The Dukes

You'll find The Dukes tucked away in Carnforth, a proper working theatre that punches well above its weight for a Lancashire market town. It's the sort of place where locals still actually go to see a show - not a grand Victorian palace, just honest-to-goodness theatre that programmes everything from classic plays and new writing to comedy, music, and family shows. The building itself has character without being precious about it.

The programming is genuinely varied, so what you'll see depends entirely on when you visit. One month it's a touring production of something well-known, the next it's local amateur dramatics or a stand-up night. That unpredictability is part of the appeal, really. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Crook O'Lune's only three miles away, or Bay View if you want something beachside - an evening at The Dukes breaks up a week of caravan living nicely without requiring a drive into Preston or Lancaster.

It's open from mid-morning through to midnight most days (closed Sundays), so you can catch a matinee if that suits you better. Admission isn't free, but tickets tend to be reasonable for what's on. Allow a couple of hours for the full experience including a drink beforehand - there's a bar on site. This works best for theatre-minded adults and older kids who'll actually sit through a show. Younger children might struggle with the length, though some family productions are specifically aimed at them. Worth checking what's on before you book your caravan break.