Ending your Curzon membership made easy

About Curzon

Curzon is a prestigious UK cinema chain with a rich heritage dating back to 1934, renowned for showcasing independent, arthouse, and foreign language films alongside carefully selected mainstream releases. What sets Curzon apart from typical multiplex chains is its commitment to quality cinema experiences, featuring boutique venues across London and other UK cities including Oxford, Canterbury, Sheffield, and Colchester. The cinemas themselves often occupy historic buildings with distinctive architecture, offering intimate screening rooms, comfortable seating, and sophisticated bar and dining facilities.

Beyond the physical cinema locations, Curzon operates Curzon Home Cinema, a streaming service that brings their curated film selection directly to subscribers' homes. This digital platform allows members to access new releases, classic films, and exclusive content without visiting a physical location. The service has become increasingly popular, particularly following the pandemic when many cinema-goers discovered the convenience of home streaming whilst maintaining access to quality independent cinema.

Curzon's membership model combines both in-cinema benefits and streaming access, creating a comprehensive package for film enthusiasts. Members typically enjoy unlimited cinema access at Curzon venues, discounted tickets for guests, priority booking, and full access to the Home Cinema streaming library. The company positions itself firmly in the premium market segment, attracting discerning audiences who appreciate carefully programmed film selections and enhanced viewing experiences.

Most importantly, understanding what Curzon offers helps clarify whether the membership genuinely suits your viewing habits before committing long-term. Many subscribers initially sign up attracted by the unlimited cinema access, only to realise later that their local Curzon venue doesn't programme enough films they want to see, or that the streaming catalogue doesn't match their preferences as well as other platforms.

Plans, features and pricing

Curzon structures its membership offerings around different tiers, each designed to suit varying levels of cinema attendance and streaming preferences. The pricing reflects the premium positioning of the brand, with costs considerably higher than basic streaming services but offering unique benefits that multiplex chains cannot match.

Membership tiers explained

The flagship offering is Curzon Unlimited, which provides unlimited cinema access to all Curzon venues nationwide. This membership includes free online booking, priority access to special events and previews, plus full access to Curzon Home Cinema's streaming platform. Members can watch as many films as they wish in Curzon cinemas without paying individual ticket prices, making it excellent value for frequent cinema-goers who live near multiple Curzon locations.

Curzon Home Cinema operates as a standalone digital membership for those who prefer streaming or don't live near physical Curzon venues. Subscribers gain access to the full catalogue of films available on the platform, including new releases that often appear day-and-date with cinema screenings or shortly afterwards. The selection focuses heavily on independent, world cinema, documentaries, and critically acclaimed films that may not receive wide theatrical distribution.

Additionally, Curzon offers discounted guest tickets for members bringing friends or family, typically saving several pounds per ticket compared to standard prices. Members also receive advance notice of special screenings, Q&A events with filmmakers, and film festivals hosted at Curzon venues throughout the year.

Current pricing structure

Keep in mind that prices can change, and Curzon occasionally runs promotional offers for new members or annual subscription discounts. The monthly rolling membership provides flexibility but commits you to giving proper notice when cancelling, whilst annual memberships typically cannot be cancelled mid-term for refunds.

Features that members value most

The unlimited cinema access proves most valuable for London-based members who can easily visit multiple Curzon venues. With individual ticket prices often exceeding £15 for evening screenings, watching just two films monthly makes the membership cost-effective. The cinemas themselves offer superior comfort compared to many multiplex chains, with spacious seating, excellent sound systems, and well-maintained facilities.

The Home Cinema streaming platform appeals particularly to those interested in international cinema and documentaries that rarely appear on mainstream streaming services. The catalogue includes films from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, often available to stream whilst still playing in selected cinemas. However, the library size remains considerably smaller than Netflix or Amazon Prime, which frustrates some subscribers expecting broader selection.

Priority booking becomes crucial during film festivals or special events when popular screenings sell out quickly. Members can reserve seats before general release, ensuring access to highly anticipated films and Q&A sessions with directors and actors. The ability to book online without fees also saves time and money compared to paying booking charges for individual tickets.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Curzon's terms of service before cancelling helps avoid common pitfalls that catch many members by surprise. The company operates under standard UK consumer law but includes specific conditions in their membership agreements that affect how and when you can cancel without incurring additional charges.

Contractual obligations and notice periods

Monthly rolling memberships require one full calendar month's notice for cancellation. This means if you submit cancellation notice on 15th January, your membership continues until the end of February, and you'll be charged for February. Many members mistakenly believe they can cancel immediately and stop payments, leading to disputes when the next month's charge appears on their bank statement.

Annual memberships present more complex situations. These typically cannot be cancelled mid-term for refunds, meaning if you pay upfront for twelve months but want to cancel after six months, you won't receive a refund for the unused period. The membership simply expires at the end of the paid term without renewing. Always check your specific membership type before proceeding with cancellation, as the terms differ significantly between monthly and annual plans.

Most importantly, Curzon requires cancellation notice in writing. Verbal cancellations made to cinema staff or informal emails don't constitute proper notice under their terms. This requirement protects both parties by creating clear documentation of cancellation requests and timing, preventing disputes about when notice was given.

Refund policies and exceptions

Curzon generally does not provide pro-rata refunds for monthly memberships. Once you've paid for a month, that payment covers the notice period, and you won't receive money back even if you don't use the membership during that final month. This policy frustrates many departing members who feel they're paying for services they no longer want, but it's standard practice across subscription industries.

Exceptions occasionally apply in cases of genuine hardship, such as serious illness, relocation abroad, or other circumstances that genuinely prevent membership use. However, these remain at Curzon's discretion rather than automatic entitlements. Simply moving to an area without a Curzon cinema doesn't typically qualify, as the Home Cinema streaming component remains accessible nationwide.

Legal requirements in the UK

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, UK consumers have specific protections when entering subscription agreements. For memberships purchased online or over the phone, you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel for a full refund, provided you haven't extensively used the services.

Additionally, terms must be fair and transparent. If Curzon's cancellation terms weren't clearly presented when you signed up, you may have grounds to challenge unfair notice periods or charges. Keep all documentation from your initial signup, including confirmation emails and terms documents, as these prove what you agreed to originally.

Subscription services cannot make cancellation unreasonably difficult. Whilst requiring written notice is acceptable, demanding cancellation only by post to a single address without alternatives could potentially be challenged as creating unnecessary barriers. However, Curzon does typically offer multiple cancellation methods, with postal cancellation being the most reliable for creating indisputable proof of your request.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation remains the gold standard for subscription terminations because it creates physical evidence that cannot be disputed. Unlike emails that might be filtered to spam folders or phone calls that depend on staff accurately recording your request, a letter sent via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery provides legal proof of exactly what you sent and when it was delivered.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

First and foremost, Recorded Delivery provides a signature on delivery, proving definitively that Curzon received your cancellation request. This signature becomes crucial if disputes arise about whether you gave proper notice. Without this proof, companies can sometimes claim they never received cancellation requests, leaving you liable for additional payments.

Additionally, postal cancellation creates a complete paper trail. You retain a copy of your letter, the postal receipt, and the delivery confirmation. These documents together form comprehensive evidence of your cancellation, including the exact date you sent it and when Curzon received it. This timeline proves you met the required notice period, protecting you from claims that you cancelled too late.

Keep in mind that emails, whilst convenient, can fail for numerous technical reasons. They might be blocked by spam filters, accidentally deleted, or overlooked in busy inboxes. Even when received, companies sometimes claim emails don't constitute proper written notice under their terms. Postal letters avoid all these uncertainties, providing old-fashioned reliability that digital methods cannot match.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter must include specific information to be effective. Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your Curzon membership account, along with your membership number if you know it. Include your email address and postal address associated with the account, as these details help Curzon identify your membership in their system quickly.

State clearly and unambiguously that you wish to cancel your membership. Use straightforward language like "I am writing to cancel my Curzon membership effective immediately" rather than vague phrases like "I'm thinking about cancelling" or "I'd like to discuss my membership". Ambiguity can delay processing or lead to misunderstandings about your intentions.

Include the date you're writing the letter prominently at the top. This date, combined with the delivery date, establishes when your notice period begins. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the final date your membership will remain active. This confirmation request ensures Curzon responds formally, giving you documentation of the completed cancellation.

Most importantly, keep your letter professional and factual. You don't need to explain why you're cancelling or justify your decision, though briefly mentioning a reason can sometimes help if you're requesting any special consideration. Avoid emotional language or complaints, as these don't strengthen your cancellation request and might complicate processing.

The correct postal address for cancellations

Sending your cancellation to the correct address is absolutely critical. Letters sent to wrong addresses cause delays that could extend your membership beyond when you intended to cancel, costing you additional monthly payments. Always verify the current cancellation address before posting, as companies sometimes update their administrative addresses.

Send your Curzon cancellation letter to:

• Curzon Customer Services
• Curzon Cinemas Limited
• 2nd Floor
• 33 Margaret Street
• London
• W1G 0JD
• United Kingdom

Address your envelope clearly and legibly, using capital letters for the postcode. Double-check every line against the address above before sealing the envelope. A single mistake in the postcode could route your letter to the wrong sorting office, causing delays of several days or even weeks.

Choosing the right postal service

Royal Mail Recorded Delivery is the appropriate service for cancellation letters. Standard Recorded Delivery costs approximately £3.35 and provides online tracking plus signature confirmation on delivery. This service strikes the right balance between cost and security, giving you proof without paying for expensive special delivery services that aren't necessary.

Never send cancellation letters using standard first or second class post without tracking. These services provide no proof of posting or delivery, leaving you vulnerable if Curzon claims they never received your letter. The few pounds saved on postage aren't worth the risk of disputed cancellations and unwanted additional charges.

Next, consider Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed if you're cancelling close to a billing date and need absolute certainty of next-day delivery. This premium service costs around £7.50 but guarantees delivery by 1pm the next working day with compensation if Royal Mail fails to meet this commitment. Use this option when timing is critical and you cannot afford any delays.

The posting process step by step

First, prepare your cancellation letter with all required information as outlined above. Print it on clean white paper, sign it in ink, and make a photocopy for your records. The original goes to Curzon; the copy stays in your files along with all postal receipts and tracking information.

Next, place the letter in a standard envelope and address it clearly to the Curzon address provided earlier. Write your return address on the back of the envelope in case delivery problems occur. Seal the envelope securely, ensuring no contents can slip out during transit.

Visit your local Post Office branch with the sealed envelope. Request Royal Mail Recorded Delivery service and pay the fee. The counter staff will weigh your envelope, apply the appropriate postage, and attach the tracking label. They'll provide you with a receipt containing the tracking number – this receipt is crucial evidence, so keep it safe.

Additionally, photograph your sealed envelope showing the address before handing it to the Post Office. This photograph provides extra evidence of exactly what you sent and where you sent it, though the postal receipt remains the primary proof. These precautions might seem excessive, but they protect you completely in case of disputes.

Tracking delivery and confirming receipt

Once posted, track your letter using the Royal Mail tracking website. Enter the tracking number from your receipt to see real-time updates as your letter moves through the postal system. Recorded Delivery typically delivers within one to two working days to London addresses, though allow up to three working days to be safe.

Most importantly, check the tracking system for delivery confirmation showing the signature obtained on delivery. Download or screenshot this confirmation and save it with your other cancellation documents. This proof shows exactly when Curzon received your letter, establishing the start date of your notice period.

If tracking shows delivery but you don't receive confirmation from Curzon within five working days, contact them referencing your tracking number and delivery date. Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the effective termination date. Keep records of all communications during this follow-up process.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

Services like Postclic streamline the postal cancellation process significantly, particularly valuable if you're busy or find visiting Post Offices inconvenient. Postclic allows you to create your cancellation letter online, which they then professionally print, envelope, and send via tracked postal services on your behalf.

The main advantage is time-saving – you avoid queuing at Post Offices during limited opening hours, which can be challenging if you work standard office hours. Additionally, Postclic handles the formatting and ensures your letter looks professional, reducing concerns about whether you've included all necessary information correctly.

Digital proof of sending is automatically generated, giving you immediate documentation of your cancellation request without manually tracking postal receipts. The service maintains records of exactly what was sent and when, providing easy access to this information if needed later for disputes or reference.

Keep in mind that using Postclic or similar services incurs a fee beyond standard postage costs. However, many users find the convenience worth this additional expense, particularly when cancelling multiple subscriptions simultaneously or when the time saved has genuine value. The service doesn't change the legal standing of your cancellation – it simply makes the process more efficient.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is calculating notice periods incorrectly. Remember that notice typically begins from when Curzon receives your letter, not when you post it. If you need your membership to end by a specific date, work backwards allowing for postal delivery time plus the full notice period. Cutting it too fine often results in one extra unwanted payment.

Another common mistake is forgetting to cancel the payment method with your bank after cancelling the membership. Whilst Curzon should stop taking payments once your notice period expires, occasionally administrative errors occur. Setting up a block on future payments to Curzon through your bank's app provides extra protection against accidental charges after cancellation.

Additionally, many members discard their postal receipts and tracking information too quickly. Keep all cancellation documentation for at least six months after your membership ends. This retention period covers you if unexpected charges appear or if disputes arise requiring proof of your cancellation. Store these documents somewhere safe and memorable.

Tips from former members

Common reasons people cancel Curzon memberships

The most frequently cited reason for cancelling is insufficient value for money. Members who initially signed up with good intentions to watch multiple films monthly often find their actual attendance is much lower than anticipated. Work commitments, family obligations, and simple changes in leisure preferences mean the membership goes underused, making it poor value compared to paying for occasional tickets.

Geographic limitations frustrate many members, particularly those who signed up whilst living near Curzon venues but later relocated. Without a nearby cinema, the membership effectively becomes just a streaming service, and many feel the Home Cinema catalogue alone doesn't justify the full membership cost. The streaming library, whilst curated and quality-focused, simply isn't large enough to compete with mainstream platforms for variety.

Additionally, programming choices sometimes disappoint members expecting more mainstream releases. Curzon's focus on independent and arthouse cinema is precisely what attracts some subscribers but alienates others who discover the selection doesn't match their tastes. If you prefer blockbusters and commercial releases, Curzon's programming won't satisfy you regardless of membership benefits.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Former members recommend reviewing your actual usage before renewal dates if you're on an annual membership. Track how many times you've visited cinemas or used the streaming service over the past months. If usage is low, cancelling before the annual renewal prevents another year's commitment that you won't use effectively.

Consider seasonal patterns in your cinema attendance. Many people watch more films during winter months when outdoor activities are less appealing, but attendance drops dramatically during summer. If you're a seasonal viewer, a monthly membership you can pause or cancel during low-use periods might serve you better than annual commitment.

Most importantly, cancel well before any billing date if you're certain about leaving. Giving extra notice beyond the minimum required ensures no possibility of timing disputes or additional unwanted charges. The membership continues until the end of your notice period anyway, so early cancellation doesn't lose you any benefits you've already paid for.

Alternatives to complete cancellation

Before cancelling entirely, consider whether downgrading from Curzon Unlimited to Home Cinema only might better suit your current needs. This option maintains some connection to Curzon's offerings at considerably lower cost, useful if you value the streaming catalogue but no longer attend cinemas regularly. You can always upgrade again later if circumstances change.

Some former members recommend taking periodic breaks rather than permanent cancellation. Cancel your membership for several months, then rejoin when upcoming film programmes particularly interest you. Whilst this approach means paying joining fees again, it can work out more economical than maintaining year-round membership you barely use.

What to do if cancellation is refused or delayed

If Curzon doesn't acknowledge your postal cancellation within one week of confirmed delivery, send a follow-up letter via Recorded Delivery referencing your original cancellation and its delivery date. State clearly that you expect immediate confirmation of your cancellation and cessation of payments after the notice period expires.

Keep detailed records of all attempts to cancel, including dates, tracking numbers, and any responses received. This documentation becomes essential if you need to escalate complaints to higher management or external bodies. Comprehensive records demonstrate you've followed proper procedures and given reasonable opportunities for Curzon to process your cancellation.

Additionally, if payments continue after your notice period should have ended, contact your bank to reverse the charges under the Direct Debit Guarantee scheme. Explain that you cancelled the subscription with proper notice, providing your postal proof, but payments continued regardless. Banks can reverse unauthorised payments and block future charges whilst the dispute is resolved.

Most importantly, don't hesitate to escalate persistent problems to formal complaints procedures. Contact Curzon's complaints department in writing, outlining the full timeline of your cancellation attempts and requesting immediate resolution. If this fails, external bodies like the Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme for entertainment services can mediate disputes between consumers and companies.

Protecting yourself financially during the process

Former members strongly recommend documenting your final payment date based on when your notice period expires. Set a calendar reminder to check your bank statement after this date, ensuring no further payments are taken. Early detection of incorrect charges makes them much easier to reverse than discovering them months later.

Consider changing your payment card details with your bank if you're particularly concerned about ongoing charges. This action forces Curzon to contact you for updated payment information, which they cannot obtain if your membership has genuinely been cancelled. However, this approach should be a last resort as it affects all your card transactions, not just Curzon payments.

Keep all your cancellation documentation indefinitely in digital format even after the paper trail seems unnecessary. Scan or photograph your postal receipts, tracking confirmations, and any correspondence with Curzon. Store these files in cloud storage or email them to yourself for permanent, easily accessible records. Digital copies never degrade and remain searchable if needed years later.