Milll House Leisure Centre

The Mill House Leisure Centre sits just outside Hartlepool and does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a proper working sports facility, not a theme park or museum. Inside you'll find a swimming pool, gym equipment, and various sports courts. The kind of place locals actually use rather than a tourist destination, which means it's genuinely useful if you're staying nearby and want to blow off some energy without leaving town.

It's brilliant for families with restless kids, especially on the frequent rainy days the North East serves up. A couple of hours in the pool sorts them out. The opening hours are tight on weekends - they close at half three on Saturday and Sunday - so don't turn up at four expecting to swim. Weekday mornings from half six are quiet if you're an early riser. Free admission isn't listed on their information, so check ahead before visiting.

If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene just down the road, this is handy for a rainy afternoon rather than a special outing. It's functional rather than fancy, which is precisely its charm. You won't queue, you won't fight for a lane, and you won't pay over the odds. Just a solid leisure centre doing solid work.