Worthing Leisure Centre

The leisure centre in Worthing is one of those solid, no-nonsense facilities you'd expect from a Sussex seaside town - indoor pools, gym equipment, sports halls, that sort of thing. Nothing fancy, but it does the job if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks and need to burn off some energy on a rainy afternoon.

Families with younger kids will get the most mileage out of it, particularly if your accommodation is at Onslow or Brook Lane - both within two miles. The pools are the main draw. There's also a decent gym if you're the type who can't stand missing a workout, plus various classes and sports facilities. It's the kind of place that keeps children entertained for a couple of hours without costing a fortune.

For a seaside holiday, though, be honest with yourself: if the weather's halfway decent, you'll want to be on the beach rather than indoors. The centre works best as a backup plan or for a specific session - swimming lessons, maybe, or if someone in the group wants a proper gym session. Walkers and outdoor types probably won't find much reason to visit.

The exact opening hours and admission prices aren't entirely clear, so ring ahead before you go. Most leisure centres are reasonably priced for visitors, and many offer day passes. Allow an hour or two depending on what you want to do. It's genuinely useful if you're based at any of the caravan parks within three miles - Fox Wood's a bit further out, but still manageable.