The Market Theatre

The Market Theatre sits right in the heart of Hitchin, a proper working playhouse that's been serving the town for decades. It's the sort of place where you'll catch anything from amateur dramatic societies to professional touring productions - pantomime at Christmas, musicals, comedies, the lot. The venue itself is intimate without feeling cramped, with decent sightlines from most seats.

You'll want to check their current programme before you visit, as what's on changes regularly. Performances run most weeks, and ticket prices are reasonable for what you get. It's the kind of theatre that appeals to families looking for a night out during school holidays - there's usually something suitable for kids, whether that's a family show or a pantomime that won't bore the adults rigid.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Almshoe Glamping or Jacks Hill are closest at under three miles - the theatre makes an excellent evening activity after a day exploring the wider Hitchin area. The town itself has enough going on to fill a day trip: independent shops, decent pubs, and the sort of High Street that hasn't been entirely swallowed by chains. Parking in Hitchin can be a bit tight on busy days, so arrive with time to spare.

Don't expect cutting-edge West End productions - that's not what this place is about. It's community theatre done well, and there's real value in that. Check what's playing before you book your park stay, and you could have a genuinely good night out.