Staying at Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park or Maldron Hotel Shoreditch and looking for something fun to do during your trip? Outdoor cinema season is one of the best times to experience London. From rooftop screenings with skyline views to free film nights by the canal, the city offers plenty of unique ways to enjoy your favourite movies under the open sky. You can follow our 24 hours in London itinerary if you are looking for more things to do.
Whether you're planning a date night, catching up with friends or exploring London solo, these experiences combine great films, food, drinks and unforgettable locations. Here are some of the best outdoor cinemas in London to add to your summer itinerary.
Paid Outdoor Cinemas in London
1. Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham
Located on the rooftop of the Bussey Building, Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham combines blockbuster films, cult classics and panoramic views across South London. Guests can settle into comfortable deckchairs, put on wireless headphones and enjoy a film while watching the sun set over the city skyline.
Visitors frequently praise the atmosphere, comfortable seating and impressive views. Many describe it as one of London's best date-night experiences, while groups of friends enjoy the social setting and rooftop bar.
2. Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford
If you're staying in East London, Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford offers a similar experience with views across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The venue screens a mix of classic films, new releases and themed movie nights throughout the summer season.
Guests often highlight the relaxed atmosphere, excellent organisation and quality of the viewing experience. The combination of food, drinks and outdoor seating makes it a popular choice for summer evenings in the city.
3. The Garden Cinema
Known for its carefully curated programme of independent, international and classic films, The Garden Cinema offers a unique alternative to larger outdoor cinema events. Throughout the year, the venue hosts special outdoor screenings and film events that appeal to cinema enthusiasts looking for something a little different.
Visitors regularly praise the venue's intimate atmosphere, thoughtful programming and focus on independent cinema, making it a favourite among film lovers visiting London.
4. Barbican Sculpture Court Outdoor Cinema
The Barbican's Outdoor Cinema transforms the Sculpture Court into one of London's most distinctive open-air screening venues. Surrounded by the iconic Brutalist architecture of the Barbican Estate, audiences can enjoy a carefully selected programme of films in a truly unique setting.
Film fans often praise the venue's atmosphere and distinctive location. The combination of architecture, culture and cinema creates an experience that feels unlike any other outdoor screening in the capital.
5. Adventure Cinema at Kew Gardens
Adventure Cinema brings outdoor film screenings to the beautiful surroundings of Kew Gardens. Visitors can enjoy a mix of family favourites, musicals, cult classics and blockbuster films while surrounded by one of London's most famous green spaces.
Guests love the setting, with many reviews highlighting the opportunity to combine an evening film screening with a visit to Kew Gardens. The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it one of the city's most memorable outdoor cinema experiences.
6. Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema at Gunnersbury Park
Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema returns to the Museum Gardens at Gunnersbury Park with a programme of popular films shown on the big screen. Visitors can bring blankets and picnic supplies or purchase refreshments on-site before settling in for the evening.
Many attendees praise the laid-back atmosphere and spacious setting. The combination of open green space and quality film screenings makes it a popular choice for groups and couples alike.
Free Outdoor Cinemas in London
1. Everyman on the Canal
One of London's most popular free outdoor cinema experiences, Everyman on the Canal takes place beside the waterside steps at King's Cross. Throughout the summer, visitors can watch films, sporting events and special screenings while relaxing along the canal.
Visitors regularly mention the fantastic atmosphere and waterside setting. Many enjoy arriving early, grabbing food nearby and spending the evening watching films with friends overlooking the canal.
2. Lower Marsh Lates
Returning in 2026, Lower Marsh Lates combines outdoor film screenings with live entertainment, food stalls and community events in the heart of Waterloo. The event transforms the area into a lively evening destination throughout the summer.
Visitors often enjoy the local atmosphere and independent feel of the event. The combination of film screenings, food and entertainment makes it a great option for travellers looking to experience a different side of London.
3. Vauxhall Summer Screens
Vauxhall Summer Screens brings free outdoor screenings to one of South London's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Expect a mix of popular films, live sports and community events throughout the season.
The event is known for its social atmosphere and accessible location, making it a popular choice for groups of friends and visitors exploring the city.
Here are some more free things to do in London.
4. Nuveen Big Screen
Located in Devonshire Square, the Nuveen Big Screen offers free outdoor screenings and major sporting events throughout the summer. The central location makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing or shopping in London.
Visitors appreciate the convenient city-centre setting and relaxed atmosphere, particularly during major sporting tournaments and special film screenings.
5. Merchant Square Big Screen
Merchant Square's Big Screen provides free entertainment throughout the summer, with films, sporting events and special screenings taking place beside the water in Paddington.
Visitors often praise the open public space, nearby restaurants and welcoming atmosphere. The waterside location creates a relaxed setting for an evening outdoors in the city.
6. Canary Wharf Summer Screens
Canary Wharf's Summer Screens return with a packed programme of films, sporting events and live entertainment. Large outdoor screens are placed throughout the estate, allowing visitors to enjoy free screenings while exploring the area.
Guests frequently highlight the lively atmosphere and variety of nearby bars and restaurants. The combination of free entertainment and modern surroundings makes it one of London's most popular summer events.
7. Summer by the River
Taking place along the banks of the Thames near London Bridge, Summer by the River combines outdoor cinema, live performances, food vendors and cultural events. The riverside location offers one of the most scenic settings for an evening film screening in London.
Visitors regularly praise the views, atmosphere and variety of entertainment available throughout the festival. Many consider it one of the highlights of London's summer calendar.
Things you should know before you book
Are There Normally Food and Drinks Provided at Outdoor Cinemas in London?
Most paid outdoor cinema events offer food and drink options either on-site or through nearby vendors. Rooftop venues often feature bars and snacks, while larger events may host food trucks or pop-up stalls. Some venues also allow visitors to bring their own snacks, although policies vary, so it's worth checking before your visit.
How Can I Book a Ticket for an Outdoor Cinema?
Tickets for paid outdoor cinemas can usually be booked directly through the venue's website. Popular screenings often sell out in advance, particularly during weekends and peak summer months, so booking early is recommended. Free outdoor cinema events generally do not require tickets, although some may ask visitors to register in advance, so it's worth checking before your visit.
What Months Do Outdoor Cinemas Show Movies in London?
Most outdoor cinema events in London run between May and September, with the busiest period taking place during June, July and August. Some venues extend their programmes into early autumn, depending on weather conditions and demand.
Plan Your London Stay with Maldron Hotels
Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a catch-up with friends or a memorable solo adventure, London's outdoor cinemas offer a unique way to experience the city during the summer months. From rooftop screenings with skyline views to free films by the canal, there's no shortage of memorable evenings waiting to be discovered.
With excellent transport connections from both Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park or Maldron Hotel Shoreditch, many of London's best experiences are within easy reach. No matter how long you're staying, outdoor cinema season is a great reason to add another unforgettable experience to your London itinerary.
FAQs: Outdoor Cinemas in London
Yes. London hosts a wide variety of outdoor cinema experiences throughout the summer, ranging from rooftop screenings and historic courtyards to free riverside and canal-side events.
Popular free outdoor cinema events include Everyman on the Canal, Canary Wharf Summer Screens, Summer by the River, Merchant Square Big Screen and Lower Marsh Lates.
Outdoor cinemas are among London's most popular summer activities, alongside rooftop bars, riverside festivals, open-air theatre performances and outdoor concerts.
Many venues including Rooftop Cinema Club, Adventure Cinema and Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema regularly screen family favourites alongside classic films, musicals and recent releases.
