Hyde Park Picture House
Leeds' historic gem, the last gas-lit cinema in the UK, offering a unique cinematic experience with a curated film selection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Hyde Park Picture House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Leeds' historic gem, the last gas-lit cinema in the UK, offering a unique cinematic experience with a curated film selection.
"It felt like stepping into someone’s memory, warm, nostalgic, alive. You just know you’re somewhere that matters."
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Secure your seats for popular films, especially during peak times.
🚶 Explore the Heritage
Don't just watch a film; discover the history! Check for heritage trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gas-Lit Auditorium
Main Screening Room
Experience the magic of the world's last gas-lit cinema, a truly unique and atmospheric setting for film.
Refurbished Charm
Throughout the building
Marvel at the sensitive restoration, preserving original features while adding modern comfort and a new basement screen.
The 'Wrapper Nook'
Near the cafe
Discover a charming cabinet filled with old wrappers found during renovations, a nod to the cinema's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Beyond the Big Screen
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Secure your seats for popular films, especially during peak times.
🚶 Explore the Heritage
Don't just watch a film; discover the history! Check for heritage trails.
☕ Grab a Cuppa
Enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere, perhaps in the 'wrapper nook'.
🎬 Student Discounts
Great value for students looking for an arthouse cinema experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Secure your seats for popular films, especially during peak times.
🚶 Explore the Heritage
Don't just watch a film; discover the history! Check for heritage trails.
☕ Grab a Cuppa
Enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere, perhaps in the 'wrapper nook'.
🎬 Student Discounts
Great value for students looking for an arthouse cinema experience.
✨ Basement Screen
Experience films in the cozy, modern new screen in the basement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hyde Park Picture House's magical, nostalgic atmosphere and its unique status as the last gas-lit cinema. The recent refurbishment is praised for preserving heritage while enhancing comfort, though some note the smaller basement screen is a different experience. It's a beloved gem for film lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
"Wasn’t planning to stop. Just a casual stroll, the kind where your thoughts wander more than your feet. But then saw it, tucked between a vintage hotel lookalike and a sleepy café, this small cinema house caught my eye like a flicker of something familiar yet unknown. I didn’t know its name, its history, or what films it played. But was drawn in. Instinctively.
There’s a kind of magic in places like this. The kind of place that doesn’t beg for attention but earns it quietly, with charm and soul.
I stepped inside, not for a film, but just to feel it.  It felt like stepping into someone’s memory, warm, nostalgic, alive. You don’t need to know the schedule or the directors featured. You just know you’re somewhere that matters.
Some culture isn’t curated, it’s lived. You feel it in your bones. It’s the kind of place you want to linger in, maybe catch a film you’ve never heard of, maybe talk to someone who’s been coming here for decades.
Glad I passed by. Even more glad I paused. Because in that pause, I found a piece of the city’s soul. I’ll be back, not just to watch, but to belong."
M C
"A well refurbished old cinema. Self guided tour is worthy. Sometimes independent movies. Worthy take a look and long term support.
There is a cafe in the picture house. Or there are food nearby, such as Greek , Korean and Indian, which are open from noon- 11pm, good to have food before or after the movies.
Good price for students to watch movie."
Daniel So
"This is a beautifully refurbished picture house. Well worth a visit . During September (Leeds Heritage Open Days) the picture house is having a heritage trail around this iconic building. It even has gas lighting in the screening room."
Kathryn Rolls
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hyde Park Picture House is easily accessible from Leeds city centre. You can take a bus, with several routes stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk or a short taxi/rideshare away.
Parking can be limited in the Hyde Park area. It's often easier to use public transport or consider a taxi/rideshare to avoid parking hassles.
The cinema has undergone refurbishment to improve accessibility. The main auditorium and the new basement screen are designed to be accessible. It's always best to check with the venue directly for specific needs.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays. While the cinema is generally well-maintained, some Redditors seek quieter viewing experiences, suggesting weekdays might be best.
Yes, Hyde Park Picture House is located in the student area, so it's within walking distance for many university students and residents of Hyde Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but the cinema offers good value, especially for students. Check their official website for current pricing and special offers.
While tickets may be available at the door, it's highly recommended to book online in advance, especially for popular films or weekend screenings, to avoid disappointment.
Yes, the cinema has been refurbished with new seating. There's the main auditorium and a smaller, comfortable screen in the basement.
Hyde Park Picture House frequently hosts special events, including heritage trails during Leeds Heritage Open Days, themed workshops, and screenings of arthouse and cult films.
Opening hours vary depending on screening times. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule for both the box office and film showings.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is often described as magical, nostalgic, and full of soul. It feels like stepping into a memory, with a warm and lived-in charm.
It screens a diverse range of films, including arthouse, cult classics, foreign language films, and independent movies, alongside some blockbusters.
Yes, you can explore the building's history, discover unique features like the gas lighting, and enjoy the cafe. They also host community projects.
The 'wrapper nook' is a charming cabinet displaying old wrappers and packets discovered during the cinema's renovation, offering a glimpse into its past.
While photography policies can vary, it's generally appreciated to be respectful of other patrons and the venue. Capturing the unique heritage features is often encouraged, but check for specific rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe within the Picture House where you can enjoy refreshments before or after your film.
The cinema is located in a vibrant area with many food options. You can find Greek, Korean, and Indian restaurants nearby, often open late.
Typically, cinemas have policies against bringing outside food and drinks. It's best to purchase refreshments from their cafe or designated vendors.
You can expect a selection of soft drinks, and potentially alcoholic beverages depending on their licensing. Check with the venue for specific offerings.
Yes, the surrounding Hyde Park area offers numerous dining options that are open late, making it convenient to have a meal before an evening film.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its iconic lamppost, the gas-lit auditorium, and the unique heritage features like the 'wrapper nook' are prime photo opportunities.
Yes, the gas lighting is a signature feature and a major draw. Capturing this unique aspect is highly recommended, but be mindful of other patrons.
While general photography is usually permitted, flash photography during screenings is typically prohibited to avoid disturbing the audience and affecting the film.
Its status as the last gas-lit cinema, combined with its Edwardian architecture and recent sensitive refurbishment, makes it incredibly photogenic and historically significant.
Local artists sometimes create and sell prints of the Hyde Park Picture House, so keep an eye out in local galleries or online art marketplaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking their schedule for specific family matinees or films like 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' which have been screened. The 'wrapper nook' can also be a fun point of interest for younger visitors, sparking conversations about history. It's a great alternative to the standard multiplex for a more memorable family movie experience.
🎬 Cinephiles & Arthouse Lovers
The recent refurbishment ensures comfort without sacrificing its unique character. The addition of a second screen allows for an even broader selection of programming. It's the perfect place to discover hidden cinematic gems and engage with a community that shares a passion for film beyond the mainstream.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with affordable dining options in the surrounding Hyde Park area, which offers a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. This makes for a complete and budget-friendly day or evening out in Leeds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heritage of Hyde Park Picture House
During the renovation, significant attention was paid to the building's fabric, from its facade to its interior details. Discoveries made during this period, such as old wrappers found during the refurbishment, have been preserved in a special 'wrapper nook,' offering a tangible connection to the cinema's past. The project also introduced a second, smaller cinema screen in the basement, expanding its capacity and programming potential. This blend of historical preservation and modern adaptation makes Hyde Park Picture House a living piece of cinematic history.
Visitors can often engage with this heritage through self-guided tours or special events like Leeds Heritage Open Days, where heritage trails highlight the building's architectural significance and stories. The continued use of gas lighting in the main auditorium is a rare and enchanting feature that transports audiences back in time, offering a truly unique atmosphere for film viewing.
Experiencing a Film at Hyde Park Picture House
The introduction of a second, smaller screen in the basement offers a more intimate setting for niche films or smaller audiences. This new space complements the historic main screen, allowing the Picture House to show a wider variety of content. Whether you're catching an arthouse gem, a cult classic, or a foreign film, the focus remains on delivering a quality cinematic experience in a unique environment.
Many visitors praise the comfortable seating and the overall atmosphere, noting that it's a refreshing change from larger, more commercial cinemas. The selection of films often caters to those seeking something beyond mainstream releases, appealing to true cinephiles. The good value for students also makes it a popular choice for the local university population.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit