Odeon Wimbledon

The Odeon on Wimbledon's high street is your standard multiplex - nothing fancy, nothing pretentious, just a proper cinema where you can catch the latest releases without the West End price tag. It's got the usual screens, decent sound systems, and the kind of popcorn that costs more than your ticket.

Truth is, if you're staying at Lovat Parks five or so miles away and fancy a night out, this does the job. You get the same films as anywhere else, and the location means you're not battling central London crowds. The staff are friendly enough, and unlike some of the older fleapit cinemas, the seats aren't held together with hope and chewing gum.

Where it falls short is in character. There's no independent vibe here, no sense of occasion. It's functional cinema, which is fine if you just want to sit in the dark for two hours. Kids will be happy enough - plenty of family films rotate through - but there's nothing that makes it worth a special trip. The concessions are pricey even by cinema standards, so budget accordingly if you're after a full experience.

For a rainy evening during a park holiday, it's a sensible option. Check the website before you go though - showtimes and prices vary, and it's worth booking online to avoid queues. Twenty minutes from the park should get you there comfortably.