Verwood Hub

The Verwood Hub sits bang in the middle of Dorset's New Forest area, a proper community theatre that punches well above its weight. It's the sort of place where locals actually want to go - and that tells you something. You'll find theatre productions, live music, comedy nights, and the occasional film screening, all in an intimate setting that beats fighting for seats at a massive regional venue.

Who gets the most from it? Anyone tired of passive holidays, really. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted round here - Ashley Heath is closest at just three miles away - an evening at Verwood Hub breaks up the routine nicely. It works for families catching a matinee show, couples after something decent to do on a rainy evening, and theatre types who enjoy proper community productions rather than touring West End tributes.

The real value is location. You're equidistant from Ringwood and deep in the Forest, which means you can pair a theatre visit with proper outdoor time - Forest Edge Holiday Park and Oakdene Forest Park are both within five miles if you're planning a longer stay. The Hub isn't a day-long attraction; allow two to three hours for a show and a drink before or after. Check their programme before you book your caravan though - they don't run events constantly, and it's worth timing your trip around something that actually interests you. Free admission to the building itself, but shows and events are ticketed.