Picnic Cinema, Cumbria

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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Picnic Cinema

Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
3-12 August 2018

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image courtesy of Eden Arts
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Picnic Cinema, the North’s number one outdoor cinema, ups the ante this summer with their latest season of cult and classic cinema events set in spectacular locations. Once again, the premier attraction is a series of screenings of Withnail & I at Sleddale Hall a.k.a Crow Crag or Uncle Monty’s Cottage, where the classic was filmed near Shap, Cumbria just over 30 years ago.

This year, the outdoor cinema specialists have also lined up a Muncaster Castle Weekender. Set in the grounds of the Grade I listed building, Picnic Cinema will host extravagant screenings of cult comedies The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Big Lebowski.

Meanwhile, brave film fans can set up camp in Hamsterley Forest in County Durham for a nighttime viewing of British werewolf flick, Dog Soldiers.  Picknickers will also have the opportunity to see Ben Wheatley’s horror-comedy Sightseers at Lowther Castle — a location not far from those featured in the film.

The folk behind Picnic Cinema have built up quite a following in the six years since they started, with guests flying in from around the world to attend screenings. Each event features music and games specially tailored to the films and attendees are encouraged to don their best movie inspired fancy dress and prepare to party.

Where to go near Picnic Cinema, Cumbria

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Wastwater is the deepest lake in England at 258 feet and one of the most dramatic spots in the country to swim.

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Florence Arts Centre

Florence Mine has been transformed into a centre for cultural activity, offering workshops, gallery space, cinema and music venue.

TheBeacon, courtesy of venue
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The Beacon

The Beacon in Whitehaven provides a well-used museum service for local families and visitors, drawing on rich collections – fine and decorative arts, social history, archaeology and natural sciences.

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Lowes Court Gallery

Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft, led by a membership of artists.

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The Ruskin Museum

The Ruskin Museum tells the story of Coniston in Cumbria – a place of copper mines and slate quarries, Swallows & Amazons country where Beatrix Potter owned farms and Stone Age fell walkers once dwelled.

LawsonParkFarm, courtesy of venue
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Lawson Park Farm Cottage

Award-winning self-catering holiday accommodation that is not only beautiful but also supports the pioneering work of Grizedale Arts.

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Grizedale Arts

Grizedale Arts continues to explore the role of art in society from its award winning eco-base near Coniston.

Brantwood, image courtesy of venue
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Brantwood

The Lake District home of the radical social and cultural thinker, John Ruskin.

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