The 9 best outdoor cinemas in London to visit this summer
Outdoor cinemas are undoubtedly one of the best things about British summertime. While we love nothing better than a cosy movie night in, with it finally being warm enough to tolerate venturing out in the evenings, what better way to spend a summer night than by watching a film under the stars?
Offering cinematic escapism in its finest form, London has countless options on offer, from alfresco screens set amid lush parks and historic landmarks to unconventional venues that see London's bustling urban spaces transformed with towering silver screens. Giving life to old classics and reinventing newer cult favourites alike, there's nothing better than revelling in the magic of a film out in the open, surrounded by other movie fanatics.
Whether you're after a Mamma Mia singalong vibe with friends or a more low-key rom-com for date night, all tastes are well catered to in our round-up, with venues that promise to deliver enough ambience to transport you to another world.
From rooftop cinemas in Peckham to open air pop-ups in Marylebone, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor cinemas in London. We've got something for filmgoers of all types, from those looking for a deck chair setup complete with food pop-ups and bars to those simply wanting a free screen to lie on the grass in front of with their best supermarket picnic.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next plan this summer, these are the outdoor cinemas in the capital worth knowing about.
Rooftop Film Club
A favourite of London’s outdoor cinema scene, Rooftop Film Club has been hosting film fans for over a decade. Returning in 2024 to Peckham’s beloved Bussey Building and Stratford’s Roof East, planned screenings for this year cover everything from Spice World and The Beach to Pulp Fiction and 500 Days of Summer.
Personal headphones mean your viewing experience won’t be ruined by any rowdy revellers, while their street food and bar offering leaves little to want for. With dates every day till the end of September and a film offering that has something for everyone, enjoy evenings in the east this summer.
Better still, this year Saltburn fans can celebrate Jacob Elordi's birthday with a Saltburn screening on June 26 and a bathtub cocktail to match! Ghostbusters fans can also treat themselves to a chauffeured Ectomobile ride to the RFC's Peckham’s screening of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire on June 8.
Screenings run from May 1 - end of June, with adult tickets at £16.95 and kids at £5.95.
Screen on the Canal at King’s Cross
If you’ve ever been into Coal Drops Yard over the summer, chances are you’ve seen the Screen on the Canal that pops up each year over the warmer months. One of the few free outdoor cinemas in the capital, Screen on the Canal is put on by boujee cinema Everyman which transforms the Canalside Steps into a scenic outdoor cinema setting.
Films from this year’s lineup include Grease, Elvis and Mamma Mia, to name a few. Tennis fans will also be pleased to learn that Wimbledon will be shown over July. Be warned, though, it’s worth getting there early to secure a decent spot as it tends to fill up very quickly!
Showing from July 1 - August 18, free admission.
Barbican Outdoor Cinema
Starting up for the second half of summer, Barbican’s outdoor cinema is not to be missed by classic film lovers.
Set against the dramatically beautiful Sculpture Court, the lineup for this outdoor cinema includes vintage favourites such as An American in Paris, as well as a few select others such as The Boy and the Heron.
Screenings from Aug 21 – Sept 1. Tickets are £12 for adults, £8 for under-tens.
BST Hyde Park Open House
BST Hyde Park Open House returns for another year, with several dates booked in over June and July. In between the weekends of summer concerts set to be put on, the park will be host to film fans and an alfresco big screen.
Throw in street food pop ups, yoga, theatre performances and more, and that’s what you can expect from BST Hyde Park. Whether you want to enjoy old school favourites or newer films here’s something for all tastes in this line up.
Showings from June 28 - July 11. Free entry.
Summer Screens
Another one of London’s few free outdoor cinemas, Summer Screens offers passers-by the opportunity to enjoy tennis, cricket and documentaries by day and movies by night.
With one screen in Cabot Square and two in Canada Square Park, Summer Screens makes for the perfect lunch time break for those working around Canary Wharf, or equally a prime post work summer plan. Free to watch, be sure to treat yourself to a Waitrose picnic or cocktail from the nearby bar to enjoy with your film. Simply find a spot and settle in!
Screenings from May 30 – June 9. Admission is free.
Sunset Screening Sessions
Situated in the scenic grounds of South London’s Beckenham Place Park, this dog-friendly outdoor cinema has quintessential British films on the menu this summer, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Chicken Run, as well as rarer picks such as Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande and Withnail and I.
Showings every Friday and Saturday from June 30 - August 13. Tickets are £16.80.
Adventure Cinema
With over 250 outdoor cinema showings planned for 2024 across the UK, Adventure Cinema is having its biggest ever year, with many viewings booked in for the capital at National Trust’s Ham House, as well as Osterley Park and Charlton House.
With so many dates across the UK on offer, there’s a range of films to choose from, whether you’re after a singalong with Grease or another classic like Back to the Future.
Screenings from June 7 - August 29. Tickets £17.18 for adults and £10.53 for under 12s.
The Luna Cinema
With events running across the UK from June through to early September, The Luna Cinema has picked some of London’s best venues for its outdoor cinema offering.
From Kenwood House and Clapham Common to Westminster Abbey and Kew Gardens, watch old favourites like The Devil Wears Prada and Clueless and new hits such as Everything Everywhere All at Once. With 12 locations in London and several beyond, there’s no excuse not to treat yourself this summer.
Admission starts at £17.50.
Pop Up Screens
Pop Up Screens returns this summer with their outdoor cinema offering, showing all the classics such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Romeo + Juliet.
With three months of showings this summer and screenings across London, you’re bound to find a date that suits you. Locations include Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith, Fulham’s Bishops Park, Manor House Gardens in Hither Green, Bexley’s Hall Place, Esher’s National Trust Property Claremont Gardens, Hillyfields in Brockley, Greenwich Peninsula’s Central Park and Esher’s Claremont Gardens, so you’re well covered with options!
Tickets are £12 for adults, £8 for under tens.
