Morden Leisure Centre

Morden Leisure Centre sits in south London as a proper working sports facility rather than a tourist draw, but that's partly what makes it worth knowing about. It's the kind of place where locals actually go to swim, play badminton, or use the gym - not somewhere you'd necessarily plan a day around unless you're after a genuine workout.

The centre has a decent indoor pool setup and various sports halls, so families keen on a swim during a London visit might find it useful. Kids' lessons run regularly, and the facilities are well-maintained without feeling overly fancy. If you're staying in the Morden area or heading south towards Chessington World of Adventures Resort, it's a handy spot to burn off some energy on a rainy afternoon.

Opening hours and admission prices aren't straightforward from here, so best check their website or ring ahead before showing up. The leisure centre serves the local community first and foremost, which means it's not geared up as an attraction in the traditional sense. You won't find the glitz of a fancy resort pool, but you will get functional, clean facilities at reasonable rates.

It's only worth the detour if you're already in the neighbourhood or staying nearby. For a proper family day out in the area, Chessington World of Adventures is the better bet - that's only six miles away and offers far more to do. Save this place for when you need a quick swim between other plans.