The best outdoor cinemas in London
Experience the authentic essence of London's summer season with the beloved tradition of open-air screenings. What makes it even more delightful is the abundance of both free and paid options available. Whether you choose to witness the stunning sunset at the renowned Rooftop Film Club or free movie screenings along the picturesque canal in Kings Cross, there is an endless array of incredible venues to enjoy open-air cinema in the capital. Here are some of our favourite places to watch open air cinema in London this summer.
Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican
Image: Outdoor Cinema at The Barbican. Photo by Justin Piperger
#FLODown: Barbican Cinema’s late summer programme of open-air evening screenings returns in the magnificent setting of the Sculpture Court. This year's Outdoor Cinema series offers a diverse range of films, including Andrei Tarkovsky's Mirror, Yimou Zhang's Hero, Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz, Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, Sydney Pollack's Amazing Grace, Jennie Livingston's Paris Is Burning, Ryan Coogler's Black Panther, and the beloved Singin' in the Rain. Enjoy complimentary Campari Spritz or Crodino with every ticket and savour the magic of cinema in the heart of the city.
Date: 23 August - 3 September 2023. Location: Barbican Centre Silk St London EC2Y 8DS. Price: £18 +£1.50. Book now.
Everyman Screen on the Canal
Image: Everyman Screen on the Canal. Image Kings Cross/Everyman
#FLODown: Everyman Screens make a triumphant return to the picturesque Canal at King's Cross this summer. Delight in an exceptional lineup of blockbuster hits, beloved family classics, and cult favorites, all set against the stunning backdrop of the canal. Get ready for an unforgettable movie experience on a balmy summer evening, and the best part? It's completely free. From the timeless allure of Elvis to the whimsical charm of Roald Dahl's Matilda, get your adrenaline pumping with Top Gun: Maverick, and be swept away by the timeless romance of Casablanca.Everyman Screens presents a carefully curated selection of films that cater to audiences of all ages.
Date: 22 June - 6 August 2023. Location: Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AB. Price: Free. Website: kingscross.co.uk
Rooftop Film Club
Image: Rooftop Film Club, Bussey Building in Peckham. Image courtesy of Rooftop Film Club
#FLODown: Rooftop Film Club, London's original outdoor cinema in the sky, is back with an exciting lineup of films for the summer at the Bussey Building in Peckham and Roof East in Stratford. From action and horror to animation and adventure, there's a movie for everyone against the breathtaking backdrop of London's skyline. With new comfortable seating, waterproof blankets, and the convenience of food and drink delivery to your seat, it's the ultimate big-screen experience. Highlights include the Milestone Movies, featuring classic films celebrating significant anniversaries, and the opportunity to vote for your favourite Jennifer Coolidge film to be screened. Additionally, the introduction of "Rooftop Earlies" brings daytime screenings with brand-new LED screens, providing more choices for weekend viewing. Whether you're planning a fun date night, a night out with friends, or activities for the kids, Rooftop Film Club is ideal for all occasions.
Location: Bussey Building Peckham and Roof East Stratford and Price: from £12.95/£5.95 (Adult/Child). Book now.
Adventure Cinema at Ham House
Image: adventurecinema
#FLODown: Adventure Cinema presents an extraordinary outdoor cinema event at Ham House and Garden this summer, showcasing the UK's largest open-air cinema tour. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you enjoy blockbuster films like Top Gun, ABBA, and The Greatest Showman in the stunning backdrop of Ham House. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of cinema amidst the beauty of nature.
Date: August 2023. Location: Ham House and Garden, Ham St, Ham, Richmond TW10 7RS. Price: from £10.53. Book now.
Summer Movie Nights at Merchant Square
Image: Merchant Square, Paddington
#FLODown: Merchant Square in Paddington invites you to a magical and free cinematic evening. Enjoy an unforgettable outdoor movie experience against the backdrop of the picturesque canal. Movie Night offers a variety of entertainment, from beloved classics to hilarious comedies. Treat yourself to delicious street food and refreshing drinks while lounging in a comfortable deckchair or finding a cosy spot with your picnic blanket. Delight in the authentic flavours of Mexican street food and sip on your favourite cocktail from the charming pop-up vendors, all while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of London's sunshine.
Date: 2 August - 13 September 2023. Location: Merchant Square Big Screen, Paddington, London, W2 1JZ. Website: merchantsquare.co.uk
Lower Marshes Lates
Image: Mamma Mia at Lower Marshes Lates
#FLODown: Experience the excitement of Lower Marsh Lates... at the Movies, a sensational event taking place on the last Thursday of every month from May to September. Get ready to be entertained with an exceptional lineup of free outdoor screenings in the Waterloo area. With a lively atmosphere, indulgent street food from Lower Marsh Market, and discounted drinks from the area's finest bars and pubs, it's the perfect setting to sing along to beloved musicals such as Mamma Mia, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Hairspray. Mark your calendars, gather your friends for a memorable evening under the stars.
Date: May – September 2023. Location: Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG. Website: lowermarshmarket.com
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Image: Vauxhall Pleasure Garden. Photo by Neil Massey
#FLODown: Get ready for an unforgettable summer experience with free outdoor screenings of feel-good movies in the Pleasure Gardens. Indulge in delicious street food options like Filipino-inspired bao buns and French-Caribbean street food, accompanied by signature cocktails from The Alchemist. The excitement reaches new heights with the 10-year celebration of Summer Screen in Vauxhall. The enchanting Disney film Frozen kicks off the event on 4 July, offering a magical Tuesday evening in the heart of summer. Mark your calendar for the screenings of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Grease on subsequent Tuesdays in July.
Date: July 2023. Location: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Vauxhall Walk London SE11 5HL. Website: beinvauxhall.com
Family Film Club at Canary Wharf
Image: Family Film Club at Canary Wharf
#FLODown: Canary Wharf's Canada Square Park invites you to embrace the joy of the silver screen with the return of the Family Film Club this summer. Young fans can revel in the magic of free movies set against the stunning backdrop of the park. From beloved classics to exciting new releases. They will also be holding Movie Nights every Tuesday in June and August, featuring must-see titles like Black Panther and Top Gun. With admission being completely free, gather your snacks, a cosy blanket, and prepare for an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience.
Date: June - August 2023. Location: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14. Website: canarywharf.com
Kew the Movies
Image: Kew the Movies
#FLODown: E`njoy a magical cinema experience at Kew the Movies, a collaboration between Kew Gardens and The Luna Cinema. Across five days, film enthusiasts can experience a selection of films, featuring thrilling blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, heartwarming tales like Moana, and epic adventures like Avatar: The Way of Water. All of this unfolds in the breathtaking backdrop of Kew Gardens, amidst the lush beauty of botanical scenery.
Date: 30 August to 3 September 2023. Location: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Price: from £15.50 / £8.80 adult/Child . Book now.
Luna Cinema
Image: Chiswick House 'The Greatest Showman' | © Luna Cinema
#FLODown: Get ready for a memorable summer as Luna Cinema returns with their open-air cinema experience at various locations across the city. Whether it's a romantic date night, a fun outing with friends, or a night off from parenting, Luna Cinema has you covered with a lineup of Oscar-winning blockbusters and feel-good classics. Experience the magic at stunning venues such as Chiswick House and Gardens, Dulwich Park, Kenwood House, Clapham Common, Kensington Palace, and Regents Park Open Theatre. Prepare to be thrilled with movies like Jurassic Park, Grease, and Top Gun. Enjoy a unique movie-watching experience under the night sky, complete with delicious food and drink options.
Date: until September 2023. Location: Multiple locations. Price: from £17.50. Click here to discover locations and screening dates.
The Scoop at London Bridge
Image: The Scoop London Bridge
#FLODown: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the vibrant Summer by the River festival along the scenic Thames. From June to September, indulge in a diverse range of entertainment, including music, film, engaging theatre performances, and exciting pop-up events at The Scoop. Every Tuesday evening, watch movie screenings featuring blockbusters like Elvis and classics like Matilda. Treat yourself to delicious food and drinks at the inviting riverside bars while enjoying the ultimate summer getaway along the picturesque Thames.
Date: June - September 2023. Location: More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB. Price: Free Website:
Pop-up Screens
Image: Pop-up Screens
#FLODown: Pop-Up Screens, in partnership with Gü, is returning to London this summer to bring a series of feel-good movies under the stars. The Pop Up Screens will be set up in various locations in the city, including Hammersmith, Fulham, and Crystal Palace, from 21 July - 24 September. Movie enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying a series of feel-good films like Dirty Dancing, Grease, and Romeo + Juliet under the stars. As a special treat, Gü, the sponsor of Pop-Up Screens, is offering a complimentary dessert to all attendees of the opening night in Hammersmith on Friday 21 July!
Date: 21 July - 24 September 2023. Location: Various. Price: from £8/£12 Child/Adult. Website: popupscreens.co.uk
