Date night at the movies should about more than buying a ticket online and going to the multiplex. With this card why not swap the usual big chain cinema for somewhere with a bit more character – think sofa seating, vintage screens, outdoor showings (weather permitting) or quirky little picture houses. You still get the superstar action and shared popcorn, but the setting feels more like a treat and less like a routine night out.
Look for an independent, boutique or old-fashioned cinema within reach, or a theatre that also shows films, and book something you both fancy. Make the journey part of the date, arrive in time for a drink or snack beforehand, and stay for a chat about what you watched afterwards instead of rushing straight home.
Boutique and luxury cinemas
If you like the idea of “cinema but cosier”, look for a smaller, premium venue rather than a standard multiplex.
In Clitheroe, Everyman at Holmes Mill offers sofa seating, table service and food and drink brought to your seat, all inside a Grade II listed mill complex with bars and restaurants on site.
In Burnley, Vault Cinemas turns a former bank vault into a small VIP-style cinema space with luxury seating and curated snacks, giving the whole evening a bit of a special-occasion feel.
The cinema at The Flower Bowl near Barton Grange combines boutique screens with a wider leisure venue (bowling, crazy golf, dining), so you can turn one film into a full date night.
Use these as inspiration and look for a “boutique” or “lounge” style cinema near you.
Vintage and old-fashioned cinemas
For a hit of nostalgia, seek out a traditional or historic cinema rather than something sleek and modern.
The Palace Cinema in Longridge is a vintage cinema with red velvet curtains and mugs of tea, described as “cinema as it should be” in a small market town setting.
Island Cinema in Lytham St Annes is a relaxed, independent seaside cinema that reviewers praise for its friendly atmosphere and more personal feel than the large chains.
Think one screen, proper interval snacks and a building with a bit of history.
Indie, community and mixed-use venues
Some theatres and arts centres also run regular film nights, which can make the whole experience feel more community-based and less commercial.
In Lancaster, The Dukes combines live theatre with mainstream and cultural cinema screenings, so you can pick from independent films, event cinema and occasional classics alongside newer releases.
Around the edges of Lancashire and nearby towns you will also find community cinemas and film clubs using old mills, arts centres and village halls, often with refreshments and a friendly, local feel.
A quick search for “community cinema” or “film club” plus your nearest town can uncover lovely little options you might never have noticed.
Lucy loves…
“Did you know Lancashire has been the set of many different films. Maybe, you could visit these? The King’s Speech has scenes filmed in Burnley and Peaky Blinders was also partly filmed in Lancaster.
If it is lovely weather, why not head to the Outdoor Cinema in Lytham.
The Flower Bowl has a really vintage small cinema that feels like a VIP experience. The Everyman Cinema, Clitheroe. This is great and you can order all sorts of food and drinks, from burgers and chips, to nachos that are brought directly to you whilst you enjoy your film.”
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
