Elizabeth Burton Theatre

The Elizabeth Burton Theatre sits in Bideford, a proper little cultural pocket in North Devon that catches many visitors off guard. It's a working theatre with a genuine community spirit - the kind of place where locals actually book tickets rather than somewhere that exists purely for tourists. The venue hosts everything from amateur dramatics to touring productions, and the intimate scale means you're genuinely close to the action on stage.

Unless you're staying locally or passing through Bideford anyway, it's not the sort of thing you'd plan a whole trip around. But if you're based at one of the nearby parks - Owl Valley Glamping and Braddicks Holiday Park are both within a couple of miles - an evening show here beats another night in the caravan. It's a proper slice of how people actually spend their time in Devon, rather than another heritage attraction ticked off the map.

The theatre works best for adults after a day of walking or exploring the Torridge estuary. Kids might find an hour of theatre pushing it unless there's something specifically programmed for them. Check their schedule online before you book your accommodation - they're not always running shows, and hours vary depending on what's on. It's free to walk past and admire the building, but tickets for performances will be standard theatre prices. The location, right in the heart of Bideford's town centre, makes it easy to combine with a wander around the shops or a meal out.