Royston Picture Palace

The Royston Picture Palace is one of those proper old cinemas that actually survived when so many others fell to the bulldozer. Built in 1911, it's still doing what it was meant to do - showing films - though these days it mixes classic screenings with the occasional new release and live performances. The interior is the real draw: ornate plasterwork, a decent-sized screen, and genuine character that no multiplex can match.

This appeals mainly to cinema enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a bit of period atmosphere. You're not coming here for blockbuster spectacle or reclining seats with cup holders. You're coming because you want to watch a film in a building that's actually got some history to it. The Picture Palace hosts everything from arthouse fare to community events, so check their schedule before you visit - it's worth timing your trip around whatever's on.

Royston itself is a compact market town, easy to navigate, and sitting right between Cambridge and Hitchin. If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Guilden Gate Glamping is closest at just three miles, or Shepreth Mill if you want something more traditional - the cinema makes for a lovely evening out without needing to trek into the city. Admission won't break the bank, and it's the sort of thing that elevates a caravan holiday from "adequate" to "actually quite nice." Give it an hour and a half altogether.