Dukes at the Komedia Picturehouse

The moment you walk into Duke's, you know you've stepped into something a bit different from your standard multiplex. It's a proper independent cinema tucked into Brighton's Komedia building, and the whole place has that relaxed, slightly bohemian vibe you'd expect from the city. The screens are small and intimate, the kind where you actually feel like you're part of something rather than just another ticket in a massive auditorium.

They focus on arthouse films, documentaries, and independent releases - the sort of stuff you won't find at your local Odeon. If you're a film buff or someone who gets annoyed at mainstream blockbuster dominance, this is your place. Families with older kids who enjoy cinema as an experience rather than just a night out will appreciate it too. The vibe is genuinely welcoming, not snobby in the slightest.

Brighton itself is cracking for a day trip or longer stay, and Duke's works brilliantly as an evening activity if the weather turns. If you're camping at Pegs and Pitches or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club just down the road, catching a film here breaks up a holiday nicely. Check their website for what's on before you visit - that's your best bet for timing. Prices are reasonable for independent cinema, and you can grab a drink or snack while you're at it. It's proper worth the detour if you care about film.