Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre

Leicester's independent cinema occupies a converted church and shows arthouse films, documentaries, and foreign language movies rarely seen elsewhere in the city. The building dates from 1881 and retains original features including stained glass windows. Three screens show approximately 15 different films weekly. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Leicester, especially paired with nearby New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Tickets cost £8-12 per ticket, £6 matinees and 2-3 hours including film is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours including film Best for: see films you won't find at mainstream cinemas in Skip if: You only watch blockbuster movies or need subtitles to be large Cost: £8-12 per ticket, £6 matinees

Enter through Victorian church doors into a contemporary lobby with film posters and café seating. Watch films in converted church spaces where original stonework and windows create an unusual cinema atmosphere.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access to ground floor screen only, hearing loop available

See films you won't find at mainstream cinemas in a unique historic setting. It is not the first thing you should see in Leicester, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with New Walk Museum and Art Gallery and Curve Theatre - together they fill a solid half-day.

Skip if: You only watch blockbuster movies or need subtitles to be large

• Book ahead for weekend screenings as capacity is limited.
• Check their café serves fair trade coffee and homemade cakes.
• Student discounts available with valid ID.

Insider tip: The upstairs screen in the old church gallery offers the most distinctive viewing experience

External shots of Victorian church architecture, internal photography not permitted during screenings