Outdoor cinema in London
The best places to see open-air movies in the capital this summer
London’s notorious temperamental and unexpected weather doesn’t necessarily conjure images of people luxuriating on a warm evening enjoying outdoor cinema. Usually, even in the summer months, we’re battered with rain and wind, making any sort of outside activity from festivals to fêtes an umbrella-essential excursion.
When we are gifted with some good weather over the summer, it’s worth taking full advantage off. And on a balmy London evening, nothing beats watching a movie under the stars. Whether you want to watch ‘The Meg’ by a giant outdoor swimming pool, catch a romcom in a gorgeous Royal Park or palace, or a family-friendly flick in Leicester Square, add outdoor cinema to your fair-weather bucket list.
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Outdoor cinema in summer 2019
Film4 Summer Screen
Until the Queen hosts, say, a 'Terminator' marathon in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace, this remains the classiest outdoor screening venue around. Bring a cushion or two, or, this year, rent a beanbag or director's chair, and revel in the tasty food and magnificent surroundings.
Where The Strand
When August
Summer highlights ‘God's Own Country’, ‘The Matrix’ and the UK premieres of ‘Pain and Glory’ and ‘Inna De Yard’
Secret Cinema Presents: ‘Casino Royale’
Immersive film aficionados Secret Cinema have pulled out the big guns for their summer season and it’s 007-flavoured extravaganza.
Where It's top secret.
When June to September
Summer highlight Inevitably seeing someone try and recreate Daniel Craig's emergence out of the sea in those blue speedos.
Pop Up Screens
It's all about the relaxed atmosphere with Pop Up Cinemas. These guys cart their inflatable screen around parks in all four corners of London over the summer, showing shout-at-the-screen favourites.
Where 2019's locales include the City of London, East Dulwich, Fulham, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Hither Green, Holborn, Hornsey, Kingston and South Park, Parsons Green.
When July to September
Summer highlights ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
The Luna Cinema
The beauty of Luna Cinema is walking into a Royal Park or some other date-perfect location with a picnic just as everyone else is leaving.
Where Venues across London, including Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court
When May to September
Summer highlights ‘The Meg’ at Brockwell Lido’, ‘The Favourite’ at Kensington Palace, ‘A Star Is Born’ at Crystal Palace Park and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ at Hampton Court Palace
Rooftop Film Club, Stratford
Directors’ chairs, wireless headphones and blankets – the Rooftop Film Club have perfected the art of outdoor cinema
Where Stratford
When May (with more to be announced)
Summer highlights ‘Bohemian Rhapsody: Sing-a-Long’, ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Cruel Intentions’
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