The Picture House

The Picture House in Preston is a proper working cinema and arts venue rolled into one, housed in a building with enough character to make you want to stay longer than just the film. You get the usual multiplex offerings - the latest releases, blockbusters, that sort of thing - but the place also runs exhibitions, live screenings, and occasional cultural events that give it a bit more edge than your standard Odeon.

Film buffs will appreciate the programming here. Families with kids will find something on during school holidays, though it's not the massive IMAX experience some might expect. The venue itself has a genuine cinema feel rather than the corporate glass-and-steel vibe of out-of-town multiplexes.

Staff-wise, the place is run by people who actually care about what's showing, which you can sense the moment you walk in. Whether you're catching a weekend matinee or an evening screening, it's well worth the visit if you're staying at one of the nearby parks. Brylea Caravan Park and Smithills View Campsite are both within three miles, so you could easily make this part of a broader Preston trip without too much hassle.

Opening times and admission details are best checked directly with the venue - these things shift seasonally - but it's the sort of place that rewards a quick phone call. The cinema sits right in Preston's town centre, so you can combine it with lunch or a walk around the shops if the weather's being difficult.