With regular cinemas closed for the foreseeable- where can us film buffs go to get our fix of new release movies? London usually has a huge number of outdoor cinema screenings during the summer months, however with the current situation that we find ourselves in, some of these film festivals and outdoor screenings have been cancelled until next year.
That said, there are still several places that you could go to watch films outdoors at a distance! Many cinemas will be opening their doors later this year- and perhaps even as early as July!
The Best Outdoor Cinema In London
The most fabulous Hollywood films come to London on the big (open air!) screen this year, so bring your popcorn and sit back and enjoy a new film experience on a warm summer evening in the city. Some film screenings are even completely free to go to.
Not only are there screenings in parks and public areas to enjoy, but there are also new drive in cinemas popping up all over London to adapt to the needs of the city. You’ll need a car of course, so it’s limiting to some, but if you do have a car this is a great way to experience cinema in a new way.
Drive In Cinema London
Drive in cinemas in London have just become the next hottest thing in the city- who doesn’t want to pretend they’re in an American movie?! Get your tickets early to secure your spot.
The Luna Drive In Cinema
Who knew there were drive thru cinemas in London? As well as outdoor cinema screenings, The Luna Cinema also hold drive in cinema screenings. Live out your American cinematic dream at The Luna Drive In Cinema and tune in to a feature length film from the comfort of your car.
Drive in screenings start from 4th July 2020.
@TheDriveIn
*TEMPORARILY CLOSED* Suzuki Presents @TheDriveIn is a drive-in cinema coming to venues throughout the UK- including London. You can expect to see films like The Lion King, A Star Is Born and Toy Story. Screenings will take place at locations which are yet to be announced, but expect screenings in south London (July 9-12) and east London (Sep 18-20). The first batch of tickets has already sold out, so be quick if you’d like to reserve a spot.
Drive in screenings start from 9th July 2020.
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Open Air Screenings London
Open air film screenings in London have been postponed in 2020 for obvious seasons- but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get your fix of outdoor cinema this year. Some outdoor cinemas plan to open their metaphorical doors to the public from late July, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The Luna Cinema
As well as The Luna Drive In Cinema, The Luna Cinema has several outdoor cinema locations in London, each as magnificent as the next. With cute retro deckchairs and a larger than life screen, you’ll be transported into a different world as you watch a classic Hollywood film.
Luna Cinema also have a ‘book with confidence guarantee’ so if you book a ticket for a show and are unable to attend due to sickness, you will be able to rebook onto another screening in the season.
Screenings start from 21st July 2020.
Backyard Cinema
Backyard cinema offers an alternative film experience for anyone wanting to experience more than just a movie. With humble beginnings in the founder’s back yard, this cinema has grown to become well known across the country as the UK’s only themed cinema.
Screenings start from 17th August 2020.
Rooftop Film Club
With several key locations, the Rooftop Film Club is a leading name in London outdoor cinema. As the name suggests, this cinema holds outdoor film screenings up on the rooftops. Key locations include the Bussey Building in Peckham, Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, and Roof East in Stratford.
Sign up to their newsletter to find out when screenings will resume.
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Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
Perhaps one of the most famous outdoor film screenings in London, the Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House is always a popular choice for open air cinema during August each year. The iconic Somerset House makes for an awe-inspiring backdrop for some iconic films. Be sure to grab yourself some tickets in advance to secure your place.
Reopening for screenings in August 2021.
Nomad Cinema
The Nomad Cinema is a cinema like no other, and gives 100% of its profits to fund sustainability projects in South Africa. The cinema is a roaming pop up cinema which stops by at several different London locations throughout the year- including Brompton Cemetery! Spooky!
Sign up to their newsletter to be notified of when screenings will resume.
Pop-Up Screens
Pop-Up Screens is the chilled pop up London cinema experience you’ve been wishing for. Their inflatable screen is the perfect backdrop for a classic film in one of the many London park locations that they offer. If you arrive early enough, you’ll literally see the screen pop up!
Screenings have been cancelled for summer 2020.
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Summer By The River
Summer By The River is a three month festival held on the banks of the River Thames. Expect food, entertainment, and free films! Located in The Scoop outside city hall, you can pick your spot on the steps and experience outdoor cinema for free.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival
The Floating Film Festival is held in a beautiful central London marina- and offers a unique open air film screening opportunity. Opening for just two weeks each summer- and showing the latest Oscar winning films- this film festival is something you don’t want to miss.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Summer On Screen- Wembley
Another free open-air cinema opportunity, Summer On Screen is a showing that’s not to be missed. Head to Arena Square to relax in comfortable deckchairs and watch a whole host of films come to life. From Bollywood to Hollywood, there is sure to be an eclectic mix of films on offer. Get there early to save yourself a seat!
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
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FEST Camden
For another rooftop cinema experience, head to FEST Camden for a dose of big screen entertainment with a view. You don’t have to wait around until summertime for this open-air cinema, previous screenings have included Christmas specials such as Bad Santa.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Southbank Centre’s Summer Festival
Every year the Southbank Centre holds a summer festival where you can catch classic movies on the big screen- for free! Past screenings have included Moulin Rouge, Chicago and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Royal Opera House’s BP Big Screens
BP Big Screens offer a unique open-air screening experience- live streams of Royal Opera House performances! On different dates throughout the summer you can find pop up screenings at locations such as Trafalgar Square, Wembley Park and White City.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Hyde Park Summertime Festival
Hyde Park Summertime Festival is well known as a music mecca, tickets can be expensive and sell out quickly. But did you know that anyone can go to Open House? These are the weekday events that take place in the park. Open House shows open air film screenings alongside street food markets.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
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Summer Screens at Canary Wharf
Summer Screens at Canary Wharf is an opportunity to watch documentaries, films and sports open-air style. The screenings are all free to watch, head to Cabot Square and Canada Square Park to experience the screenings for yourself.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Everyman Presents: Summer Love at King’s Cross
You may have already heard of the Everyman cinema chain- but did you know they also run outdoor film screenings? Summer Love screenings are free to attend and are shown on the canalside steps in Granary Square. Get there early to secure a spot!
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Movies on the River- Time Out
Time Out teams up with City Cruises to offer a one of a kind outdoor cinema in London. Screened from the top deck, you can watch classic films whilst taking in the London skyline. Cruises depart from Tower Pier from early evening so that you can make the most of the sunset.
Temporarily closed for summer 2020.
Time are changing and the way that we view films with our friends and family has been adapted to suit ‘the new normal.’ Embrace it and enjoy cinema in the great outdoors. If you are unsure of any of the precautions and measures that are being put in place at any of these outdoor cinemas, get in touch with the cinema directly to get all the information that you may need.