Gymnasium

Bideford's leisure centre sits right in the heart of town, a proper working-out sort of place rather than a polished tourist attraction. You've got your standard indoor pools, gym equipment, and sports halls - the kind of facility that serves the local community day in, day out. It's functional rather than fancy, but that's rather the point.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Owl Valley Glamping and Broad Park are both excellent choices - this is genuinely useful for a rainy afternoon or if your kids have too much energy to burn. The pools draw families, and the gym facilities mean active types won't feel completely cut off from their routine. Don't expect anything luxurious, though. This is where locals come to swim their lengths and teenagers play badminton.

You'll want to ring ahead to check current admission prices and opening hours, as these can shift seasonally. Allow an hour or two depending on what you're doing - longer if swimming with children. Winter visits make most sense, when outdoor exploring in Devon feels less appealing.

Honestly, it's a backup plan rather than a destination in itself. Bideford has proper beaches nearby and the countryside's spectacular, so unless the weather's absolutely foul or you need a specific facility, save your time for what the area does better. But if you're committed to staying put for a day, it'll do the job.