Lords Meadow Leisure Centre

Lords Meadow in Exeter is where locals actually go when they want a proper workout or a swim without the fuss of a posh gym membership. It's a straightforward leisure centre - nothing fancy - with a decent pool, gym facilities, and indoor sports courts for badminton, squash, and the like.

The pool is the main draw. It's got lanes for serious swimmers and a shallower section if you're taking the kids in. On weekday mornings it's quieter, but weekends get rammed with families, so time your visit accordingly. The gym equipment is functional rather than cutting-edge, and the changing facilities are clean enough.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Sunsets & Marshmallows - which is about six miles out - this becomes handy for burning off energy on a rainy afternoon. Kids won't find it thrilling for more than an hour or two unless they're genuinely keen swimmers, but it does the job if you need a break from countryside activities.

Costs vary depending on what you're using - casual swimming is usually a few quid, day passes reasonable. Ring ahead to check current prices and sessions before you go, as timing can be crucial if you want to avoid the school rush.

It's not a destination in itself, but it fills a gap on a park holiday when the weather turns.