Carlisle United FC

Brunton Park sits on the edge of Carlisle, a proper old-school football ground that's been the home of Carlisle United since 1909. If you're a football fan staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Green Acres is closest at just over three miles away - catching a match here is worth fitting into your itinerary. The stadium has that genuine, unpretentious feel you don't get at the mega-clubs: local fans, honest pies, and an atmosphere that actually means something to people.

Matchdays are obviously the main draw, though you can sometimes arrange ground tours during the week if you call ahead. The club plays in the English Football League, so the standard's decent without being Premier League busy. Expect to spend two to three hours on a matchday, arriving early to soak up the pre-match buzz around town.

It's really aimed at actual football enthusiasts rather than casual visitors. If you're not bothered about the sport, there's not much reason to turn up on a non-matchday. But if you're a supporter - especially of a lower-league club yourself - there's something genuinely welcoming about the place. Carlisle's a historic border town with plenty to do besides, so you can easily combine a match or stadium visit with exploring the city itself. Whether you're based at Englethwaite Hall or Thornfield's glamping pods, you're well positioned to pop into town for a game.