The Old Courthouse Theatre is Cabarrus County’s beloved community theatre, carrying on a tradition of creative excellence since its founding in 1976. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1923 church with charming Gothic architecture, this non-profit venue brings a variety of productions to life, from classic plays like To Kill a Mockingbird to seasonal favorites like A Broadway Christmas Carol.

Hengistbury Head is a place of wild, ancient beauty and a stark lesson in conservation. For over 12,000 years, this headland has witnessed human activity, but its most dramatic scars are from the Victorian era. Between 1848 and 1870, industrial quarrying stripped the protective ironstone from its cliffs, causing the loss of a third of the land to the sea in just decades. Today, it’s a meticulously protected mosaic of heathland, grassland and coastline — an internationally significant Site of Special Scientific Interest where adders, skylarks and rare natterjack toads find refuge. Your first stop should be the Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a trail leaflet and learn to read the landscape’s hidden clues, from its deep archaeology to the ongoing work of the rangers who balance public access with preservation. For your visit, wear good shoes and prepare for spectacular, sweeping views over Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Bay and the Isle of Wight. You have two distinct experiences here: the rugged south-facing pebble beach beneath imposing clay cliffs, and the soft, sandy expanse of Mudeford Spit, famously lined with colourful beach huts. Hop on the charming land train from the Hiker Café for a gentle ride to the spit, where you can enjoy a café and more facilities.

This museum offers fun and education for the whole family. You can easily spend hours wandering through its exhibitions and permanent collections. If you’re interested in life, the universe and everything in between you can learn more about our solar system in the planetarium hall or join the science show.

Just outside the city lies Monte do Gozo, the place where pilgrims could first catch a glimpse of their final destination, the spires of the Cathedral. Needless to stay, the views of the city from up here are remarkable, and the significance of the hill makes it an important visit in Santiago.