Riverside Centre

The Riverside Centre sits on Chester's doorstep and functions as the city's main sports hub - indoor courts, a swimming pool, fitness facilities, the lot. It's the sort of place you'd pass on the way to the city centre proper, but worth ducking into if you've got kids who need burning off or you fancy a proper swim rather than paddling in the Dee.

The pool is decent enough for families, nothing fancy but well-maintained. The sports courts host everything from badminton to basketball, so if you're staying at Netherwood Touring Site or Birch Bank Farm and the weather turns miserable - which it will, this being Cheshire - you've got somewhere decent to pivot to. It's not a destination in itself. You don't drive an hour to visit the Riverside Centre. But coupled with a caravan holiday in Chester, it fills a gap when outdoor walking or market browsing loses its appeal.

Stay longer and you're better off heading into Chester's actual attractions - the walls, the cathedral, the River Dee itself. The Riverside Centre works best as a half-day option, maybe two hours maximum. Phone ahead about opening hours and admission fees, as these vary by activity and membership deals often apply. If you're planning a proper sports-heavy break, ask about day passes when you book your holiday park - both Netherwood and Birch Bank are close enough that the centre's genuinely accessible. Otherwise, it's a rainy-day lifesaver, not a highlight.