Indoor Swimming Pool

There's an indoor pool on Hayling Island that makes sense if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks and the weather turns against you. Which, let's be honest, it will do in Hampshire at some point during your break.

I couldn't pin down exact opening hours or admission fees - you'll need to ring ahead - but it's the sort of facility that works for families with younger kids who need to burn energy between beach days. If your children are keen swimmers, they'll get a decent session in. If they're still in armbands and floaties, it's fine for splashing about. Toddlers and teenagers might find it a bit basic after an hour or so.

The real strength here is the insurance policy angle. You're camped at Fishery Creek or Stubcroft Farm, the forecast is grim, and you need an indoor option. Rather than sitting in a caravan watching rain streak the windows, you've got somewhere to go. It beats an arcade.

Location-wise, Hayling Island itself is only a short drive from the parks - Fishery Creek is barely a mile away - so it's convenient without being a proper expedition. Check their current hours before you travel though. Swimming pools shift their timetables depending on the season and whether they've got school groups booked in. Worth ringing first to avoid showing up with grumpy kids in tow only to find it's closed for maintenance.