Regent Cinema

The Regent Cinema sits on Bridport's high street, a proper old-school picture house that actually feels like going to the cinema rather than visiting a multiplex in a shopping centre. It's an independent venue - the kind of place where you'll spot locals queuing for tickets and staff who actually know what they're talking about.

You get a real mix here. Hollywood releases sit alongside independent films, documentaries, and special screenings. The interior has that worn-in charm of somewhere that's been showing films for decades - not pristine, but genuine. It's the sort of cinema where you can still get reasonably priced snacks without remortgaging your house.

Perfect if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Seadown or Newlands and fancy an evening out without heading to a big town. Kids will enjoy a matinee screening on a rainy afternoon, though the older crowd tends to dominate evening shows. It's worth checking their schedule online before you visit - programming varies and they occasionally go dark between releases.

Bridport itself is lovely for a wander before or after - decent pubs, independent shops, and you're close to the Jurassic Coast. If you're staying in the area for a week, the Regent deserves an evening. It's unpretentious and proper local, which is increasingly rare.