NovaCity Barnsley

NovaCity is Barnsley's answer to wanting somewhere to burn off energy without leaving town. It's an indoor leisure complex with the usual suspects - bowling, arcade games, soft play areas - the sort of place where you can actually get a decent coffee while the kids wear themselves out on the climbing frames.

The main draw here is that it's all under one roof, which matters in South Yorkshire where the weather can turn grey without warning. Families with younger children will get a solid two to three hours out of it, though teenagers might find it a bit thin unless they're really into the gaming side. The arcade is decent enough, and the bowling alley does the job if you've got a rainy afternoon to kill.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Mapplewell Meadows Farm is barely two miles away - it's worth knowing about as a backup plan rather than a destination in itself. Same goes for Greensprings or Broad Close Farm if weather threatens your outdoor plans. It's not going to be the highlight of your park holiday, but it fills a gap.

Opening hours and admission prices vary, so check ahead before you visit. The complex is easy enough to find just off the main drag in Barnsley itself. Go in with modest expectations and you won't be disappointed - it does exactly what it says on the tin.