The Prince of Wales Gymnasium

Boxing rings and weight stations fill this Victorian-era gymnasium in Holyhead, where local fighters still train alongside fitness enthusiasts. The red brick building, dating from the 1890s, maintains much of its original character with high ceilings and cast iron fittings that speak to an era when physical culture was king.

Fitness fanatics and boxing buffs will appreciate the authentic atmosphere, though casual visitors might find it rather spartan. The gym operates as a working facility rather than a tourist attraction, so expect proper training sessions rather than guided tours. That said, the historical significance is considerable - this is one of Wales' oldest surviving public gymnasiums.

Whether you can actually use the facilities depends entirely on current membership policies, which seem to change hands fairly regularly. Ring ahead if you're hoping for a workout during your holiday. The building itself is worth a quick look from the outside even if you can't get in - the architecture alone tells the story of Victorian Holyhead's industrial prosperity.

Staying at nearby Trewan Sands or Pen-y-Llyn caravan parks puts you within easy walking distance, making this a decent rainy-day diversion for anyone with an interest in sporting history. Just don't expect it to fill more than half an hour unless you're actually planning to break a sweat.