Sanford Cinema

Walking into Sanford Cinema feels like stepping back in time. This independent theatre sits in Devon's countryside, a proper throwback to when going to the pictures meant something more than scrolling through Netflix on your sofa.

It's a small operation - the kind of place where you'll recognise the staff and they'll remember your usual order. The screen shows a genuine mix: recent releases alongside older films, arthouse stuff, and community events. The seats have character. The popcorn tastes like it should.

It's worth the drive from Exeter if you're already in the area and want to catch something you can't get at a multiplex. Film buffs will appreciate it. Families after a proper outing - not just kids squirming through a blockbuster - tend to have better luck here. The atmosphere is relaxed enough that nobody's glaring if your toddler shifts about a bit.

Practically speaking, you'll want to check their website or ring ahead for showtimes and booking arrangements before you head over - these independent places run to their own rhythm. Admission won't break the bank.

If you're staying at Sunsets & Marshmallows Glamping just down the road, this makes an excellent rainy-day or evening plan. It's close enough not to feel like a hassle, but far enough away that it feels like you're getting out somewhere. Worth building into a longer Devon trip rather than making it a special journey on its own.