Royal Hall

The Royal Hall sits right in the heart of Harrogate, a proper Victorian theatre that's been hosting shows since 1903. Walking in, you get that immediate hit of old-school theatre glamour - ornate plasterwork, a sweeping staircase, that specific smell of red velvet and history that never quite leaves a building like this.

What actually goes on here is the usual theatre fare: touring productions, orchestras, comedy nights, the occasional pantomime. It's not a massive venue, which is actually its strength - there's an intimacy to it that the big regional theatres lose. You're genuinely close to the stage, even from the back rows.

If you're staying at Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just up the road, this is an easy evening out. Check their schedule before you arrive and book accordingly. Admission costs depend entirely on what's on - could be anything from a tenner to thirty quid for a decent touring show.

Theatre-goers will obviously get the most from it, but honestly, the building itself is worth seeing even if you're just passing through Harrogate. The architecture alone tells you something about what the town was during the Edwardian era. Allow a couple of hours if you're catching a show. It's not going to revolutionise your week, but if you're after a night out with a bit of character rather than another multiplex experience, this delivers.