Sir David English Sport Centre

The Sir David English Sport Centre sits just outside Christchurch and is genuinely worth knowing about if you're staying at any of the nearby parks - Oakdene Forest Park, Forest Edge, or Sandhills are all within five miles. It's a proper community sports facility with indoor courts and activity spaces, the sort of place that actually gets used by locals rather than existing purely for tourists.

What you'll find here depends on what takes your fancy. There are badminton courts, squash facilities, and various indoor sports on offer. If your kids are restless mid-holiday, it's a legitimate way to burn off energy without relying on the weather. That matters in Dorset - you can't guarantee sunshine, and dragging children around another garden centre isn't always the answer.

Really, this works best for families with sporty teenagers or anyone who actually plays badminton seriously. Day-trippers and casual visitors might find half an hour enough. It's not a destination in itself, but rather something sensible to factor in on a rainy afternoon when you're based at one of the holiday parks nearby.

Head to Christchurch town itself for food and bits - the centre is functional rather than surrounded by cafes. You'll want to check their website or ring ahead about opening times and what's actually on, as they run courses and bookable sessions rather than casual walk-in play.

Worth the detour? Only if someone in your group actually wants to play sport. Otherwise, spend your time on the New Forest or the Dorset coast instead.