You can’t beat a night out at the movies – luckily for us, Leeds has some of the best and most unusual cinemas around.
Lights, camera action! Going to the cinema has been a popular pastime for generations, and for good reason – so, if you’re a film buff, consider this guide to Leeds’ best and most unusual cinemas your bible. From the last gas-lit cinema in the world to luxury lounges with comfy sharing sofas, Leeds is one of the best places around to kick back and enjoy movie magic.
Cottage Road Cinema
Fancy a trip to the oldest cinema in Leeds? Of course you do! Cottage Road Cinema has been around since 1912, screening films for the good people of Leeds ever since. Atmosphere, ambiance and history, the cinema has it all, even playing the national anthem at the end of each film – now that’s not something you’d see at your average multiplex cinema.
As for films, you can expect anything from encore screenings – your ballets, stage shows and operas – to English dubbed anime and the latest Oscar winners. Every six weeks they host a classic film night, so you can relive the magic of old school cinema.
Where? Cottage Road Cinema, Cottage Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4DD.
How much? Standard tickets are £8, and encore screening tickets start from £15.
Showcase Cinema de Lux
You may be familiar with Batley’s giant Ikea, but did you also know it’s home to one of the most impressive cinemas in Leeds? That’s right, the huge Showcase Cinema de Lux is an American-style movie theatre complete with a whopping 16 screens.
Fully customisable recliner seating comes as standard, but what makes it extra special is its use of stadium seating – no more huffing and puffing as the person in front of you blocks your view. Make sure you stock up on popcorn, nachos and the works from the Lounge Bar before settling in for one of Hollywood’s hottest flicks.
Where? Showcase Cinema de Lux, Gelderd Road, Birstall, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 9TB.
How much? Tickets start from £10.25.
Oakwood Cinema
Run completely on the hard work of its volunteers, Oakwood Cinema was established in 2015 to bring a love of cinema back to the community. While they only hold screenings once a month, they still have all of the necessary facilities to make the experience great, be it their big screen or booming sound.
As a nod to the golden age of cinemas, they also hold intermissions and occasionally get an expert in to discuss the film before it starts – you can expect a mix of arthouse films and mainstream hits. Even better, there’s popcorn and drinks for purchase, but nothing too noisy that’ll take away from the movie magic!
Where? Oakwood Cinema, 5 Fitzroy Dr, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4AB.
How much? Tickets start from £6.50.
Ilkley Cinema
Credit: Carl Milner
Screening possibly the widest array of films in Leeds is independent gem Ilkley Cinema. This double-screen movie theatre is the epitome of luxury – both rooms are home to a number of bespoke sofas for you to stretch out and relax in, with baked goodies from The Ilkley Kitchen delivered straight to your seat if you’re feeling a little peckish.
Films up for viewing range from arthouse films and box office blockbusters to National Theatre live screenings and Royal Ballet shows. If you’ve got a little one in tow, they also have a dedicated kids club every Saturday morning, suitable for the whole family.
Where? Ilkley Cinema, 46A Leeds Road, Ilkley, Leeds West Yorkshire, LS29 8DP.
How much? Adult tickets are £14.60.
Vue Cinema
One of the most well-known cinemas in Leeds, Vue has two venues – one in Cardigan Fields, kitted out with 10 screens and an IMAX theatre, and one in The Light, complete with 14 screens.
From the films that are on everyone’s lips to Oscar winners and old classics, chance is that Vue will be showing them in 2D or 3D, equipped with Dolby Surround Sound and Sony 4K ultra-high definition picture quality. Each and every seat across both venues is a luxury black leather recliner, so kick back, get the snacks out and get ready to experience the joy of cinema.
Where? Vue Cinema, No. 22, The Light, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 8TL & Cardigan Fields, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DG.
How much? Tickets start from £7.99.
Hyde Park Picture House
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Your friendly, local cinema, Hyde Park Picture House is the acclaimed home of independent cinema in Leeds. Established in 1914, it recently underwent a multi-million pound redevelopment to repair and preserve this icon of local heritage for future generations.
The huge refurb added ramped entrances, accessible toilets and an expanded foyer to make the venue even better for screen-goers to enjoy in the decades to come. Whether you’re looking to catch an independent gem from indie film makers or the latest blockbuster hit, this is the cinema for you.
Where? Hyde Park Picture House, 73 Brudenell Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1JD.
How much? Standard tickets are £10.50.
Everyman Cinema
Fancy your cinema trip with a side of splendour? Well, Everyman Cinema should be at the top of your list. You’ll find it in Leeds Trinity, where it’s widely regarded as one of the most upmarket cinemas in the city.
Step inside and you’ll be met with five bespoke screens, complete with plush sofa seating, footrests and food delivered at the touch of a button. Once you’re done viewing the latest release or cult classic, be sure to make a beeline for the swanky bar for a cocktail or bite to eat. If all that alone hasn’t convinced you, did we mention the built-in wine coolers you’ll find under every seat? Cheers to that!
Where? Everyman Cinema, Level 4, Leeds Trinity, Albion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5AT.
How much? Ticket prices vary according to the time, day and event.
Wetherby Cinema
Credit: Georgia Milner
This charming independent cinema offers a unique silver screen experience. Since opening in 1915, it’s been entertaining locals and has been wonderfully restored for modern audiences to take in the latest releases, indie titles and event cinema.
There are two screens, each one packed with inviting seating, wine coolers and built-in tables. You can order hot drinks, sweet treats and a variety of wines straight to your seat, or head to the on-site cinema bar and lounge to unwind after the end credits.
Where? Wetherby Cinema, Caxton Street, Wetherby, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS22 6RT.
How much? Standard tickets are £12.80.
Cineworld
White Rose is great for a spot of shopping, but did you also know they have an on-site Cineworld? Inside you’ll find 11 state-of-the-art screens, including an IMAX, which show all of the latest Hollywood releases, Hindi features, dubbed and subbed anime and director’s cut specials.
What’s more, adults pay kids prices with the Cineworld family ticket, saving you 25 percent. If you want to spice up your cinema trip, why not try ScreenX? It uses state-of-the-art technology to provide a 270 degree, panoramic viewing experience – trust us, you won’t find anything else like it.
Where? Cineworld, White Rose Shopping Centre, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8LU.
How much? Standard tickets are £10.99.
Harewood Adventure Cinema
Ahh, there’s nothing quite like open-air cinema – that’s why we love The Adventure Cinema. You can catch them in the grounds of Harewood House between the balmy months of August, where they show a trio of films over several days – grab a picnic blanket and settle in to catch a brand-new blockbuster or feel-good classic under the stars.
If you fancy treating yourself, we definitely recommend plumping for the Luna Luxe package, which includes premium sofa seating in a prime position, an outdoor heater, a snack hamper and, most importantly, a glass of fizz.
Where? Harewood Luna Cinema, Harewood Approach, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG.
How much? Ticket prices vary according to the time, day and event.
Palace Picture House
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
Sitting pretty inside Leeds Industrial Museum, the Palace Picture House is a tiny 1920s cinema that seats just 24 people – trust us, you’ll be hard pressed to find a cooler place in Leeds to enjoy a movie. Have a wander and discover fun facts about the city’s local industrial heritage before settling down to watch a film the proper way.
Stuck for ideas in the school holidays? Bring along little ones along to their ‘Mystery Matinees’ screenings, where family favourites can be enjoyed be all. What’s more, the price of admission is included in your ticket to the museum, so it’d be rude not to, right?
Where? Palace Picture House, Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF.
How much? Tickets are included in the price of admission to the museum. Family tickets are £14.
