Jerwood Dance House

The Jerwood Dance House is a sleek contemporary venue tucked into Ipswich's cultural quarter - nothing fancy on the outside, but inside it's where proper dance happens. Dance East runs the space, and they programme everything from classical ballet to experimental contemporary work, plus the occasional family show that won't have the kids climbing the walls halfway through.

You're looking at a mid-sized theatre with good sightlines and the kind of intimate feel that makes you actually notice the dancers' faces. Most performances last between 90 minutes and two hours - reasonable without being brutal. Ticket prices vary wildly depending on what's on, so check their website before you book; some shows are genuinely affordable, others push towards the pricey end.

If you're camping nearby - Priory Park is just under three miles away, or Moon & Sixpence if you fancy somewhere a touch further out - catching an evening performance makes for a proper night out without the faff of driving into a major city. The venue itself isn't a tourist attraction in the traditional sense; you're here for the show, not to gawp at the building. But if you're spending a week around Suffolk and you've had your fill of coastal walks and tea rooms, an hour or so browsing their current programme could well turn up something worth your time. Check their schedule in advance though - they're not constantly lit up with shows.