John Clare Theatre

The John Clare Theatre sits in Peterborough, a proper cultural venue that punches above its weight for a city of this size. It's a working theatre hosting everything from amateur dramatic productions to touring companies, so what's on changes regularly. The building itself is functional rather than grand, but that's not really the point - you're here for the performances, not the architecture.

This is absolutely worth a visit if you've caught the programme and something appeals to you. Whether it's a local drama group's take on a classic or a visiting act, the atmosphere tends to be intimate and engaging. You'll find the staff helpful, and there's genuine community spirit about the place. It's the sort of venue where people actually know each other, which makes for a warmer night out than some slick regional theatres.

Practically speaking, you'll want to check their website or ring ahead to see what's on and book tickets - capacity isn't huge, so things do fill up. Allow a couple of hours if you're making an evening of it with a drink beforehand. It works brilliantly if you're staying at Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just three miles away, or at Nene Outdoors if you're after something slightly more low-key. Both are close enough that you won't face a long drive home after the show. Ferry Meadows is the better-rated option and gives you access to the wider park facilities too, making it a solid base for exploring Peterborough.