Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge: A Charming Indie Cinema Experience
A historic Cambridge cinema blending indie films, art deco charm, and a lively café-bar in the city centre.
Arts Picturehouse in Cambridge is a stylish independent cinema located at 38-39 St Andrew's Street. Housed in a historic building with art deco influences, it offers three screens, a relaxed café-bar, and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for showcasing a diverse range of films including independent, world cinema, and documentaries, it also hosts the annual Cambridge Film Festival. The venue combines cultural richness with comfort, making it a beloved spot for film lovers in the city.
A brief summary to Arts Picturehouse
- 38-39 St Andrew's St, Cambridge, CB2 3AR, GB
- +442073262649
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the café-bar, which offers a great selection of local ales, wines, and light bites before your film.
- For the best viewing experience in Screen 2, choose seats from row G or further back due to the unstepped front rows.
- Take advantage of the accessible facilities including lifts for visitors with mobility needs.
- Combine your visit with a stop at The Regal pub downstairs for a more budget-friendly drink after the movie.
- Check the schedule for the annual Cambridge Film Festival to catch special screenings and premieres.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services to Cambridge city centre, with stops near St Andrew's Street. Journey times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day. A single ticket costs approximately £2.50-£3.50 GBP.
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Train
Cambridge Railway Station is about 1.5 km from Arts Picturehouse. A taxi or a 20-minute walk through central Cambridge will get you there. Trains connect Cambridge to London and other regional hubs. Taxi fares from the station to the cinema typically range from £6 to £10 GBP.
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Walking
If you are staying in central Cambridge, walking to Arts Picturehouse is easy and scenic, taking 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat terrain through pedestrian-friendly streets. Suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.
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Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services are readily available in Cambridge and provide a convenient door-to-door option. Typical fares within the city centre range from £5 to £12 GBP depending on distance and time of day.
Arts Picturehouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Arts Picturehouse
A Storied Venue with Art Deco Heritage
Arts Picturehouse occupies the upper floors of a large square building on St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, originally opened as the Regal Cinema in 1937. Over the decades, it has transformed from a grand single-screen venue with nearly 1,900 seats into a modern three-screen cinema while retaining elements of its art deco style. The renovation preserved the building’s historic charm, with the original stalls area now repurposed as The Regal pub, reputedly one of the largest pubs in the UK. This blend of cinema and social space enriches the cultural fabric of central Cambridge.A Curated Film Selection and Festival Hub
The cinema is renowned for its eclectic programming, offering a mix of mainstream hits, independent films, world cinema, and documentaries. It serves as the home of the Cambridge Film Festival, held each summer, which brings premieres, special screenings, and filmmaker events to the city. This focus on diverse cinematic experiences makes Arts Picturehouse a cultural hub for film enthusiasts seeking more than just blockbuster fare.Comfort and Atmosphere for Every Visitor
Inside, the cinema provides a cosy yet spacious environment with comfortable seating and good sound quality. The three screens vary in size, with the largest boasting THX certification for premium audio-visual experience. The venue’s relaxed ambiance is enhanced by a well-stocked café-bar offering a range of drinks including local ales, wines, and coffee, as well as light food options. Patrons appreciate the ability to take drinks into the screening rooms, fostering a casual and adult-friendly atmosphere.Community and Accessibility
Arts Picturehouse places importance on accessibility, featuring lifts and facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Its central city location means there is no dedicated parking, but it is well-served by public transport and is within walking distance of Cambridge’s main attractions. The cinema also hosts private screenings and corporate events, making it a versatile venue for various community and cultural activities.A Unique Blend of Cinema and Social Life
Sharing its building with The Regal pub downstairs, Arts Picturehouse offers a unique combination of film and social experiences. Visitors often enjoy a drink before or after screenings, benefiting from the pub’s extensive selection and more affordable prices compared to the cinema bar. This synergy between cinema and pub life adds to the venue’s charm and appeal as a local gathering place.Continued Legacy in Cambridge’s Cultural Scene
Since reopening as Arts Picturehouse in 1999, the cinema has become a cherished part of Cambridge’s cultural landscape. Its dedication to independent film, community engagement, and historic preservation ensures it remains a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether attending the film festival, catching a new release, or simply enjoying the café-bar, Arts Picturehouse offers a distinctive and memorable cinema experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Oak Bistro
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
