Until the advent of mass air travel in the 1950s Southampton was the major UK departure point for those travelling overseas. Although a quay and wharves had previously existed in Southampton, the very first purpose-built docks were constructed in the 1840s for the coming of the railway. It is on this historic site that Harbour Lights stands.
Harbour Lights is a landmark building by architects Burrell Foley Fischer which first opened its doors in February 1995. The design clearly celebrates the heritage of Southampton docks, its famous Ocean Terminal and the heyday of glamorous travel by luxury liner. Recipient of a Civic Trust Commendation in 1997 and shortlisted for a RIBA award for architecture, the cinema itself was voted Britain's Best-Loved Independent Cinema in 2000 by the readers of Empire Magazine - the first and only time they awarded such a title.
Please note that peak or altered pricing may apply for certain films, special events and holiday periods. More information on pricing is available in our FAQs and Terms & Conditions.
We add a 70p booking fee per ticket (excluding tickets for Picturehouse Members) to bookings made online or over the phone. This fee doesn't apply to tickets you buy in person at the cinema.
3D films may cost £1.30 extra per person, not including 3D glasses (you can buy these at the cinema for an extra £1, free for Members, or bring your own).
*Family tickets are for four people, at least two of whom must be under 15. Not applicable to premium-priced screenings.
Have a question about our prices? We might have the answer in our FAQs.
All day every Monday (excluding bank holidays), you can enjoy great value tickets with Happy Mondays.
Picturehouse Members get to save even more. Please check Monday listings for details.
Relaxed screenings are specially designed to make cinema-going easier and more accessible to those who may need additional support when they visit. These screenings are ideal for neurodivergent audiences of all ages, those living with dementia, and their families, friends, and carers, but all are welcome.
Relaxed screenings will show films without adverts or trailers. Lights are left on low, the volume is reduced, and the audience is free to move around and take breaks from the screen whenever needed.
We typically show:
A new release every second Monday of the month
A family-friendly film every third Sunday of the month
A classic film every last Friday of the month (with interval)
Whilst we do our best to ensure these screenings happen consistently, please note that on occasion the regular slot may change. Make sure to check local listings ahead of your screening.
The Watch with Baby club is for parents and guardians with babies under one year old.
Watch with Baby takes place on Thursdays at 10.30.
Adults are only admitted if accompanying a baby.
The Kids' Club is every Saturday at 10.30. Doors open at 10.00.
Adults are only admitted if accompanying a child.
A great way to introduce your toddler to the experience of the cinema!
Adults are only admitted if accompanying a child.
Silver Screen is a free-to-join club for the over-60s.
Enjoy discounted tickets and a free tea or filter coffee at our Silver Screen shows.
Silver Screen runs Mondays-Fridays before 14.00.
Non-members are welcome - the usual ticket prices apply.
Click here for upcoming screenings.
Bringing world-class productions of theatre, ballet, opera and live music to the big screen.
U25 is for anyone ages 16–25. Signing up to U25 is FREE. Members have access to discounted tickets at any time Monday to Thursday when booked online and via the Picturehouse App only.
The following bus routes run close to the cinema: Bluestar 19, 17, 6 & 11 , Unilink U1 / U6, X4
The nearest stations are Woolston (15-minute walk) and Southampton Central (30-minute walk).
Southampton is a bike-friendly city. You can plan your route here.
There is a small car park around the cinema that is free for customers watching a film or using the bar/café. Drivers must park in the marked bays only and enter their registration with a member of staff at the box office/bar upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in a fine. For information on additional local parking go to southampton.gov.uk.
Nearest KIA Charging Station: Shell Recharge, Eastgate St, SO14 (Type 2)
