Your 2026 Guide to the Top 7 Cinemas in Norwich
- Sandra
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
Planning a trip to the cinema in Norwich? Whether you’re a film aficionado seeking an independent gem, a family looking for a blockbuster treat, or a business traveller hoping to unwind after a long day, this guide is your definitive resource. Finding the right cinema can be tricky, especially when you're looking for practical details like parking, accessibility, and the best seating, all in one place. This roundup solves that problem by detailing every key cinema and booking platform relevant to Norwich, ensuring you can make an informed choice without browsing multiple websites.
We provide a comprehensive look at the city's main venues, from the mainstream multiplexes like Vue and ODEON to the beloved arthouse screen at Cinema City. For each entry, you'll find everything you need: address, travel time from Stay Norwich Apartments, food and drink options, and tips on securing the best discounts. If you're looking for more digital assistance in discovering local attractions, you might explore various local entertainment and activity planning apps as well. This guide focuses specifically on giving you a clear, practical overview of all cinemas in Norwich, helping you plan the perfect movie night with ease.
1. Vue Norwich (Castle Quarter)
For the most direct and reliable way to plan a film night in the city centre, the official Vue Norwich website is your first port of call. This platform provides live, up-to-the-minute showtimes and allows you to book e-tickets instantly, securing your preferred seats without needing to queue. It is the definitive source for one of the most popular cinemas in Norwich, located conveniently inside the Castle Quarter shopping centre.
The user interface is straightforward, enabling you to filter screenings by day and time. A standout feature is its detailed accessibility information, which is updated weekly. The site clearly lists which showings include audio description (AD) or subtitled (ST) options, and it’s the best place to find details on their monthly autism-friendly screenings, where the lights are left on low and the sound is turned down.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Live Seat Selection: Choose your exact spot in advance, whether you're booking a standard seat or upgrading to one of the premium, extra-spacious “Lux” recliners.
Discount Schemes: The platform fully supports national discount programmes. If you use Meerkat Movies, you can easily apply your 2-for-1 code during the online booking process.
E-Tickets: Once booked, your tickets are sent directly to your email, allowing you to scan a QR code on your phone for quick, paperless entry.
Pro-Tip: Film schedules are typically updated on a weekly basis, with new listings often appearing on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the upcoming Friday. If a film you want to see isn't listed for the following week, check back mid-week, as schedules can change.
The cinema's location within Castle Quarter offers significant advantages. You have access to on-site parking and numerous pre-film dining options right on your doorstep. For more information on navigating the shopping complex, you can learn more about the facilities at Castle Quarter and other local retail hubs. This makes it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for an all-in-one entertainment evening.
2. ODEON Norwich (Riverside Entertainment)
The official ODEON Norwich website is the go-to platform for booking tickets at one of the city's largest and most well-known cinemas, situated in the bustling Riverside Entertainment complex. This site provides real-time listings for all current and upcoming films, allowing you to book directly and take advantage of national ODEON promotions. It serves as the central hub for another of the most popular cinemas in Norwich, conveniently located just a short walk from Norwich Railway Station.
The website's interface is clean and user-friendly, letting you browse by film, day, or special screening format. A key strength is its seamless integration with ODEON’s membership schemes, myODEON and myLIMITLESS, making it easy for regular cinema-goers to apply discounts or book subscription-based tickets. The platform also provides clear guidance on booking with a carer or companion ticket and details specific accessibility features for the Norwich venue.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Membership Integration: Easily book with your myODEON membership for saver tickets on select off-peak screenings or use your myLIMITLESS pass for unlimited films.
Order & Collect: At participating locations like Norwich, you can pre-order your popcorn, drinks, and snacks online and pick them up from a dedicated collection point, helping you skip the queues.
Saver Mondays: The website is the best place to find and book tickets for Saver Mondays, offering a significant discount on most films at the start of the week.
Pro-Tip: Ticket prices at ODEON can vary based on the film, time of day, and seating choice. Always check the live pricing on the website when booking, as a screening at 5 pm might cost more than one at 3 pm on the same day.
The cinema's position within the Riverside complex means you are surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants and bars, perfect for a meal or drink before your film. For a closer look at the dining choices available in the area, you can discover some of the top restaurant picks for 2025. This all-in-one location makes it an ideal spot for a complete night out.
3. Cinema City Norwich (Picturehouse)
For those seeking a more curated and atmospheric film experience, the official Cinema City Picturehouse website is the essential portal. This platform is the definitive booking source for Norwich's beloved independent cinema, nestled in the historic Suckling House. It allows you to explore a thoughtfully selected programme of independent, world, and classic films, alongside event cinema and director Q&As, and book your tickets with ease.
The website’s layout is clear and boutique-focused, highlighting special seasons and unique screenings that you won't find at a multiplex. It excels in providing detailed information on its special strands, including ‘Watch With Baby’ sessions for parents and carers, subtitled screenings for the hard-of-hearing, and even occasional dog-friendly showings. Information on accessibility is comprehensive, detailing access for each of its three unique screens.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Curated Programme: The site is your guide to a diverse film schedule, moving beyond blockbusters to showcase artistic, classic, and foreign-language cinema.
Membership Benefits: The platform is the hub for the MyPicturehouse membership scheme, which offers free tickets, discounts on food and drink, and priority booking.
Promotional Pricing: Look out for deals such as ‘Happy Mondays’, offering reduced ticket prices at the start of the week, and a standard discount for booking online versus in person.
E-Tickets: After booking online, you receive a confirmation email with a QR code for quick, paperless entry, which is ideal for professionals and contractors needing a hassle-free evening.
Pro-Tip: Screenings often sell out faster here than at larger cinemas, especially for one-off events or popular independent films. It's advisable to book several days in advance via the website to guarantee your seat.
The cinema’s city centre location on St Andrews Street is part of its charm, complete with an on-site Bar & Kitchen for pre-film dinner or post-film discussions. While there is no dedicated car park, several public options are nearby; you can find more information about the best car parks in Norwich town centre. This makes it a perfect choice for film enthusiasts looking for a complete cultural outing.
4. Castle Quarter – Vue Norwich venue page
For visitors planning a trip to one of the most central cinemas in Norwich, the Castle Quarter shopping centre website provides an essential planning tool. This venue page is less about live showtimes and more about logistics; it’s the ideal resource for figuring out parking, mall opening hours, and precisely where the cinema is located within the complex. It offers a concise summary of the Vue cinema’s facilities before you even think about booking a ticket.
This platform is particularly useful for first-time visitors or those planning an entire evening out. It clearly outlines the cinema’s features, such as its seating capacity and premium formats, and consolidates key information that helps you plan your arrival and departure. While it doesn't host its own booking system, a prominent "Book Tickets" link directs you straight to the official Vue website to see the latest film listings and complete your purchase, creating a seamless two-step process.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Visitor Information Hub: This is the best place to confirm centre-level details, including access points, lift locations, and the mall’s general opening times, which can differ from the cinema's.
Offer Summaries: The page often highlights recurring Vue offers like Mighty Mornings for kids or partner deals like Meerkat Movies, giving you a quick overview of potential savings.
Direct Booking Link: It provides a trusted, direct jump-off point to the official Vue booking platform, ensuring you land on the correct page to buy tickets for the Norwich location.
Pro-Tip: Use this page to plan your pre-film activities. By checking the mall’s layout and directory beforehand, you can easily map out a route from a restaurant to the cinema, making for a stress-free experience, especially with family.
The site’s strength lies in contextualising the cinema within its wider environment. For those staying in temporary accommodation, like the furnished apartments offered by Stay Norwich Apartments, knowing the full scope of facilities at Castle Quarter makes planning an evening’s entertainment simple and convenient. Whether you need short-term, all-inclusive accommodation between house moves or are a contractor on a project, having this practical information at your fingertips streamlines your leisure time. Landlords direct with Stay Norwich Apartments, Norfolk, furnished accommodation when you need it, for as long as you need it. No hassle, no drama, pay and stay.
5. Riverside Entertainment Norwich (Riverside hub and ODEON offers)
For visitors planning a complete entertainment outing rather than just a cinema trip, the Riverside Entertainment Norwich website is an essential resource. It serves as the official online hub for the entire leisure complex, home to one of Norwich's premier cinemas, ODEON Riverside. While it isn't a direct booking portal, its value lies in centralising all the information needed to plan a seamless visit, from parking and dining to bowling and, of course, film.
The platform shines by collating ODEON-specific offers that you might otherwise miss. It aggregates promotions like Saver Mondays, myLIMITLESS deals, and ODEON Kids screenings into one convenient promotions page, with direct links to the ODEON website to book. This makes it a great starting point for anyone looking to combine a film with a meal at one of the on-site restaurants, ensuring you know all the money-saving options available before you commit. It’s perfect for families or groups who need to coordinate multiple activities.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Offers Hub: This is the site’s standout feature, gathering current cinema deals in one place. It’s the easiest way to check for promotions like 2-for-1 tickets or special family pricing.
Visit Planning: The website provides practical details on parking availability, opening times for the entire complex, and a directory of all restaurants and other leisure activities.
Direct Booking Links: While you don't book on the site itself, it provides quick, direct links to the official ODEON Norwich page to complete your ticket purchase, streamlining the process.
Pro-Tip: Check the Riverside website before a family outing to see if any restaurants are running a "kids eat free" or pre-cinema set menu deal. This can significantly reduce the cost of an evening out, especially during school holidays.
The site is particularly useful for those driving into the city, as it offers clear information on the multi-storey car park. This integrated approach to planning is ideal for those staying in self-catering furnished accommodation who want a no-hassle, all-in-one entertainment solution. You can find more information about the other attractions in the complex and learn more about the Hollywood Bowl at Riverside Entertainment Norwich.
Website: https://www.riversidenorwich.co.uk/
6. Ents24 – Norwich cinema listings
For those wanting a broader view of entertainment options beyond just one venue, Ents24 serves as a practical aggregator for cinemas in Norwich and other live events. Rather than being a direct booking platform, it acts as a central hub, providing listings for venues like Cinema City and Vue, then linking you directly to their official websites to purchase tickets. This makes it a useful starting point for comparing what’s on across the city before committing to a specific cinema.
The website’s strength lies in its simplicity and scope. You can quickly see venue addresses and find official booking links without needing to create an account. It’s an efficient way to discover not only films but also comedy nights, live music, and theatre shows, making it ideal for visitors staying in furnished accommodation who want a comprehensive overview of Norwich's cultural scene in one place.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Multi-Venue Listings: View a simplified schedule for various Norwich cinemas and click through directly to the official source for booking. This saves time searching for individual cinema websites.
Entertainment Discovery: The platform is excellent for finding other local events, helping you plan a full evening or weekend of activities during your stay.
Venue Alerts: An optional 'Follow' feature allows you to receive updates about your favourite venues, so you're notified when new films or events are announced.
Pro-Tip: While Ents24 is great for an overview, always click through to the cinema's official site to confirm final showtimes and seat availability. The aggregator may not reflect last-minute schedule changes or sold-out screenings in real-time.
Using Ents24 is particularly useful for those on a contract or temporary stay, like guests at Stay Norwich Apartments, who might want to explore the city's offerings without the hassle of visiting multiple sites. It provides the direct links you need for a no-drama booking process, letting you simply pay and plan your visit. This streamlined approach to discovering what's on makes it a valuable tool for anyone new to the area.
7. Norwich Film Festival
For a truly curated cinematic experience that goes beyond mainstream blockbusters, the Norwich Film Festival website is an essential resource. As the official platform for the BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying annual event, this site is the hub for discovering and booking tickets to a unique programme of independent, short, and international films. The festival often utilises brilliant local venues, including Cinema City, transforming Norwich into a celebration of emerging filmmaking talent.
The website provides a comprehensive guide to the festival's schedule, allowing film enthusiasts to purchase individual tickets or full festival passes. It is designed to be a visitor’s guide, offering crucial information on screening locations, travel, and accessibility for those coming to the city specifically for the event. While not a year-round cinema listing, it is the definitive portal for one of the most significant cultural events in the Norwich arts calendar.
Key Features and Booking Tips
Festival Passes: The best value for dedicated attendees is often a festival pass, which provides access to multiple screenings and events at a discounted rate compared to individual tickets.
Short Film Programming: A major highlight is its focus on short films. The site is the only place to see the full, award-calibre selection and book screenings dedicated to this powerful format.
Visitor Information: The platform includes detailed guidance on venues and travel, making it exceptionally useful for those staying in Norwich for the duration of the festival.
Pro-Tip: Festival tickets, especially for high-profile premieres or Q&A sessions, can sell out quickly. It's wise to sign up for their newsletter via the website to get early notifications when the programme is announced and tickets go on sale.
The seasonal nature of the festival makes it a special occasion. Its central venues mean attendees are perfectly placed to enjoy Norwich’s wider cultural offerings. For those interested in other major arts events, you can explore more about the city’s premier stage productions at the Norwich Theatre Royal. This makes a trip for the festival a fantastic opportunity for a complete cultural city break.
Website: https://norwichfilmfestival.co.uk/
7-Point Comparison of Norwich Cinemas & Listings
Item | Implementation complexity 🔄 | Resource requirements ⚡ | Expected outcomes ⭐ | Ideal use cases 📊 | Key advantages 💡 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vue Norwich (Castle Quarter) | Low — direct online seat selection and e‑tickets | Standard web/mobile, card payment; supports discount schemes | High ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — reliable live listings and instant e‑tickets | Booking mainstream releases, accessibility & premium seating | Official source; clear accessibility scheduling; weekly updates |
ODEON Norwich (Riverside Entertainment) | Medium — supports membership and add‑ons (food/order & collect) | Web/mobile, myODEON/myLIMITLESS for full benefits; card payment | High ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong promotions and subscription value (varies by show) | Using membership/subscription offers; combining cinema with leisure visit | Membership/subscription integration; frequent national promotions |
Cinema City Norwich (Picturehouse) | Low–Medium — online booking for curated/event cinema; some offers require box office | Web/mobile, MyPicturehouse optional; some in‑person redemption for deals | High ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — excellent for independent/event programming | Independent, classic, event screenings, Q&As and venue hire | Curated programming; historic venue atmosphere; on‑site dining |
Castle Quarter – Vue Norwich venue page | Very low — informational hub with link through to Vue for booking | No booking capability on page; visitor planning only (parking/hours) | Medium ⭐⭐ — useful for visit planning but not for ticket purchase | First‑time visitors confirming location, opening times, mall access | Single source for centre info; direct jump to Vue booking |
Riverside Entertainment Norwich (Riverside hub and ODEON offers) | Very low — central leisure hub linking to ODEON offers and bookings | Informational site; bookings handled on ODEON; parking/dining info included | Medium ⭐⭐ — good for planning combined outings and spotting offers | Planning cinema + dining/parking for Riverside visits | Consolidates offers, parking and visit planning in one place |
Ents24 – Norwich cinema listings | Low — events aggregator linking to official booking pages | No account required; simple links to venue booking sites | Medium ⭐⭐⭐ — efficient discovery, but not real‑time availability | Discovering venues, comparing events, finding official links | Broad coverage; quick cross‑venue discovery; follow feature |
Norwich Film Festival | Medium — festival ticketing and pass sales; seasonal processes | Festival passes or single tickets; event schedules vary year to year | High ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — access to BAFTA/BIFA‑qualifying programming and shorts | Attending festival‑period independent/international film screenings | Curated, award‑calibre programming; concentrated festival experience |
Your Perfect Norwich Movie Night Awaits
Norwich’s cinematic landscape offers a rich and varied tapestry of viewing experiences, catering to every possible taste and preference. From the mainstream blockbuster convenience of Vue and ODEON to the curated arthouse atmosphere of Cinema City, the city ensures that no film fan is left behind. This guide has equipped you with the practical tools and detailed insights needed to navigate the diverse options and plan your perfect movie outing with confidence.
We’ve explored not just the primary venues but also the essential planning tools that streamline the process. Understanding the specific offerings of entertainment hubs like Castle Quarter and Riverside Entertainment allows for a more integrated evening out, combining film with food and other activities. Meanwhile, using resources like Ents24 for comprehensive listings and keeping an eye on the Norwich Film Festival for unique screenings provides a more holistic view of the city’s film culture. The choice of cinemas in Norwich ultimately depends on your priorities, whether that's cutting-edge sound technology, independent film discovery, or a family-friendly environment.
Choosing Your Ideal Cinema Experience
Making the right choice is about matching the venue to your needs. Before booking your tickets, consider these key factors to ensure your movie night is a resounding success:
For the Blockbuster Fan: If your priority is seeing the latest Hollywood release with state-of-the-art sound and visuals, Vue at Castle Quarter and ODEON at Riverside are your go-to destinations. They offer the widest selection of mainstream films, premium seating options, and classic cinema snacks.
For the Arthouse Enthusiast: If you seek thought-provoking independent films, foreign language cinema, and a more intimate, community-focused atmosphere, Cinema City is unparalleled. Its historic charm, comfortable bar, and carefully curated programme make it a cultural hub.
For a Complete Evening Out: For those who want more than just a film, Riverside Entertainment provides an all-in-one solution. With numerous restaurants and activities alongside the ODEON, it’s ideal for a date night, a family outing, or a social gathering with friends before or after the show.
For the Savvy Planner: Don’t forget to leverage online tools. Ents24 is an invaluable resource for comparing showtimes across all cinemas in Norwich in one place, helping you find the most convenient screening without checking multiple websites.
Ultimately, your perfect Norwich movie night is just a few clicks away. By using the practical information in this guide on everything from parking and accessibility to booking tips and discount schemes, you are now fully prepared to enjoy the magic of the big screen in this fine city.
After a fantastic film, the last thing you want is a long journey home. Make your Norwich experience seamless by staying in the heart of the action with Stay Norwich Apartments. Our furnished, all-inclusive accommodation provides a comfortable and convenient base, placing the city's best cinemas, restaurants, and attractions right on your doorstep. Find your perfect home-from-home at Stay Norwich Apartments and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
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