Wanstead Leisure Centre

The leisure centre sits right on the edge of Wanstead Park, a proper sprawling green space that makes this corner of East London feel like you've wandered somewhere genuinely removed from the urban sprawl. Inside, you'll find the usual facilities - pools, gym, studios for classes - nothing flashy, but it does the job well enough if you're staying nearby and want to burn off some energy on a rainy afternoon.

Family groups get the most mileage here. There's a decent swimming pool setup, and the leisure centre runs regular activities that keep children occupied without breaking the bank. The gym and fitness classes appeal to adults who want to maintain some routine while on holiday, though it's hardly a destination in itself.

The real draw is the location. Wanstead Park itself is excellent for walking, with proper woodland and open spaces that feel miles from Chingford. If you're camping at Lee Valley in Edmonton or Sewardstone - both within striking distance - you could easily pop in here on a wet day or use the pools as a morning activity before exploring further afield.

Admission costs vary depending on what you're using, and it's worth checking the Vision RCL website before you go to confirm current opening hours and pricing. Allow a couple of hours if you're planning a pool session with kids. On its own, it's not worth a special trip, but as part of a longer park-based holiday in Essex, it fills a genuine gap when you need something structured.