East Slope Amphitheatre

An open-air theatre carved into the Sussex downs near Brighton - East Slope Amphitheatre is one of those wonderfully unpretentious venues that makes you grateful for British summer evenings. The setup is exactly what you'd hope: tiered seating built into the hillside, grass underfoot, sky overhead. You're watching theatre against a genuine landscape rather than staring at painted flats.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly for families who don't want their kids stuck indoors, though you'll need to check what's actually on - the programme varies by season and booking details aren't readily available online, so a phone call ahead is essential before you make the trip. Productions tend toward family-friendly fare and classics rather than experimental stuff, which suits the setting.

The real question is weather. On a crisp, clear evening with no wind, you're laughing. Come when it's drizzling or you haven't checked the forecast, and you'll be regretting it. Bring a blanket, proper shoes, and realistic expectations about comfort.

If you're camped at Chalky Downs or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club nearby, this is an excellent evening out without much planning. It's close enough to Brighton to be worth combining with a day in the city, but far enough out that you feel like you've actually left town. Call ahead to confirm what's on and admission charges - don't just turn up hoping.