Peepul Centre

Leicester's arts scene has a proper backbone in the Peepul Centre, a theatre that punches above its weight with programming that actually makes you want to turn up. It's the sort of place where you'll catch everything from contemporary dance to new writing, comedy to physical theatre - the kind of venue that doesn't feel the need to chase the obvious commercial hits.

The building itself has character without being precious about it. Shows rotate regularly, so there's rarely a dull season. If you're the type who checks what's on before booking a park holiday, you might time a trip to catch something specific. The programming leans towards innovative work rather than touring productions, which means you're likely to stumble on something you wouldn't see in a shopping centre theatre.

It works best for adult audiences and older teenagers with actual taste. Kids under ten will probably fidget through most of it, though they occasionally programme family-friendly stuff - worth checking their schedule. Allow an evening or afternoon depending on what's showing, and budget accordingly since ticket prices vary wildly by production.

If you're based at Village Farm Getaway - just under six miles away - it's close enough to make an evening trip viable without too much faff. Leicester city centre has reasonable parking and restaurants nearby for pre-show suppers. The Peepul Centre fits neatly into a wider cultural visit rather than being a standalone destination, but that's precisely what makes it useful for a longer break in the area.