The Ariel Centre

The Ariel Centre in South Brent is a proper community theatre that punches above its weight for a small Devon town. It's the sort of place where you'll catch everything from amateur dramatics and local pantomimes to touring productions and concerts - the kind of venue that keeps village life ticking over when everywhere else has shut down for the night.

What you get depends entirely on what's on when you visit. There's no permanent exhibition or standing attraction - it's all about catching a performance. Some shows are excellent, others are more of a "supporting the locals" affair, which is fair enough. The theatre itself is functional rather than grand, but there's something rather lovely about that authenticity. You're sitting in a room where people actually care about theatre, not just passing through.

It works best for anyone who likes live performance and wants to dip into genuine community culture rather than tourist theatre. Families with older kids will enjoy a pantomime if one's scheduled. History enthusiasts might appreciate the building itself as part of South Brent's fabric.

You'll need to check their website or ring ahead for what's actually on and ticket prices - opening hours vary wildly depending on the schedule. If you're camping at Ramslade or Ashbourne Woods nearby, it's worth a look if something catches your eye, but don't base your whole trip around it. It's a nice bonus to a park holiday, not the main event.