Depot

The Depot is a converted railway building in Lewes that's been turned into a proper community theatre and arts space. You walk in expecting industrial brick and cold air, but instead find a warm, slightly eccentric venue that punches well above its weight for a town this size. The programming is genuinely interesting - theatre, live music, comedy, film screenings - and it's the kind of place where local talent gets genuine space to work alongside visiting acts.

It's best for people who actually like theatre rather than those just looking for a night out. If you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Three Ponds, Chalky Downs, or Blackberry Wood are all within five miles - the Depot gives you a proper cultural fix without having to drive into Brighton. The space itself is intimate, which means you can't hide in the back row, but it also means the acoustics are usually spot on and you're close enough to feel the energy.

Admission varies by show, so check their website before you head over. Most performances run two to three hours, so factor in time for a drink beforehand in one of Lewes's decent pubs. Go midweek if you can - weekends get rammed with locals who actually know what they're doing. The building's heritage is part of its appeal, though the seating can be a bit tight if you're broad across the shoulders. If you're basing yourself in the area for a week, catching something here is well worth a look.