Shobnall Leisure Complex

You won't find much romance at Shobnall Leisure Complex, but if you've got kids who need to burn off energy or you're after a proper work-out, it does the job. This is Burton-on-Trent's main sports hub - the kind of place that takes itself seriously with multiple pools, a gym, and indoor courts. The swimming facilities are the main draw: there's a leisure pool with a shallow end for younger children, plus a competition-standard main pool if you actually know how to swim properly. We took our two in mid-morning on a Tuesday and it was pleasantly quiet - weekend visits would be rammed, I'd imagine.

The complex isn't going to win any awards for charm. It's functional, clean enough, and does exactly what it says on the tin. The changing facilities are decent, though not luxurious. Expect to pay for admission - it's not free - and budget an hour or two rather than a full day. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Peake's Retreats, it's a handy backup plan when the weather turns grim, which in Staffordshire it regularly does. Worth knowing about rather than planning a journey specifically for it, unless you're genuinely keen on indoor sports. The town of Burton-on-Trent itself has more interesting attractions if you've got the time.