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BFI Southbank

By Siobhan
Last updated at 11:00:00 AM on 10 February 2012

BFI Southbank is located on the southern side of the Thames from Whitehall in central London and next to Waterloo station. It is within walking distance of several London hotels. It focuses on supporting film and is home to the largest movie screen in the UK, the BFI IMAX.

BFI IMAX allows you to escape reality and completely lose yourself in the film. The theatre has digital surround-sound, and 500 comfy seats. The screen is 20 metres tall and 26 metres wide, one of the few IMAX size screens in the UK and the biggest. When booking a seat try to book one in the middle and ideally higher up. Sitting here will give you the best view, especially given the size of the screen. Seats in the front rows are cheaper yes, but you may also find yourself looking up the whole time, which could get uncomfortable. You can book tickets online. The earlier you book the better chance you have of securing the best seats. Also, take note that screenings often sell out very fast for popular films. The seating is arranged quite steeply, so the chances of your view being disrupted by a particularly tall fellow theatre goer is small. Typical with any movie theatre the snacks such as popcorn, soft drinks, and chocolate are expensive.

Several films are currently showing until the middle or end of February, including the all-night event, which IMAX holds once a month.

Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Rated 'U', Star Wars Episode I is a great family film. It is showing on the IMAX screen from the 9 - 23 February in 3D, with five screenings each day. Tickets cost £11.50 - £18.50.

Born to be Wild

'Born to be Wild' is a documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. The film follows the lives of elephants and orangutans that have been orphaned, and the people that care for them. The story follows the extraordinary journey these animals and people make as they prepare to return to the wild. There is one showing each day from 28 January - 24 February. Tickets cost £6.50 - £9. The film is rated 'U' and is shown in 3D.

Lord of the Rings

A special back-to-back screening of all three Lord of the Rings films takes place on the BFI IMAX screen on 18 February. The films will be shown in 35mm, which means they won't take up the entire screen. The evening includes a fancy dress contest, free tea and coffee, which you will want to take advantage of so you can stay awake all night, and a break between each movie. The first film starts at 11.59pm, so be ready to pull and all-nighter. Tickets cost £21 - £32.

Nearby central London hotels include The Royal Horseguards, London Marriot County Hall, and the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.