The Empire Cinema

The Empire Cinema in Sandwich is one of those proper old-school picture houses that actually feels like going to the pictures rather than sitting in a multiplex. It's a working cinema showing current releases, and the venue itself carries real character - the kind of place where you half expect to see a usherette with a torch.

For a rainy afternoon during your park holiday in Kent, it does the job without fuss. You'll catch mainstream films here, nothing arthouse or experimental. The crowd tends to be local - families, pensioners, couples on a night out. Kids will be fine if they're watching something age-appropriate; it's not a destination in itself, but it fits neatly into a day when the weather's turned.

Sandwich itself is a medieval gem just walking distance away, so combining the cinema with a proper explore of the high street makes sense. If you're staying at Sandwich Leisure Holiday Park, you're basically on the doorstep. Even from Fallow Fields Camping or Ham Hideaway Glamping a couple of miles out, it's worth the short drive into town.

The practical details are thin on the ground - I'd ring ahead to check what's on and book tickets, especially for weekend showings. Admission won't break the bank for a family, and you're looking at the usual cinema prices for snacks if you fancy them. Allow a couple of hours start to finish including trailers. It's not a thrilling activity on its own merits, but for a wet Tuesday night when the kids need entertaining, it'll do nicely.