Cinemas in South East

The six cinemas here split roughly into two camps: large multiplexes at Greenhithe and Staines, and smaller, food-led screens in Epsom, Esher and Walton-on-Thames. Epsom alone has two options, useful for families who want a fallback if one is sold out.

Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater in Greenhithe is the biggest of the group. Reviewers note that every seat reclines as standard, that the Gallery tier includes a welcome drink and refillable popcorn, and that Sunday sensory screenings are scheduled for neurodiverse family members. Vue Cinema Staines is the value pick: reviews cite affordable ticket prices, large screens and free evening parking, though cleanliness complaints come up often enough that checking your seat on arrival is sensible. Both have free parking, and Staines has several restaurants within walking distance.

In Epsom, ODEON Luxe Epsom offers reclining seats with tables, a Costa in the foyer and staff reviewers describe as welcoming rather than transactional. Epsom Picturehouse, rated 4.8 from a much smaller pool of 127 reviews, is quieter and more intimate, with a café reviewers call the best in Epsom and a programme mixing arthouse and classic titles with mainstream releases. Its scale is suggested for children who find multiplexes overwhelming.

Everyman Esher and Everyman Walton both bring food to your seat and use sofa seating, and reviewers single out staff service at each. Esher is pitched at children aged 8 and up, and staff add complimentary extras if you mention a birthday when booking, though cake and candles are not allowed inside screens. Walton runs Baby and Toddler Club sessions, has free parking, which Esher does not list, and fills quickly for popular releases.