Subtropical Swimming Paradise

The water here is warm year-round, which feels properly mad when you're surrounded by Nottinghamshire woodland. Subtropical Swimming Paradise is exactly what it says on the tin - an indoor tropical water complex just a stone's throw from Newark, where you can escape the English weather and pretend you're somewhere far warmer.

You get a decent-sized swimming pool kept at subtropical temperatures, plus various water features that'll keep kids occupied for a good few hours. The whole setup is designed to let families mess about in water without the usual British seaside faff of wetsuit checks and goosebumps. It's the sort of place where you can actually relax rather than counting down until everyone's blue with cold.

This works brilliantly as a rainy-day slot if you're basing yourself at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest right on the doorstep, or any of the other parks scattered around - Sherwood Pines is just up the road and worth a look if you want proper woodland camping. A few hours here fits neatly between forest walks and evening meals. Bring towels, arrive early on weekends if you value elbow room, and don't expect it to be a full-day destination on its own.

The tropical angle means it appeals most to families with younger kids who haven't yet decided swimming pools are uncool. Teenagers will likely find it a bit tame unless there are slides involved - worth checking before you go. Free admission details are fuzzy, so ring ahead before loading up the car.