The Tollthorpe Hall Outdoor Theatre.

You'll find this rather splendid open-air theatre tucked away on the grounds of Tollthorpe Hall, just outside Stamford in Lincolnshire. It's the sort of place that catches you off guard - a proper theatre carved into what would otherwise be parkland, designed to take advantage of natural amphitheatre-style sloping ground. The season brings everything from Shakespeare to contemporary productions, all performed under the sky with the English weather keeping everyone on their toes.

It's genuinely worth the trip if you're the type who enjoys theatre with a bit of atmosphere - there's something about watching a play when you might get drizzled on that makes the whole thing feel more alive. The surrounding estate is handsome enough to wander round before curtain up, and you're close enough to Stamford itself that you can grab dinner and drinks in town beforehand.

Practical-wise, you'll want to bring layers even in summer, and check what's on before you visit - it's not like your local multiplex with something on every night. The nearest decent base is Stamford Meadows Glamping, which sits about two miles away and gives you somewhere with proper facilities to rest your head after an evening's entertainment.

Works best for theatre enthusiasts and grown-ups who don't mind a bit of weather for their culture. Children might struggle with longer productions, but there are family-friendly shows programmed in. Check their schedule online before planning your visit.