The John Peel Theatre

Wigton's theatre sits on King Street like a proper little cultural anchor in this market town. It's a working venue that hosts everything from amateur dramatics to professional touring shows - the kind of place that actually reflects what locals want to watch, rather than chasing blockbuster touring productions.

The building itself has that modest, functional charm of a 1950s civic space. You're not walking into some grand Victorian theatre with velvet and gilt - this is honest, unpretentious stuff. The programme swings between drama, comedy, music and pantomime, and the intimate size means you can actually see the performers' faces without binoculars. It seats around 200 people, which makes it feel less like you're in an audience and more like you've been invited to something.

Who'll get the most from it? Anyone staying in the area for a few days and wanting a genuine night out rather than a tourist experience. The pantomime seasons pull families in properly. If you're the type who reads local listings and follows what's actually on rather than booking a big name months ahead, this is your sort of theatre.

Check the website for what's running during your visit - there's no guarantee of nightly shows. Admission costs vary by production, but it's unlikely to break the bank. The theatre sits nicely within a Cumbrian holiday, especially if you're based at Wallace Lane Farm Holiday Park just outside town. Pair an evening performance with a proper wander around Wigton's streets and you've got a genuine slice of how people actually spend their time here.