Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal in Workington is a proper Victorian gem that doesn't get nearly enough footfall. It's a working theatre, not a museum, so what you're looking at depends entirely on what's on - anything from am-dram productions to touring comedians to dance shows. The building itself, though, is worth a look even if nothing's catching your eye that week. Red brick, ornate plasterwork, that intimate feel that modern auditoria simply can't replicate.

For families with older kids, catching a show here beats driving to Carlisle every time. The staff are genuinely welcoming and the ticket prices won't make you wince. Theatre types obviously get the most from it, but honestly, anyone after a bit of local culture rather than another multiplex experience should swing by when they're in the area. It's just off the main drag in Workington, a short drive from Maryport if you're staying at Harbour Side Caravan Park.

Check their website before you visit because programming varies wildly - sometimes there's a quiet spell, sometimes it's rammed. Best to plan around what's on rather than just showing up. The building's got bags of character and the auditorium itself is intimate without feeling cramped. If you're touring around Cumbria on a caravan holiday, it's worth flagging as an evening out option. Not a destination in itself, but absolutely the kind of spot that makes a break feel properly local rather than touristy.