Swim Central

The leisure centre sits just outside Preston, offering proper swimming facilities that actually work - no dodgy changing rooms or water that smells like it's been recycled since 1987. There's a main pool for lap swimmers and lengths, a teaching pool that's decent for building confidence, and a splash area that keeps younger kids occupied without feeling like a kindergarten death trap.

It's the sort of place you'd pop into during a wet afternoon in Lancashire rather than plan a trip around, to be honest. The locals use it regularly, which usually means it's well-maintained and the staff know what they're doing. If you've got children who need to get their strokes sorted before a holiday abroad, the teaching pool does the job. Adults after a proper workout will find enough lane space, though you'll want to check session times online first - many council pools run specific lap hours.

Stay at one of the nearby parks - Brylea or Wigwam Holidays at Kidsnape Farm are close by - and Swim Central becomes a useful rainy-day backup rather than a destination. Preston itself has enough going on (shopping, cafes, decent pubs) that you won't feel trapped if the weather turns. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're actually swimming rather than just looking at the water. Check their website for admission fees and opening times before you head over.