Victoria Hall

Victoria Hall sits right in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, a proper Victorian theatre that's still doing what it was built to do back in the 1860s - putting on shows. The building itself is handsome in that red-brick way, with ornate plasterwork inside that makes you realise someone actually gave a damn about the details when they built theatres.

Inside, you get the full experience: decent sightlines from most seats, a working stage with real productions running through the year, and enough character to remind you that going to the theatre doesn't have to mean trudging to some modern concrete box. The acoustics are solid, and there's something about watching a performance in a venue this age that beats sitting in a newer space.

You'll want to check their schedule before you visit - it's the programming that matters here, not just the building. They host theatre, dance, comedy, and music, so whether you're after a touring drama production or an evening of live music depends on what's on. It's worth the trip if something catches your eye, less so if you're just turning up hoping for entertainment.

Stone Wall Farm CL is only about five miles out, making Victoria Hall an easy evening jaunt if you're based in a caravan nearby. Stoke town centre has enough going on for an afternoon if you've got time to kill before curtain up - the pottery heritage is genuinely interesting, and there are decent enough cafes for a pre-show dinner.