Brooklands Centre

The Brooklands Centre sits just outside Cambridge and serves as the city's main sports hub - indoor courts, pools, and fitness facilities all under one roof. It's the sort of place you'd go if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Long Island Lake or Fen End Farm and want to burn off energy without relying on the weather.

Inside you'll find swimming pools, badminton courts, and a decent gym setup. The facilities are functional rather than fancy, but that's rather the point - this is proper local infrastructure, not a theme park attraction. Families with younger kids might appreciate the pools on a rainy day. Swimmers serious about lengths will get what they need. Anyone expecting marble halls and spa treatments should look elsewhere.

It's free to walk around the grounds, though classes and pool sessions require payment - you'll want to check their website or ring ahead for current prices and booking requirements, as these things change. Allow an hour or two if you're doing an activity, less if you're just poking about.

The real value is practical rather than touristy. If you're camped within a few miles - Roseberry Tourist Park and Cuckoo Fen Campsite are both close - and need indoor activities, it's worth knowing about. On its own merits as a destination? It's not why you'd visit Cambridge. But as part of a longer park holiday, it fills a gap nicely on days when you need a break from walking and cycling.