Things To Do

The Ultimate Picture Palace

Jeune Street, Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1BN, GB

Rating: 4.8 ★ (383 ratings)

Details

Oxford's oldest cinema, the Ultimate Picture Palace first opened its doors in 1911 and has been a beloved fixture just off the vibrant Cowley Road ever since. This historic art deco building, now community-owned, boasts its original street-facing box office window, welcoming film lovers into its cosy, single-screen auditorium. Forget the endless pre-show commercials; here, the feature film starts promptly after a couple of trailers, allowing you to settle in with a drink or snack from the in-auditorium bar. It’s a cherished, independent venue run by a passionate team, offering an intimate and unique cinematic experience that has made it a cultural landmark in East Oxford.

The Ultimate Picture Palace prides itself on a diverse and carefully curated film programme, showcasing a mix of independent, mainstream, foreign language, and classic movies. You might catch a critically acclaimed new release, a cult classic, an arthouse gem, or even a special themed retrospective or director spotlight. With approximately 18-20 shows a week, including regular matinees and special events, there's always something to discover. The cinema’s commitment to varied programming and fostering a friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere for film has solidified its place as a thriving part of Cowley Road's cultural community, proudly supported by locals.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM; Thursday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM; Friday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 245288

Comments

Kelvin Eveleigh
8 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Lovely little old cinema with good facilities showing a good selection of interesting, not necessarily mainstream, films.
Hannah K
5 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
This cinema is just beautiful. Art deco in style, community owned with a great little bar that does very reasonable priced snacks and drinks - including proper mugs of tea and homemade brownies! UPP is such a treasure of a place - rare to find these days. I watched the Before trilogy there this weekend with my son. What a special experience to watch my favourite films back to back. This place is 5+ stars and 100% worth a visit.
themightychew
14 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Ashamed to say that it has probably been 20 years between visits 😳 but it's almost exactly how I remembered it, with the addition of a cute little bar serving drinks and snacks. Daughter had a slightly mind-blowing salted caramel brownie and I had a 3% IPA, perfect when driving 🙏
No adverts, couple of good trailers, then straight into the film (The Boy and the Heron). Absolutely no chatter or rustling or phone lights from the audience; total bliss. Making a pledge to return more in 2024. Support it or lose it! Outstanding work UPP 👏🎬
Elliot Vale
29 Jan 2026
4.0 ★
Make sure you get a seat in the front row to avoid a screen full of heads as the seating is staggered but has zero rake. Apart from that, this is a fine little independent cinema with a small bar, convenient loos, and a good online booking system.
Jaz
14 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Really lovely old cinema. Only one screen, so only 1 showing at a time - make sure you check what's on before turning up.
We were lucky and just passing at the perfect time to catch Spirited Away.
Community owned which is a good reason to support!

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