Moreton Community Pool

A proper community pool that doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. Moreton's the sort of place where locals actually swim rather than Instagram, which is refreshing. You'll find it just outside Exeter, making it dead convenient if you're staying at one of the nearby touring parks like Barley Meadow or Woodland Springs and fancy a dip without driving into the city.

It's a straightforward affair - indoor and outdoor pools depending on the season, reasonable facilities, and the kind of atmosphere where families genuinely seem to relax instead of stress. Kids can splash about without it feeling like you're in some corporate leisure complex. The water's warm enough, the changing rooms work, and staff get on with the job without fuss.

Go on a weekday morning if you can stomach it. School holidays turn it into a zoo, and weekend afternoons are rammed. Twenty minutes in the water is enough if you're just cooling off between park activities, but if you're a proper swimmer, you could easily stretch it to an hour. Free or paid entry varies - worth ringing ahead or checking their notice board when you arrive, as these community pools change their pricing.

Perfect addition to a Devon park holiday if the weather turns or the kids need tiring out. Don't build a day around it, but stick it in your back pocket as a backup plan. The proximity to Exeter means you're not isolated if you want to explore a proper town either.