Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre in Lancaster is a proper Victorian gem - all red velvet seats and ornate plasterwork that's been welcoming audiences since 1885. Walking in feels like stepping into another era, though the programming is bang up to date with everything from drama and comedy to ballet and musicals. The building itself is the real draw if you're into architecture, but the actual shows on offer vary wildly depending on what's touring through. Check their website before you visit because there's nothing worse than rocking up expecting a performance and finding nothing on.

It's worth factoring into a week based around Carnforth if you fancy an evening out rather than a full day's activity. Families with older kids will get more from it than those with toddlers - the younger crowd tends to fidget through a two-hour show. Allow three hours if you're making a proper night of it with a drink beforehand.

Admission depends entirely on what's playing, so tickets vary from affordable community productions to pricier touring shows. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Ocean Edge Holiday Park just down the road, the theatre gives you something to do on the inevitable rainy evening that will crop up during a seaside holiday. Wonderland Retreats' glamping sites are a bit further out but offer a classier base if you want theatre trips mixed with proper countryside walking. The building's worth a look regardless - one of Lancashire's better-preserved theatres.