The Best Outdoor Cinemas In London

Outdoor rooftop cinema at sunset, featuring an array of empty deck chairs facing a large movie screen. A few viewers with headphones are visible in the foreground. The skyline of a city is in the background, with vibrant colors lighting up the sky. — Rooftop Film CLub via Facebook

Discover London's enchanting open-air theaters: A cinematic journey through the city's top outdoor cinemas for a memorable al fresco movie experience.

In 2024, London invites cinephiles to embrace the enchanting world of outdoor cinemas as an alternative to traditional movie theaters. Whether perched atop the iconic Bussey Building for 360-degree views with the Rooftop Film Club or amidst historic landmarks, the city is gearing up for grand-scale big-screen extravaganzas, featuring a diverse range of blockbusters, cult classics, and family-friendly films. From romantic singalongs to cozy date nights, these alfresco screens, nestled in lush parks or unconventional urban spaces, offer an immersive cinematic escape under the stars. So, pack your picnic hampers, prepare for leisurely park moments, and indulge in the magic of outdoor cinema in London, where the allure of film mingles with the beauty of the great outdoors.

Everyman Summer Pop-Ups

People are seated on grass, loungers, and bean bags by a canal watching an outdoor movie at dusk. A colorful bridge and illuminated signs add to the lively atmosphere. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.

Multiple locations

If you don’t know luxury cinema chain Everyman, get yourself to one ASAP - it’s cinema the way it should be; decadent and sophisticated interiors, plush, relaxing seating, an array of gournet snacks (and even meals), fully stocked-out bars and the highest quality tech. This year Everyman is setting up shop throughout the summer in three locations perfectly picked for luxurious outdoor entertainment experiences, with three huge screens installed and running a great lineup of classic and modern films like Harry Potter, When Harry Met Sally and A Haunting in Venice - the lienup for each screen is different, so you’ll have to check the website for full details but, rest assured, you’re guaranteed to find something you like. The most central screen is at Kings Cross Canal, then a little further out another screen on the water at The Brentford Project, with another set out in the beautiful gardens of The Grove Hotel in Watford.

Rooftop Film Club

A panoramic view of a city skyline at dusk, featuring illuminated skyscrapers and office buildings, including a tall, pyramid-shaped building on the left. The sky transitions from soft orange near the horizon to deepening blue toward the top, with scattered clouds. — Rooftop Film Club via FAcebook

Rooftop Film Club Roof East, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB

Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST

Get ready to elevate your movie nights in London with Rooftop Film Club, the city's coolest outdoor cinema experience. Located at both Roof East in Stratford and the iconic Bussey Building in Peckham, these venues offer a cinematic backdrop like no other, featuring breathtaking views of the London skyline. Starting at just £10 for adult tickets, you can enjoy a diverse lineup of films, from new releases like "The Barbie Movie" to timeless classics like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Plus, Rooftop Film Club keeps you cozy with wireless headphones, ensuring an immersive movie experience without distractions. And if you're hungry, no worries – wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and cocktails are just a seat away, delivered right to your deckchair. So, whether you're planning a dreamy date night or a relaxing weekend treat, Rooftop Film Club promises cinematic magic under the stars.

Adventure Cinema

An outdoor cinema setup shows a large screen featuring a performer in a white jumpsuit with an elaborate butterfly backdrop. The audience, seated on blankets and chairs, watches attentively. Colorful flags and trees frame the vibrant scene. — adventurecinema.co.uk

Multiple Locations

Get ready for an adventure like no other as Adventure Cinema, the UK's biggest open-air cinema tour, takes the stage with over 250 outdoor screenings planned for 2024.

Whether you're in the mood for an Elvis singalong, the adrenaline of Top Gun: Maverick, the whimsy of Matilda the Musical, or the romance of Pretty Woman and Mamma Mia!, Adventure Cinema has something for every film enthusiast. And don't worry about dining options; you can bring your own food and drink, making it a truly personalized movie night. With kids under two getting in free and a selection of comfy seating options, Adventure Cinema promises a cinematic experience like no other.

Lower Marsh Lates

A diverse group of people sitting on colorful deck chairs with banners reading Lower Marsh Market in an outdoor event. Some participants are clapping, smiling, and enjoying the atmosphere. The background shows shopfronts and more people standing or walking around. — wearewaterloo.com

Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RJ

Get ready to turn your Thursday nights into star-studded affairs with Lower Marsh Lates... at the Movies! Happening on the last Thursday of every month from May to September, this sensational event in Waterloo offers free outdoor screenings that'll have you singing and dancing in the moonlight, plus a summer of sport. Imagine the lively atmosphere of Lower Marsh Market as it comes alive with street food delights and discounted drinks from the area's finest bars and pubs. With a lineup that includes the Euros screenings and Napoleon Dynamite, you're in for a cinematic treat. With screenings starting at 5:30 pm, it's a perfect way to enjoy laughter, delicious food, and sing-along classics all for free.