Otley Courthouse

The old courthouse in Otley has been given a proper second life as a theatre and arts venue, sitting right in the heart of this market town near Ilkley. It's a Victorian building with real character - the kind of place where you can feel the weight of its former life as you walk in. These days it hosts theatre productions, live music, comedy nights, and art exhibitions throughout the year.

You'll want to check their website for what's actually on when you visit, as it's not the sort of place you just turn up to - it's event-driven. That said, if there's a show you fancy, it's worth making the trip. The intimate scale means you're never far from the action, and there's something rather lovely about catching live performance in a space with genuine history.

It works well as part of a wider Ilkley weekend, especially if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Clarion Lodge is just 1.4 miles away, or Fairmead Farm Glamping if you want something slightly more upmarket at 2.7 miles. The town itself is lovely for walking and browsing independent shops between shows. Moor Valley Country Park, about four miles out, gives you proper countryside if the weather's decent.

Families with older kids who enjoy live theatre will get the most from it. Younger children might fidget through a two-hour play, so pick your shows wisely. It's free to look at the building, but performances obviously cost - worth budgeting for if you're planning your trip.