Cinemas in Bristol

All four of these sit within Bristol itself, and between them they cover the spread that the 8 Of The Very Best Cinemas In Bristol roundup describes: from blockbuster megaplexes down to what it calls possibly the country's smallest cinema, two of them in fact.

Showcase Bristol Avonmeads is the choice for families who drive. Reviewers stress that public transport there is sparse, so the free car park matters, and parents of young children single out the reclining seats and better toilets in the De Lux section. The same roundup rates it as the only Bristol cinema with luxury recliners. Sensory-friendly screenings run on Sunday mornings, subtitled showings run daily, and a captioned-screenings listing notes parent-and-baby screenings of family films. Watershed, on the Harbourside, suits a different family: children of about eight and up who will get something from independent programming, Q&As and themed screenings, with the cafe-bar treated as part of the outing. Reviews praise the food and mention a children's menu, and weekdays are said to be far quieter than Saturdays. The waterfront is right outside for a walk either side of the film.

20th Century Flicks is the video shop with two tiny private screening rooms, one of which, the Twin Peaks-themed Kino, seats up to eight according to the roundup. Rooms book for a set price, which makes them a strong birthday option for older children or teenagers, and staff will help narrow the 20,000 titles. There is no parking on site. Big Screen Bristol is free and outdoors, best treated as an event rather than a drop-in: reviewers say it comes alive for major sporting finals and summer films, and that you should bring a blanket or folding chairs and your own food.