Berrill Lecture Theatre

The Berrill Lecture Theatre sits on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, a proper working venue that hosts everything from university talks to community events and the occasional touring production. It's not the West End, but that's rather the point - this is where local theatre actually happens, without the tourist markup.

You'll find it's a functional modern space with decent sightlines and reasonable acoustics. The programme varies wildly depending on the season, so it's worth checking what's on before you make the trip. Some weeks it'll be student performances, other times professional touring shows or lectures that genuinely draw crowds from across Buckinghamshire.

Truthfully, this isn't a destination in itself. It won't pull you away from a park holiday unless something specific is playing that evening. But if you're staying at Gullivers Campsite or The Old Dairy Farm Camping and Caravanning - both within a few miles - and rain threatens to ruin an outdoor day, it's a solid backup plan. The theatre can eat up two hours comfortably, and Milton Keynes itself has enough cafes and shops nearby to make an evening of it.

Families with teenagers might find something worthwhile depending on what's showing. Younger children will get restless unless the production is genuinely engaging. Check their website or ring ahead to find out what's scheduled and whether it suits your lot before you commit to the drive in.