North Hertfordshire College Sports Centre

The sports centre attached to North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin is a working facility first and foremost - not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense. That said, if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby (Jacks Hill Caravans and Almshoe Glamping are within spitting distance) and need to burn off some energy, it's worth knowing what's on offer.

You'll find a swimming pool, gym facilities, and various sports halls here. The place runs on a college timetable, so access for the general public depends entirely on what's happening that day - peak times are usually early morning and evenings when students aren't using everything. Ring ahead before you visit, because turning up on spec could leave you disappointed.

Honestly? This is more useful than essential. Families with younger kids might grab a swim session if the timing works out, and walkers based at Radwell Lake campsite or Henlow Bridge Lakes could use it as a rainy-day fallback. But it's not the sort of place you'd plan a day around. Better to ask at whatever caravan park you're staying at - they'll know the current opening times for casual visitors and whether it's worth the trip on your particular dates. Hitchin town centre itself has more appeal if you need a break from the outdoors.