Chester Picturehouse

Chester Picturehouse is a proper cinema tucked into the heart of Chester, serving up mainstream films and the occasional arthouse screening to locals and visitors alike. It's the kind of place you'd slip into on a rainy afternoon when the Welsh weather turns grim - which, let's be honest, happens often enough in North Wales. The venue itself is functional rather than fancy, but that's not really the point. You're here for the films, and the screen does its job well enough.

It works best as an evening activity if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Fir Trees or Netherwood, both within a couple of miles. After a day tramping around Chester's Roman walls or exploring the riverside, catching a film gives you a legitimate reason to sit down with decent popcorn and forget about the forecast for two hours. Families with older kids will find it straightforward - no faffing about with complicated booking systems, just turn up and see what's on.

You'll want to check their website for current showtimes and ticket prices before you arrive, as these do change seasonally. Allow the usual cinema time - arrive quarter of an hour early if you want decent snacks. It's not a destination attraction in itself, but as part of a longer park holiday in the area, it's a sensible backup plan when the weather makes outdoor activities feel like penance rather than pleasure.