The Duchess Theatre

The Duchess sits on a side street in Nottingham's city centre, a proper working theatre that's been pulling in crowds since the 1920s. It's not the sort of place that screams for attention - no massive marquee, no glitzy foyer - but that's rather the point. You get proper theatre here: West End transfers, touring productions, stand-up comedy, the occasional ballet or pantomime depending on the season.

Walking in, there's that particular smell of old theatres - velvet seats, decades of linseed oil on the woodwork. The auditorium's intimate without feeling cramped, and sightlines are generally decent even from the cheaper seats in the dress circle. It's the sort of place where you feel like you're watching something real, not being processed through a corporate experience.

Theatre-goers obviously get the most from this one, though families with children old enough to sit still will find the pantomime season worth planning around. If you're staying at Midshires Way Campsite and Alpaca Farm just up the road, an evening show here beats another night staring at a campfire.

Check their website for what's on before you book - it changes regularly and ticket prices vary wildly depending on the production. Most shows run for a week or two. Allow two to three hours for an evening performance if you fancy a pre-show drink or dinner nearby. The city centre location means decent pubs and restaurants within a five-minute walk.