The Capitol Cinema

Padstow's old cinema still stands as a proper reminder of when going to the pictures was an event. Built in the 1920s, the Capitol has that Art Deco flavour you'd expect from the era - ornate plasterwork, a decent-sized screen that once drew crowds from across North Cornwall. These days it functions as a live entertainment venue and occasional film theatre rather than a full-time cinema, so you'll want to check what's on before making the trip.

The building itself is the real draw for architecture enthusiasts and anyone with a soft spot for cinema history. You're looking at maybe 20 minutes inside if there's nothing scheduled, just to clock the interior details and soak up the atmosphere. It's worth a wander if you're already in Padstow - and you probably will be, given the town's reputation for food and harbour walks.

For families camped at Dennis Cove Campsite or Padstow Holiday Village, this makes a decent rainy-day option or an evening out if there's a performance on. Admission varies depending on what's showing, so ring ahead. The venue pulls in decent touring theatre companies and local acts, which can be far more entertaining than whatever's on at a multiplex. The setting is intimate without feeling cramped, and it genuinely retains character that modern cinemas simply don't have. Well worth checking their schedule before you book your holiday park.