Richmond Leisure

Richmond Leisure sits just outside Ashurst in Hampshire, and it's the kind of place that divides opinion depending what you're after. The facility itself is straightforward - a leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, and various activity spaces. If you're after a serious workout or need to tire the kids out with a proper swim, it does the job well enough. The pool's decent, though nothing spectacular compared to some leisure centres you'll find in larger towns.

For families camped at Sunnydale Farm or Ashurst Campsite - both within five miles - it's genuinely useful. Rainy day sorted. The gym crowd will appreciate standard equipment, nothing fancy but functional. Locals use it regularly, which speaks to it being fit for purpose rather than a destination in itself.

Honestly, this isn't a reason to visit the area on its own. You're coming to Hampshire for the New Forest walks, the villages, the outdoor spaces. But if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks for a week and the weather turns, or if you want an evening swim after a day's hiking, Richmond Leisure fills that gap. Opening hours and admission fees aren't widely publicised online, so ring ahead before you go. Allow an hour to ninety minutes if you're swimming with kids. It's practical rather than thrilling, but sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.