Grimsby Central Hall

The Central Hall sits bang in the middle of Grimsby's town centre, a proper Victorian theatre that's been putting on shows since 1901. Walk through those ornate doors and you're transported back - the auditorium still has its original plasterwork and that grand old-theatre smell of red velvet and history. The building's a masterclass in Edwardian design, all gilt and ornament, the kind of place where you can almost hear the ghost of every performer who's graced its stage.

Theatre-goers will find a solid programme of plays, musicals, and comedy across the year. The box office staff actually know what they're talking about - they'll steer you right. It's a working theatre first and foremost, not a museum piece, though the architecture alone makes it worth a visit even if you're catching a matinee. Allow an evening or afternoon depending on the show running time.

If you're basing yourself at Haven Cleethorpes Beach Holiday Park just down the coast, the Central Hall is a pleasant 20-minute drive into town. Pair it with a proper poke around Grimsby's dock area or a chip supper - honestly, the local fish and chips are worth the trip. The theatre itself is free to look around during box office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm), though tickets for performances obviously cost. Theatre types will appreciate the intimate feel - it's not some modern barn, it's got real character and you actually feel part of the action from any seat.