North Devon Leisure Centre

Right in the heart of Ilfracombe, this leisure centre is the sort of place you wouldn't know existed unless someone local told you about it. Indoor pool, gym, courts - the usual municipal setup, but it's genuinely useful if the weather turns and you're stuck in North Devon with restless kids.

The main draw here is the swimming pool. It's decent enough for a couple of hours, and children who've had enough of the beach or clifftop walks will burn off energy properly. There's also a fitness suite if you're the type who doesn't abandon all routine on holiday, plus squash and badminton courts for anyone actually committed to exercise whilst away.

You're looking at a rainy-day activity rather than a destination in itself. Admission isn't free - you'll pay per session - but it's cheap enough that you won't begrudge it. Allow two to three hours max, depending on your group.

If you're based at nearby Stowford Farm Meadows Holiday Park, this is a handy fallback when winds pick up off the Bristol Channel. It's about fifteen minutes from the park, so completely doable as a morning trip before heading back to the coast. The real North Devon appeal - Watersmeet, Woolacombe Beach, the Valley of the Rocks - will keep you plenty occupied, but on that one grey Tuesday, this leisure centre won't disappoint.