Thorington Theatre

You'll find this converted barn theatre just outside Saxmundham, tucked into the Suffolk countryside where you wouldn't necessarily expect to stumble upon a proper performance venue. It's the kind of place that punches well above its weight - a working theatre that hosts everything from amateur productions to professional touring shows, all within an intimate setting that actually makes you feel part of the action rather than sat in the back of some cavernous civic hall.

The theatre operates seasonally, so you'll want to check their website before heading over - they're not open year-round, and the programme varies. It's free to wander the grounds, though tickets for performances obviously come at a cost. If you're the sort who enjoys local theatre and doesn't mind a drive from your caravan at Haw Wood Farm or Mill Hill Farm, it's worth keeping an eye on what's on. The intimate scale means amateur dramatic societies and small professional companies thrive here; it's got character that bigger venues simply can't match.

Truth is, this works best as an evening outing rather than a daytime destination. You're not going to spend hours here unless you're catching a show. But if there's something scheduled during your Suffolk holiday and you fancy supporting local theatre, it delivers the goods. The barn itself has been sympathetically converted - wooden beams, proper atmosphere. Worth a look if the programme appeals.