Orbital Trampoline Park

Bouncing about on trampolines for an hour sounds daft until you're actually doing it and realising your legs have forgotten how to work. Orbital Trampoline Park, just outside Dunstable, is exactly what it says on the tin - rows of interconnected trampolines in a warehouse space where you can hurl yourself skyward until you're knackered.

It's brilliant for kids who need to burn off energy on a rainy afternoon, and honestly, adults get more out of it than expected. The connected courts mean you can bounce from one bed to another, and there's enough space that it doesn't feel rammed even when it's busy. Parents can usually grab a bench and watch, though some places run adult-only sessions if you fancy reliving your childhood without the small ones ricocheting into you.

If you're camped at Merlin Farm near Whipsnade Zoo or Woodlands just down the road, this works as a solid wet-weather backup or a midweek activity break. The nearest town of Dunstable has decent facilities, so you won't struggle for a coffee beforehand.

Worth noting: you'll want to call ahead or check online for their current hours and pricing, as trampoline parks can be funny about group bookings and peak times. Socks are usually mandatory. Allow two hours if you're properly going for it - first twenty minutes feels fine, then your fitness level becomes embarrassingly obvious. It's not life-changing, but on a grey Hertfordshire afternoon, it beats another lap round the caravan site.