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Keswick Alhambra Cinema

A charming century-old cinema blending vintage charm with modern projection, nestled in Keswick’s vibrant town centre.

4.8

Keswick Alhambra Cinema is a charming, century-old, family-run picturehouse located in the heart of Keswick. It features a beautifully restored 157-seat main auditorium and a smaller 28-seat Screen 2, equipped with state-of-the-art digital and laser projection and Dolby sound. The cinema offers the latest film releases alongside live satellite broadcasts of theatre, opera, and ballet, all within a vintage-chic setting just steps from Keswick’s market square.

A brief summary to Keswick Alhambra Cinema

  • 36 St John's St, Keswick, CA12 5AG, GB
  • +441768772195
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Check the cinema’s website for live satellite broadcasts of theatre, opera, and ballet events beyond regular film screenings.
  • The cinema is wheelchair and mobility-scooter accessible, with an audio loop system and disabled toilet facilities.
  • Arrive early to enjoy the vintage ambiance and secure preferred seating, especially for popular new releases.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Keswick’s market square and nearby cafes for a full day of local culture.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Keswick town centre with surrounding Lake District towns and villages, with stops near the market square about a 2-minute walk from the cinema. Travel times vary by origin, typically 20–60 minutes. Tickets cost around £3–£7 depending on distance. Services run frequently during the day but reduce in evenings and Sundays.

  • Car

    Driving to Keswick Alhambra Cinema is straightforward with several public car parks near the town centre. Parking fees range from £1.50 to £3.50 per hour, with maximum daily charges around £10. Note that the cinema is in a pedestrian-friendly area, so parking a short walk away is necessary. Peak times can affect parking availability.

  • Train and Taxi

    The nearest train station is Penrith, approximately 17 miles away. From Penrith, taxis take about 30 minutes to reach Keswick, costing roughly £35–£45. Train services run regularly from major cities such as Carlisle and Manchester to Penrith.

  • Walking

    If staying in Keswick town centre or nearby accommodations, the cinema is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times from central locations range from 5 to 15 minutes, suitable for all mobility levels.

Keswick Alhambra Cinema location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Keswick Alhambra Cinema

A Historic Gem in Keswick’s Cultural Heart

Keswick Alhambra Cinema stands as a beloved cultural landmark in the English Lake District town of Keswick. With origins dating back over a century, this family-owned picturehouse has been lovingly preserved and modernized, maintaining its vintage charm while embracing contemporary cinematic technology. Its prime location on St John's Street places it just a minute’s walk from the bustling market square, making it an accessible and inviting destination for locals and visitors alike.

State-of-the-Art Facilities in a Vintage Setting

The cinema boasts a gorgeously restored main auditorium seating 157 guests, complemented by a newer, more intimate 28-seat Screen 2. Both screens are equipped with cutting-edge digital and laser projectors, delivering crystal-clear images paired with Dolby sound systems that ensure immersive audio experiences. This blend of historic ambiance and modern technology creates a unique atmosphere where classic cinema aesthetics meet contemporary viewing standards.

Diverse Programming Beyond Film

While Keswick Alhambra primarily showcases the latest film releases, it also serves as a hub for cultural enrichment through live satellite broadcasts. Patrons can enjoy live-streamed performances of theatre, opera, and ballet, bringing world-class arts directly to the Lake District. This diverse programming enhances the cinema’s role as a community cultural centre, appealing to a broad audience with varied artistic tastes.

Accessibility and Comfort for All Visitors

Commitment to accessibility is evident throughout the venue. The cinema is wheelchair and mobility-scooter accessible, featuring a disabled toilet and an audio loop system to assist visitors with hearing impairments. Seating is designed for comfort, and the venue’s intimate scale fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all moviegoers.

Family Ownership and Community Connection

Still operated by the Graves family, Keswick Alhambra Cinema retains a deeply personal, family-run spirit that distinguishes it from larger multiplexes. This local stewardship ensures a focus on community engagement and quality experience, preserving the cinema’s character as a cherished gathering place where tradition and innovation coexist.

Visitor Experience and Surrounding Atmosphere

Visitors to the cinema can soak in the quaint, vintage-chic aesthetic that permeates the building, from its historic façade to the carefully restored interior details. The cinema’s proximity to Keswick’s market square means that visitors can easily combine a film outing with exploring local shops, cafes, and the scenic beauty of the Lake District, enhancing the overall cultural and leisure experience.

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