Penlan Leisure Centre

Penlan Leisure Centre sits in the heart of Swansea and caters almost entirely to locals who already know what they're after. It's a proper working sports facility - swimming pools, gym kit, badminton courts, the usual municipal fare - rather than a destination attraction in itself.

If you're staying at Black Ewe Glamping, about five miles out, and the rain's coming down hard (which it will, this being Wales), it's a decent fallback for getting the kids some energy out. The pools are competent rather than spectacular. You won't find wave machines or outdoor slides here. What you get is straightforward lengths and a shallow end for younger swimmers.

The gym and courts appeal to sporty types wanting a proper workout, but casual visitors passing through Swansea won't find much reason to trek here. It's functional, clean enough, and does the job - but only if the job is actually what you need doing.

Admission details vary and change seasonally, so ring ahead before you go. Allow an hour or so in the pool if you're just splashing about, longer if you're serious about swimming. It's the sort of place you'd visit alongside other Swansea attractions rather than planning a morning around it. Pair it with a walk along the seafront or a visit to Swansea Museum if weather forces you indoors, but don't expect it to be the highlight of your break.