Nash Mills Recreation Centre

Nash Mills Recreation Centre sits just outside Hemel Hempstead and is a proper working sports facility rather than a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. You've got a leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, and sports halls - the sort of place locals rely on for a decent workout or a swim with the kids on a rainy afternoon.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Fuzzy's Farm or Highridge Farm, this is useful to know about rather than a reason to visit the area. The pool is fine for family swimming, nothing fancy. Gym equipment is standard. Sports halls host badminton, volleyball, that sort of thing. It's functional.

This works best for families who want to tire out restless children, or if you're a keen swimmer or athlete needing to maintain training while away. Non-sporty types will find nothing to grab their attention - it's not a day out, it's a facility you pop into.

Before driving over from your caravan or static home, ring ahead about opening hours and prices; these things shift seasonally and weekly. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're swimming or doing classes. The centre itself isn't particularly scenic, so don't expect views or anything atmospheric - it's an indoor complex surrounded by car parks.

Hemel Hempstead itself is only a mile or so away, which means you could combine this with shopping or grabbing a decent coffee. For a proper day out though, you'd be better off exploring the town centre or heading further afield.