Sports and Recreation Centre

The Sports and Recreation Centre in Kidlington is the sort of place that matters more to locals than to passing tourists, and that's fair enough. It's a proper working sports facility - pools, courts, gyms, all the essentials - rather than a destination you'd drive across the county to visit. That said, if you're staying nearby at Newton Grove and the weather turns grim, it's worth knowing it exists.

Family swimmers will find the pools useful, especially if your accommodation doesn't have leisure facilities. School holiday periods can get rammed, so mornings are your best bet for elbow room. The gym and sports halls mean active types can maintain their fitness during a park holiday without feeling cooped up. Teenagers might actually get something out of the activity classes or court bookings if you're staying for a week.

The reality is you'll only visit if there's rain or if someone in your group has a specific sporting need. It's not a patch on dedicated water parks further afield, and it won't compete with the outdoor pursuits that actually make Oxfordshire worth visiting. Check ahead for current opening hours and what's on offer when you're planning your trip - facilities like this change their programmes seasonally. If Newton Grove is your base and you need a backup plan for a dreary afternoon, this ticks the box. Nothing more, nothing less.