Joseph Rowntree Theatre

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre sits in York, a proper working theatre that punches above its weight for a regional venue. It's the kind of place that programmes everything from amateur dramatics to professional touring shows, pantomime to music nights - the sort of programming that keeps a local theatre alive and kicking rather than relying on one narrow crowd.

What you get depends entirely on what's on when you visit. Some nights you're watching a decent amateur production, other times a touring company rolls through with something you'd normally queue an hour for in London. The building itself is functional rather than ornate - this isn't the gold-leaf theatre-going experience. But there's something rather good about that: it feels like a room where theatre actually happens, not a museum piece.

Theatre enthusiasts and families after a night out will find what they need here. It's worth checking their schedule before you book accommodation - the programming genuinely varies week to week. Tickets are reasonably priced, and you're in York itself, which means proper restaurants and pubs within walking distance.

If you're camping at Flaxton Meadows, it's about a 15-minute drive into York's centre where the theatre sits. Park up and make an evening of it rather than treating it as a quick add-on. The theatre works best as part of a York visit - pop in, catch a show, wander the medieval streets afterwards. Check their website for what's actually on before you commit.