Bantam Cinema

Top choice in Connecticut


Housed in a converted red barn on the shores of Lake Bantam, the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Connecticut is a real Litchfield experience. The well-curated screenings focus on independent and foreign films, and the 'Meet the Filmmaker' series features guest directors, actors and producers, many of whom live nearby.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Connecticut attractions

1. Litchfield Distillery Batchers

0.8 MILES

In just a few years David and Jack have produced some prime hooch: award-winning bourbons, gins and vodkas (100% Connecticut corn!) made in small batches…

3. Litchfield History Museum

3 MILES

This museum features a small permanent collection, including a modest photographic chronicle of the town and a dress-up box with Colonial clothes for…

4. Mount Tom State Park

3.01 MILES

The best swimming in the Litchfield Hills is at this state park, 3.5 miles west of Bantam. The not-even-1-mile 'tower trail' leads to the stone Mt Tom…

5. Lourdes of Litchfield

3.59 MILES

Whether you’re seeking enlightenment or just a peaceful stroll on wooded paths, this beautiful fieldstone replica of the Grotto Lourdes in France,…

6. Haight-Brown Vineyards

3.73 MILES

The veranda overlooking the state’s first wine-producing vineyard (established 1975) sets the mood, while chocolate and cheese pairings make it even more…

7. Topsmead State Forest

4.71 MILES

This forest was once the estate of Edith Morton Chase. You can visit her grand Tudor-style summer home, complete with its original furnishings (free…

8. Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

5.58 MILES

The town’s religious history extends to the founding of the first theological seminary in the USA by local resident Reverend Joseph Bellamy. His home, the…