Medina Leisure Centre

Two swimming pools and a well-equipped gym make this Newport leisure centre a solid choice when the Isle of Wight weather turns against you. The main pool handles family splashing while the smaller one's better for proper swimming - though don't expect Olympic lengths.

Families with young children get the most from the place. The pool area stays warm enough for little ones, and there's space for the inevitable chaos that comes with kids in water. Serious swimmers might find it a bit cramped during busy periods, but it does the job for holiday fitness routines.

Opening hours work well for holiday makers - 6am starts mean early birds can squeeze in a swim before the day trips begin. Weekend hours are shorter though, closing at 5pm when you might actually want to use it most.

The gym's nothing special but has enough equipment to keep fitness enthusiasts happy for a session or two. Staff seem friendly enough, and the facilities are clean without being flashy.

For those staying at nearby Springfield Oaks Camping or the various farm stays scattered around Newport, it's a handy backup plan. When the kids are bouncing off the tent walls or you need to work off too many pub dinners, this place sorts you out. Just check admission prices - they're not advertised online.