Outdoor Cinemas in London: Your Essential Guide to the Capital's Best

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly entertainment or a romantic atmosphere under the stars, London’s open-air cinemas offer the perfect way to while away a summer’s evening.

If you’re visiting the British capital in summertime, you’re in for a special treat. As the mercury rises and evenings grow longer, outdoor cinemas pop up in parks and squares all over London, drawing moviegoers for recent box-office hits, classic flicks and everything in between. Not only is this a unique opportunity to see a different side of London, it’s a lovely way to spend a relaxed few hours in a laid-back ambience. Some venues even offer free screenings, making this an ideal option if you’re looking for a fun night out without spending too much. And with dog-friendly venues, kid-friendly lawns and lovebird-friendly sunsets, there’s always something for everyone.

Outdoor cinemas in London with the best skyline views

Rooftop Film Club

A stalwart of London’s al fresco movie scene, Rooftop Film Club offers two venues screening a thoughtful selection of crowd-pleasers, from Grease to Top Gun: Maverick and Barbie. Their Peckham location boasts gorgeous views of London’s skyline, so get there early to soak up the twilight vistas before the movie starts – and to bag a good spot as seating is unreserved. Deckchairs and wireless headphones are provided. There are plenty of street food options to pair with drinks from their bar, so settle in for a memorable cinematic experience.

Top tip: Don’t want your pooch to miss out? Dogs are welcome at the Peckham venue.

Peckham: Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST. Peckham Rye station (Overground and National Rail).


Stratford: 7 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, London E15 1XE. Stratford station (Elizabeth Line, Central Line, Jubilee Line and National Rail).


rooftopfilmclub.com/london/

Battersea Power Station

A working power station until the 1980s, this London landmark is now a vibrant mix of apartments, offices, luxury boutiques and trendy restaurants. In the summer, a big screen set up on the lawn offers the chance to watch movies al fresco with the Thames as your backdrop. Screenings are usually free, so bring a blanket to sit on and pick up some yummy eats from the many dining options in the area.

Good to know: Nearby Battersea Park is home to a small zoo, a large playground and a treetop ropes course, plus playing fields and walking trails, ideal for a relaxed day out before your movie night.

Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD. Battersea Power Station Tube (Northern Line).

Best family-friendly outdoor cinema events in London

The Luna Cinema

This touring outdoor cinema organiser pairs with venues across London to bring easy-viewing family flicks, recent releases and classic hits – think The Devil Wears Prada, Star Wars: A New Hope and Frozen Sing-along. Previous locations include Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey, so you’re guaranteed an unforgettable setting along with your movie. They’ve also held screenings in Kew Gardens and Clapham Common – great for little ones as there’s plenty of green space to run around in if they get restless. Pack a picnic or dive into Luna's hot food selection, movie snacks and onsite bar.

Good to know: Buy a seated admission ticket to have access to a director’s chair, or a normal admission ticket if you want to bring your own blanket or chairs (but no tables or gazebos).

The Luna Cinema, various locations, www.thelunacinema.com.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Just across the river from Westminster and its host of famous landmarks, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens is a hidden gem if you’re looking for outdoor cinemas in London with a local vibe. Throughout July, a pop-up movie theatre welcomes families and groups of friends to free screenings – although you do need to book tickets in advance. A range of street food vendors tempt with Caribbean cuisine, tacos, Japanese fare and more, or you can choose from the scrumptious homemade cakes at the nearby Tea House Theatre (bring an appetite as the slices are enormous).

Top tip: After your screening, stroll north up the Albert Embankment for stunning night-time views of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben across the River Thames.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, New Spring Gardens Walk, London SE11 5HL. Vauxhall station (Victoria Line, Overground).

Outdoor cinemas for a romantic date night

St. Katharine Docks Floating Cinema

This redeveloped area, a working dock for over two centuries, is now home to a yacht-filled marina plus waterside dining. And, for about a week in mid-July, a cinema set up on a floating pontoon. There’s a canopy for rain cover, while low-slung deckchairs and oversized two-person bean bags add to the cosy ambience. A small bar off to the side offers refreshments. In 2024, their line-up had a quirkily watery theme (Finding Nemo, Castaway), so keep an eye out for what they’ll come up with next.

Top tip: Wondering how to combine a luxurious stay with an open-air movie experience in London? Book into The Savoy's legendary Art Deco splendour or the elegant Raffles London at The OWO, both just a few direct Tube stops away.

St Katharine Docks Marina, 50 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LA. Tower Hill station (District Line, Circle Line).

Barbican Centre

Okay, so a giant Brutalist monolith may not immediately be everyone’s idea of a romantic venue, but their Sculpture Court, with its clean geometric lines, giant screen and London skyline twinkling beyond, is spectacular indeed. Plus, unlike most other outdoor cinemas in London, the offering here is very grown-up, drawing high-brow film lovers with a curated selection that aims to bring together cinema, theatre, dance, music and even the visual arts. Seating, in neat rows of chairs, is first-come, first-served, and you can bring a blanket to cosy up as the sun goes down.


Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS. Barbican station (Circle Line, Metropolitan Line, Hammersmith & City Line).

Best free outdoor cinemas in London

Hyde Park

Every summer, this Royal Park in the heart of London is host to a series of live music and entertainment events, including a free outdoor cinema for around a fortnight in late June and early July. They’ll provide headphones, but entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. Previous screenings include The Goonies and La La Land, and with a 7pm start, you can also enjoy the sunset in this historic park.

Good to know: Prefer a good singalong instead? Head down to Waterloo for Lower Marsh Lates ... At the Movies, where you can tuck into delicious street food from Lower Marsh Market and chorus along with the crowd to musicals like Hairspray and Mamma Mia.

Hyde Park, London. Hyde Park Corner station (Piccadilly Line), Marble Arch station (Central Line).

Merchant Square

If you find yourself in west London, head down to Merchant Square, where an outdoor cinema pops up from August through early September. The snug venue, on a triangular patch of lawn by Paddington Basin, offers deckchairs, but you’re also welcome to bring your own picnic blanket and find a spot to snuggle down on. Feeling hungry? Tuck into a delicious wrap, salad or rice bowl from the street food vendors in the area.


Merchant Square, London W2 1JZ. Paddington station (Circle Line, Elizabeth Line).

What tips and tricks can enhance my outdoor cinema experience?

  • Be weather-prepared. London’s weather is unpredictable at best, so don’t be surprised by rain or cold and always pack a raincoat and a warm layer in case. Most venues will offer ponchos and blankets, as well as the option of amending your booking before the screening start time.
  • Check the movie’s age rating for kids. Venues are likely to turn away children who don’t meet the film’s age-certification requirements, so do your research before booking.

Now that you've got the inside track on the capital's best outdoor cinemas, it's time to book your London hotel and enjoy your movie!