The Venue

The Venue sits just outside Elstree and is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper sports complex where people actually go to do things rather than just watch. Inside you'll find courts for badminton, squash, and tennis, along with a gym that gets genuinely busy during weekday evenings. The facilities are functional rather than fancy, but they work well enough if you're the type who'd rather play than spectate.

You won't spend your entire holiday here - realistically, an hour or two covers what's on offer. It's the sort of place you'd swing by if you're staying at nearby Elstree Park and fancy getting some exercise in. Solo travellers and serious athletes will get more out of it than families with young kids, though if your lot are tennis-mad it could fill a morning. The courts are bookable, so you'll need to sort that in advance.

Worth knowing: I can't pin down exact admission costs or current opening hours from here, so ring ahead before you visit. It's not a scenic destination or a rainy-day option - you're coming for a workout, not for the experience. If you're staying in Hertfordshire and want to stay active between exploring proper attractions, fair enough. Otherwise, it's probably not your main draw.