Osprey Leisure Centre

Swimming pools, fitness suites and sports halls don't usually set the pulse racing, but this leisure centre near Weymouth does the job properly when you need an active break from the beach. The facility offers the usual suspects - a decent-sized swimming pool, gym equipment that actually works, and courts for racquet sports.

Families staying at places like Chesil Beach Lodge Park will find it handy for burning off energy on rainy days. The pool's warm enough for younger swimmers, though don't expect anything fancy like flumes or wave machines. It's more functional than flashy.

What sets it apart is the location - close enough to the coast that you could combine a swim with a proper seaside day out. The sports halls get busy with local leagues in the evenings, so timing matters if you're after a quiet game of badminton.

Expect to pay standard leisure centre prices, and allow a couple of hours if you're planning to use multiple facilities. It's the sort of place that does exactly what it says on the tin - no frills, but reliable when the weather turns or the kids need to splash about somewhere other than the sea.