Windmill Theatre

Red velvet seats and intimate lighting create the sort of atmosphere you'd expect from a proper local theatre, though this isn't your typical village hall affair. The Windmill Theatre sits just outside Brighton, offering everything from touring productions to community drama groups putting on their latest efforts. I've caught a few shows here over the years and the standard varies wildly - sometimes brilliantly executed amateur dramatics, other times professional touring companies that know exactly what they're doing.

Families might enjoy the annual pantomime season, though check what's on before making the trip as some productions are decidedly adult-oriented. Theatre buffs will appreciate the venue's commitment to keeping live performance alive in smaller communities. The intimate size means there's barely a bad seat in the house, though leg room can be a bit tight if you're particularly tall.

Timing your visit around a show obviously makes sense if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Brighton Caravan Club or Chalky Downs Campsite. Evening performances work well after a day exploring the South Downs, and Brighton's just a short drive if you fancy dinner before the curtain goes up. Worth checking their programme online first though - nothing worse than turning up to find it's dark for the week.