The MAC

The MAC is Lisburn and Castlereagh's contemporary arts centre, and it's the sort of place that surprises you with how much it punches above its weight. You've got gallery spaces showing everything from local artists to touring exhibitions, a proper theatre with drama and live music, and a cinema that actually runs independent films alongside the blockbusters. There's a café too, which is decent enough for a coffee and a browse.

It works best for anyone with even a passing interest in art or theatre - not necessarily the hardcore crowd, but people who fancy a cultural afternoon without the stuffiness of a major gallery. Families won't be bored; there are usually activities on offer, though it's not designed as a kids' theme park. Expect to spend two to three hours if you're catching a show or exploring an exhibition properly.

The location matters: it's close enough to Belfast to feel connected to the city's cultural scene, but sitting in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area gives it a slightly quieter feel. If you're based at Dundonald Touring Caravan Park or The Pods at Streamvale for a week, the MAC makes a solid wet-weather plan or an evening out. The galleries and exhibitions tend to rotate, so it's worth checking what's on before you visit. Getting there is straightforward from either caravan park - you're talking a short drive through suburban Northern Ireland rather than battling into Belfast city centre.