Canolfan Hamdden Plas Arthur

Swimming pools and sports halls rarely make it onto tourist itineraries, but this modern leisure centre just outside Gaerwen proves there's life beyond castle walls on Anglesey. The facilities are proper comprehensive - a decent-sized swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness suite that locals clearly rate highly.

Families staying at nearby caravan parks like Penrhos or Rhos Farm will find it a godsend on those inevitable Welsh weather days. The pool's warm enough for younger children, and there's usually space to actually swim rather than dodge toddlers in armbands. Sports-mad teenagers can burn off energy in the sports hall while parents get a coffee and five minutes' peace.

What makes Plas Arthur worth knowing about is its role as a proper community hub rather than a tourist trap. You'll hear Welsh being spoken, kids from local schools training, and pensioners doing their aqua aerobics. It's refreshingly real after a day of heritage sites and gift shops.

Timing matters here - avoid school holidays if you want lane swimming, but embrace the chaos if you've got energetic kids in tow. The staff are helpful about facilities and opening times, which seem to vary seasonally. Not glamorous, perhaps, but sometimes a warm pool and hot shower are exactly what a caravan holiday needs.