Cinemas in South West

The three multiplexes all sit at the edge of the city with free parking, which is the main reason to choose them. Vue Cinema Bristol Cribbs in Patchway gets praise from reviewers for its reclining seats with leg raisers and screen quality, though they call the food very expensive and say the retail car park is competitive at peak times. Vue Cinema Bristol - Longwell Green in Hanham draws comments on staff service and legroom, with Monday screenings cited as the cheapest of the week. Showcase Bristol Avonmeads stands out for sensory-friendly Sunday morning screenings, daily subtitled showings and birthday parties; reviewers advise driving, as public transport there is sparse.

For families who want something other than blockbusters, Scott Cinemas in Henleaze runs baby-friendly and kids-club sessions in school holidays, with the caveat that sound can be quieter than at a multiplex. Watershed on the Harbourside is listed for ages 8 and up, with independent films, Q&As and a cafe children's menu, and the waterfront is outside the door. Cube Cinema in Kingsdown is volunteer-run and suits older children and teens; reviewers say it can be hard to find the first time.

Special-occasion trips point to Everyman Bristol in Redland, with sofa seating, food delivered to your seat and Baby Club screenings, but sparse nearby parking. Odeon Luxe Bristol in Broadmead offers reclining and sofa seats, and early visitors reported billing discrepancies on food. 20th Century Flicks hires private screening rooms for birthdays, with staff who can steer you through 20,000 titles.

Big Screen Bristol is free and outdoors: check the programme, bring a blanket, and keep children away from the hot uplights by the fountains.