Outdoor cinema in London
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 or catch a romcom in a gorgeous Royal Park or palace, add outdoor cinema to your fair-weather bucket list.
Recommended: London and UK cinema listings, film reviews and exclusive interviews
Outdoor cinema in summer 2019
Rooftop Film Club: Queen of Hoxton
The Rooftop Film Club’s HQ on top of the Queen of Hoxton pub in Shoreditch screens a mix of ’80s faves, recent gems and cult classics
Where Shoreditch
When May (with more to be announced)
Summer highlights ‘A Star is Born’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘Top Gun’
Rooftop Film Club: Peckham
Watch a film in the clouds on top of the Bussey Building in Peckham with a 360° panoramic view over the city
Where Peckham
When May (with more to be announced)
Summer highlights ‘Love, Simon’, ‘Us’, ‘An American Werewolf in London’, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
Royal Opera House BP Big Screen
Opera lovers can enjoy the big arias and librettos involving saucy Italians in a sun-kissed setting without having to make the trip (or outlay) to Garsington or Glyndebourne. It's all courtesy of the Royal Opera House.
Where The Scoop in London Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Lyric Square in Hammersmith, Television Centre in White City, Arena Square in Wembley Park, General Gordon Square in Woolwich
When June and July
Summer highlights ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Carmen’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro’
Backyard Cinema: LA Nights
Be transported from Camden to the Hollywood hills with Backyard Cinema, whose theme this summer is LA Nights.
Where Camden
When July
Summer highlights ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘A Star is Born’, ‘Captain Marvel’, ‘The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long’
Luna Kids Cinema
The kids version of Luna Cinema doesn't disappoint. During half-term, Dulwich Park will see some family favourites playing throughout the day. The excitement then moves to Hampton Court Palace, where you'll be able to catch some big blockbusters.
Where Dulwich Park and Hampton Court Palace
When May to August
Summer highlights ‘Aladdin’, ‘Dumbo’, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
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 blanket and a cushion or two, and revel in the tasty food and magnificent surroundings.
Where The Strand
When August
Summer highlights ‘Black Panther’, ‘God's Own Country’, ‘Clueless’, ‘This Is England’
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.
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’
More to explore
Snap up exclusive discounts in London
Time Out's handpicked deals — hurry, they won't be around for long...