Phoenix

The Phoenix is Leicester's independent cinema, and it's genuinely worth the trip if you're staying anywhere nearby. Located in the city centre, it programmes a proper mix of art house films, documentaries, and the occasional blockbuster - the kind of place where you'll find something you actually want to watch rather than what the multiplex is pushing.

The building itself has character. There's a decent café-bar where you can grab a coffee before the film or a drink after, which beats the overpriced popcorn at chain cinemas. The screens are small and intimate rather than vast, which suits the type of film they show. You won't find Marvel films here, but you might catch a restored classic, a foreign language feature, or a documentary that makes you think.

It's ideal for a rainy afternoon or evening during a park holiday in the area. Bradgate Park, Green Acres Caravan Park, Cossiwild Camping, and Village Farm Getaway are all within 6 miles, making it a solid plan B when the weather turns. Opens weekdays at 9am, weekends at 10am, and stays open until 11pm most nights - check their website for what's on and ticketing details.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. You're surrounded by actual film enthusiasts rather than people scrolling their phones. It's the kind of cinema independent venues do best - programming with conviction and genuine taste.