Electric Palace Cinema Harwich
A beautifully restored 1911 Art Deco cinema offering films, live music, and talks in a charming, historic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Film screenings and live music
Electric Palace Cinema Harwich
Best Time
Film screenings and live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1911 Art Deco cinema offering films, live music, and talks in a charming, historic setting.
"One of the best cinema experiences you could wish for. Uniquely charming, friendly, beautiful, historic."
🎟️ Book Ahead for Events
Popular film screenings and live music events can sell out. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
♿ Accessible Experience
The cinema offers affordable tickets, disability access, and accessible toilets. Fidget toys are available for SEN attendees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Grandeur
Step into a beautifully preserved 1911 cinema with ornate period details. A true step back in time.
Live Music & Talks
Enjoy intimate live jazz, folk music, or engaging illustrated talks. A vibrant cultural hub.
Affordable Nostalgia
Experience classic cinema with cheap tickets and snacks. A hidden gem offering incredible value.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Step Back in Time
More Than Just Movies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Harwich's Electric Palace cinema raising money to rescue future
🎟️ Book Ahead for Events
Popular film screenings and live music events can sell out. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
♿ Accessible Experience
The cinema offers affordable tickets, disability access, and accessible toilets. Fidget toys are available for SEN attendees.
🎶 Check the Live Schedule
Don't miss out on unique live jazz, folk music, or local history talks alongside film showings.
✨ Embrace the Nostalgia
This is a traditional cinema experience. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and charm of a bygone era.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Events
Popular film screenings and live music events can sell out. Check the schedule and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
♿ Accessible Experience
The cinema offers affordable tickets, disability access, and accessible toilets. Fidget toys are available for SEN attendees.
🎶 Check the Live Schedule
Don't miss out on unique live jazz, folk music, or local history talks alongside film showings.
✨ Embrace the Nostalgia
This is a traditional cinema experience. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and charm of a bygone era.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Electric Palace Cinema, calling it a 'real treasure' and a 'hidden gem.' They praise its beautifully preserved Art Deco interior, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a unique and cherished community venue. Some minor points of feedback might relate to the specific film selections or the intimate nature of the venue for those accustomed to larger cinemas.
"One of the few historic places that tick all the boxes; afforable, disability access, disabled toilets and toilets, cheap tickets and snacks. Fidget toys for SEN attendees.
Wonderful, will much recommend."
E E
"The Electric Palace is a traditional style cinema, with an ornate period Art Deco frontage in King's Quay Street. The building is almost unchanged from when it first opened in 1911, thanks to dedicated restoration work. It's an essential part of the character of Harwich old town, providing a genuinely atmospheric feeling of the early days of cinema. As well as selected film showings, The Electric Palace is also a live music venue & holds illustrated talks of local interest, such as the history of 'pirate radio', hosted by expert speakers, Radio Essex & Radio Caroline DJ, Ray Clark."
Roy
"One of the best Cinema experiences you could wish for. Uniquely charming, friendly, beautiful, historic and also a brilliant sound and screen. A real treasure."
Paul Nunney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Electric Palace is located in King's Quay Street in Harwich old town. It's easily accessible by car, with local parking available nearby. Public transport options include local bus routes that stop within walking distance of the cinema.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in the vicinity of the cinema. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and charges.
Absolutely! The Electric Palace is situated in the heart of Harwich old town, making it a pleasant walk from most central locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very affordable, offering great value for money. Prices are significantly lower than modern multiplexes, making it an accessible option for everyone.
For popular film screenings and live events, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, as they can sell out.
Yes, the cinema is committed to accessibility, offering disabled access and disabled toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Yes, you can purchase cheap snacks and refreshments at the cinema, adding to the traditional movie-going experience.
Opening hours vary depending on the scheduled screenings and events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on showtimes and event times.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is incredibly charming and nostalgic. It's a traditional picture house, lovingly restored to its 1911 glory, offering a genuinely atmospheric feeling of the early days of cinema.
Yes, the venue is very considerate of sensory needs, offering fidget toys for SEN attendees, making it a welcoming space for everyone.
They screen a selection of films, often including classics and popular titles, providing a diverse cinematic experience.
Absolutely! The Electric Palace is also a live music venue and hosts illustrated talks on local interest topics, such as pirate radio history.
Despite its historic nature, visitors often praise the brilliant sound and screen quality, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find cheap tickets and snacks at the cinema, contributing to the affordable and traditional movie-going experience.
Harwich old town has several charming pubs and eateries nearby, offering a range of dining options before or after your visit to the cinema.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography policies can vary, it's generally best to be discreet and respectful of other patrons and any ongoing performances. Capturing the exterior's Art Deco facade is usually fine.
The ornate Art Deco frontage is a fantastic subject for exterior shots. Inside, the historic interior details offer unique photographic opportunities, especially during quieter moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond films, consider checking their schedule for family-friendly events or talks that might spark your child's interest in local history or music. The nostalgic atmosphere itself can be an engaging experience for younger visitors, offering a glimpse into a different era of entertainment. It’s a charming alternative to the standard multiplex.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the low cost, the experience itself is priceless. You get to immerse yourself in a historic Art Deco cinema that's been lovingly restored, providing a unique and memorable experience that's far richer than a generic modern venue. It’s a chance to see a piece of living history that’s still actively serving its community.
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
Consider attending one of their live jazz or folk music nights for a truly special evening. The intimate setting ensures a great view and sound, and the historic ambiance adds a touch of magic. It’s a perfect spot for creating lasting memories in a place that feels truly special and cherished.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Beyond its cinematic function, the Electric Palace is a vital community hub. It actively hosts a variety of events, including live music performances featuring jazz and folk artists, as well as engaging illustrated talks on local history and culture. These events, often hosted by experts like Radio Essex & Radio Caroline DJ Ray Clark, bring the venue to life and attract a diverse audience, showcasing its versatility and importance to the Harwich old town character.
Visitors consistently praise the atmospheric feeling and the warm welcome they receive. The cinema is noted for being affordable, with cheap tickets and snacks, and importantly, it provides excellent disability access, including accessible toilets and fidget toys for SEN attendees. This focus on inclusivity, combined with its historical significance and varied programming, makes the Electric Palace a truly special and cherished venue.
The Electric Palace Experience
Reviewers consistently highlight the brilliant sound and screen quality, proving that historical venues can still offer a top-tier viewing experience. This, combined with the affordable ticket prices and snacks, makes it an exceptional value proposition. It’s this blend of historical authenticity, quality presentation, and economic accessibility that earns it accolades as a 'real treasure' and a 'hidden gem'.
Whether you're catching a film, enjoying live music, or attending an illustrated talk, the Electric Palace offers a uniquely charming and friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate arts and culture, making every visit a memorable occasion. The dedication of those who maintain it is evident, ensuring this piece of history continues to thrive.
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