Pocklington Arts Centre

The Arts Centre sits in Pocklington, a proper working market town about 15 miles east of York, and it punches well above its weight for a place this size. You get theatre, cinema, live music and exhibitions all under one roof - the kind of space that actually listens to what locals want rather than pushing some corporate agenda.

Inside, the main theatre hosts everything from community productions to touring acts, while the cinema screens the usual mix of blockbusters and arthouse stuff. There's a decent café where you can actually sit for a coffee without feeling rushed, and the gallery space rotates exhibitions that tend to be genuinely interesting rather than worthy filler. On a recent visit, the acoustics in the theatre were surprisingly good for a regional venue.

If you're staying at one of the glamping spots nearby - Wolds Glamping Pods is just under a mile away - this is the kind of place that justifies an evening out without having to trek all the way into York. It works well for families with teenagers who don't want to be dragged around stately homes, or for anyone who fancies live comedy or theatre without the crowds. Allow a couple of hours if you're catching a show, less if you're just browsing the gallery.

The town itself has decent enough pubs and restaurants, so you can make an evening of it. Worth checking their website for what's on before you arrive - programming varies, and you don't want to travel out here only to find it's a school play you're not bothered about.