Don't just go to the movies while on vacation in London -- take in
the larger-than-life IMAX experience. Perfect for the entire family,
there are a wide variety of films constantly playing at two separate
locations in the capital city, both of which offer enormous screens and
state-of-the-art sound systems.
The
seven-year-old British Film Institute's London IMAX Cinema is located
on the South Bank. It's the largest screen in the U.K., the height of
five double-decker buses, and there are nearly 500 seats with completely
unobstructed views. In addition to science and nature films, there are
also 3-D movies complete with special glasses and even feature films on
specially-made IMAX prints (this summer, for instance, you can see
"Poseidon" or "Superman Returns." Ticket prices range from £8.50 to
£12.00 for general admission (discounts apply for children) and bookings
can be made in advance online. Waterloo Station is nearby, with signs
clearly marking the appropriate underground walkways that will get you
to the theater.
The Science Museum in South Kensington, just
south of Hyde Park, also houses an IMAX theater specializing in nature
and space exploration films, many of which are in 3D. Admission prices
here are only £7.50 with discounts for children and seniors, although
the Museum's "IMAX Club" will get you an unlimited number of admissions
over the course of the calendar year. If you're staying nearby while on
vacation or are traveling with children, this might actually be a better
deal. Details are available at the museum or online, but keep in mind
that this venue is particularly busy with large children's groups - you
may want to book as far in advance as possible, especially during the
regular school year. While there are no feature films playing here,
there are several exciting motion simulator rides that will keep the
kids entertained - along with all of the permanent exhibits housed in
the museum. The IMAX and simulator rides charge an admission fee, the
Science Museum costs nothing to explore.