Atlantic Centre

Right in the heart of Newquay sits this substantial leisure complex that's become something of a local landmark over the years. The Atlantic Centre houses a decent-sized swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness facilities - nothing particularly fancy, but solid enough for families staying at the nearby holiday parks like Hendra or Riverside who fancy a change from the beach.

Kids will appreciate the pool, especially on those inevitable rainy Cornwall days when the coast loses its appeal. The sports hall sees regular use for badminton and five-a-side, though you'll need to book ahead during school holidays when it gets properly busy.

What makes it useful for holiday park guests is its central Newquay location - you're within easy walking distance of the town centre and main beaches. It's particularly handy if you're staying at one of the Crantock Beach parks and want somewhere indoors to burn off energy before heading back.

The facilities are functional rather than flash, and it shows its age in places. Don't expect spa-level luxury - this is community leisure at its most straightforward. But for an hour or two of swimming followed by a wander around Newquay's shops and cafes, it does the job well enough. Most useful as a backup plan rather than a destination in itself.