Sportspace

Sportspace near Berkhamsted is a proper sports facility that caters to everyone from casual players to serious athletes. It's the sort of place where you'll find everything from badminton courts to squash facilities, plus gym equipment and swimming if you're after a full workout. The venue itself is straightforward - no frills, all function. You turn up, pay your fee (though exact prices aren't publicly listed online), book your court or session, and get on with it.

Who gets the most from it? Families with older kids who want a half-day activity will find it decent enough, though it's not the kind of place that'll keep under-10s entertained for long. Keen badminton players and swimmers will appreciate proper facilities without the pretension. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Norcott in the orchard is closest at just over a mile away, or Highridge Farm with its shepherd huts if you fancy something different - Sportspace makes sense as a rainy-day option or an evening activity when the weather's rough.

The real strength here is convenience. You're in the Chilterns, surrounded by proper walking country, so Sportspace isn't your reason for visiting. But if a camper in your group wants to burn off energy indoors or you've got a family obsessed with swimming, it fills that gap without fuss. Worth ringing ahead to check current opening hours and prices - websites aren't always up to date for smaller leisure centres.