually care about boxing. If you've got a teenager obsessed with the sport, or you're considering taking it up yourself, they run coaching sessions and welcome beginners. It's got that gritty authenticity you won't find in fancy leisure centres. The folks running it know their stuff and aren't precious about showing interested folk around.

The best time to visit is late afternoon when training picks up. You'll get more out of it if you call ahead - opening hours seem to shift around training schedules, and it's not a formal tourist venue. There's no entry charge to have a look, though they might ask for a donation or chat about membership if you're keen to join.

It pairs well with a holiday at Haven Cleethorpes Beach Holiday Park just down the road. Use it as a base, take the kids to the seafront, then pop over to watch some proper local boxing. Grimsby's not got much else by way of attractions, but if you're staying nearby anyway, this beats sitting in another arcade.