The Barn Cinema

A proper working cinema in a converted barn - the kind of place that makes you remember why going to the pictures actually matters. The Barn Cinema near Newton Abbot screens a mix of mainstream releases and independent films in an intimate setting that beats the multiplex experience hands down. It's the sort of venue where you get actual personality rather than corporate sterility, and the screen time for smaller films means you're not limited to the same blockbusters showing everywhere else.

The location works brilliantly if you're staying at any of the caravan parks dotted around the area - Ashbourne Woods, Dornafield, or Whitehill Country Park are all within a short drive. It's the kind of evening activity that breaks up a week of countryside wandering and outdoor stuff, especially useful if weather turns grim or the kids need a quieter day. Families with older children will appreciate the film selection, and anyone after a bit of local culture rather than tourist attractions will find it genuine.

You'll want to check their website or ring ahead for current screenings and ticket prices - barn cinemas tend to run on more flexible schedules than chains. Allow a couple of hours including arrival and finding parking. It's worth timing a visit around something you actually want to see rather than just turning up on spec. The real value here is the atmosphere and the chance to catch films you might otherwise miss.