The Best Independent Cinemas in Yorkshire to Visit This National Cinema Day (and Beyond)
Popcorn, new releases and comfy seats in which to watch them - it's a date!
Pictureville Cinema
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema reopens on National Cinema Day, following a 10-month closure. Visitors can enjoy a one-day discount, with ticket prices at just £3. Featured films on National Cinema Day include new release Kneecap about the Irish hip-hop trio from Belfast, the new 4k restoration of Terminator to mark its 40th anniversary, and a screening of Wonka. Can’t make it? Throughout September, screenings include Yorkshire-filmed Starve Acre starring Matt Smith and screenings of Roald Dahl classics including Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda the Musical.
Hyde Park Picture
House Brudenell Road, Leeds
Since its extensive restoration project came to an end last year, the historic Hyde Park Picture House has welcomed guests as it strives to become the best place to experience film in Leeds. Hyde Park Picture House first opened its doors in November 1914, screening newsreels and films to keep people informed and boost morale during the war. One of only a handful of early cinemas still operating today, this Grade II-listed building is packed with history and heritage. On 31st August celebrate with £4 tickets for all screenings. There are two showings of Kneecap on National Cinema Day, followed by classic Mary Poppins as part of Heritage Open Days and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging in September.
Hebden Bridge Picture House
New Road, Hebden Bridge
This not-for-profit, refurbished 1920s cinema offers regular screenings (including family matinees each weekend, and during school holidays). Showing everything from new mainstream releases to arthouse cinema, there’s plenty to choose from here. On National Cinema Day it’s showing Midsommar (a folk horror starring Florence Pugh), and throughout September viewers can see Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home, The Goonies and the all-new Alien: Romulus co-produced by Ridley Scott.
Cottage Road Cinema
Cottage Road, Leeds
Having been showing films pretty much continuously since 1912, Leeds’ oldest cinema also has a claim to be among the oldest in the UK. Despicable Me 4 is National Cinema Day’s highlight, whilst throughout September there’s the new (trending and controversial) It Ends with Us and the highly-anticipated return of Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. All film tickets are £4 on National Cinema Day.
Ilkley Cinema
Leeds Road, Ilkley
With screenings of huge productions and classics, Ilkley Cinema offer a unique experience combining relaxed modern design (think comfy chairs and sofas) with state-of-the-art projection and immersive sound systems. Grab a drink to take into the cinema with you, and order food to be delivered direct to your seat. The National Cinema Day selection includes It Ends With Us, Ozi: Voice of the Forest, Alien: Romulus and The Italian Job (to celebrate its 55th anniversary) – so there really is something for everyone! All tickets purchased for Row A are just £4, aside from those for André Rieu.
The Palace Cinema
Chancery Lane, Malton
Hidden away down Chancery Lane (between Yorkersgate and the Market Place) Malton’s Palace Cinema really is a hidden gem. It’s showing Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 on National Cinema Day as well as It Ends With Us, Harold And The Purple Crayon (starring Zooey Deschanel), Despicable Me 4 and Alien: Romulus. All tickets are £4 on National Cinema Day.
Showroom Workstation
Paternoster Row, Sheffield
An independent hub based in a former 1930s car showroom in Sheffield, the Showroom Workstation is home to a café bar and creative workspace as well as its cinema. Kneecap is amongst the showings on National Cinema Day, when all tickets are £4, as well as Sing Sing and The Italian Job. Don’t miss the closing film for Sheffield Film Festival, Looks and Smiles.
The Station Cinema
Station Yard, Richmond
This cinema is housed within Richmond’s beautifully-restored Station building (where you’ll also find a variety of independents, from brewers to bakers, and a café bar). It shows everything from family films and blockbusters to foreign cinema, and recently held a dog-friendly screening which gets big a-paws from us. Whilst you wait for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on 6th September, you can enjoy screenings of Deadpool & Wolverine and Despicable Me 4 amongst more popular new releases. For something a little different, try André Rieu's 2024 Maastricht Concert: Power of Love on National Cinema Day. All cinema tickets on National Cinema Day are £4.
