From pretty parks to the city’s coolest rooftops, these are the best outdoor cinemas in London.
Outdoor cinemas have always been part of the fabric of London’s summers. However, recently, the concept of watching a movie under the stars has become more appealing than ever. Some of the city’s favorite open-space theatres continue to reinvent themselves, showcasing the latest films on the big screen while delivering snacks right to your picnic blanket. Moreover, there are a handful of drive-throughs cropping up across the city (and just outside it) to help you live out your retro fantasies.
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1. The Luna Cinema, across the UK
Best for: the venues
With the Luna Cinema, viewers can explore some of the UK’s prettiest settings after dark. This season, catch films throughout London (on Clapham Common, Kenwood House, Westminster Abbey grounds, Wimbledon Park, and more) as well as further afield (Lincoln Castle, Bath Royal Crescent, and York Minster, just to name a few). Films include old-school favorites Mean Girls and The Breakfast Club, as well as recent releases such as Belfast and House of Gucci. Bring a picnic and a blanket – as everyone who’s ever watched a film outside knows, it can get pretty chilly.
Dates: Sunday 26 June – Sunday 2 October 2022
Price: from £17.50 -
2. Secret Cinema
Best for: the atmosphere
The fantastical, immersive worlds of Secret Cinema are a staple of London’s summer calendar. In 2022, Secret Cinema is back in real life in a partnership with Marvel Studios, bringing to life the universe of Guardians of the Galaxy in an undisclosed location. Alternatively, you can relive summer camp at the Secret Cinema Dirty Dancing experience.
Dates: Dirty Dancing opens July 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy opens August 2022
Price: from £55 -
3. Rooftop Film Club, various locations
Best for: the views
Set atop buildings in Shoreditch and Peckham, Rooftop Film Club is probably London’s best-known outdoor cinema. This summer, screenings include family-friendly showings (Encanto, Harry Potter); Nineties classics (10 Things I Hate About You, Mission: Impossible) and critically acclaimed recent releases (West Side Story, Licorice Pizza).
Dates: from Friday 29 April 2022
Price: from £16.95 -
4. Adventure Cinema, various locations
Best for: musical lovers
The UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema sets up at 70 locations across the country – including Charlton House and Gardens in Greenwich (24-26 June) and Osterley Park in Ealing (1-3 July). Enjoy classic films like Mamma Mia!, Rocketman, and more.
Price: from £12.50
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5. Backyard Cinema, Wandsworth
Best for: a festival atmosphere
Backyard Cinema began as a grassroots project with a venue made of recycled wood and sofas. In 2022, you can be transported to either Miami or Los Angeles at two distinct venues. Guests can enjoy movies like The Batman, Cyrano, Cruella, and more. Best of all, there’s a bar that hosts live entertainment and street food available before you head in for your showing.
Address: Capital Studios, Ram Quarter, 13 Wandsworth Plain, London SW18 1ET
Price: from £16.50 -
6. Elba’s Rooftop Cinema
Waterloo’s Bar Elba is utilizing its outdoor terrace this summer with a series of special showings. Expect to see appearances from 007 and Marvel classics alongside more recent releases (House of Gucci, Last Night in Soho). Guests will receive their own set of headphones and can purchase boozy packages along with popcorn and ice cream.
Address: Bar Elba, Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL
Prices: From £10 -
7. Everyman Secret Cinema at The Grove
Fancy a summertime trip away from the hustle and bustle of the capital’s center? The Grove – London’s country escape – has launched its secret cinema. If you’re at the hotel, you’ll have complimentary access to outdoor screenings, where comfortable seating and blankets await. Pair a screening with dinner in one of the hotel’s fabulous restaurants for the ultimate date night.
Address: The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire WD3 4TG
Dates: Until Sunday 4 September
