Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre

You'll find this leisure centre on the outskirts of Newton Aycliffe, a few miles from Shildon, offering the kind of local sports facilities that actually matter when you're based in County Durham for a week. Inside there's a swimming pool - proper thing, not some glorified paddling bath - along with a gym, sports courts, and studios for classes. It's the sort of place families with kids gravitate towards on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, or where you might squeeze in a swim before heading out to explore the wider area.

The centre works best if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots. Eden Grange is less than two miles away, so if you've booked a pod there and fancy a proper workout or want to burn off some cabin fever, it's genuinely convenient. The Gables and Donnewell Farm are a bit further out but still reasonable drives. Admission costs aren't listed online - you'll need to ring ahead or check their website - but it's council-run, so expect reasonable rates.

Honestly, it's not a destination in itself. You won't be planning your whole holiday around it. But if you're after indoor options alongside countryside walks and whatever else the area offers, it slots in nicely. Go midweek mornings if you can; evenings get rammed with local clubs and classes. Give yourself a couple of hours maximum, or longer if you're doing multiple activities.