Al fresco viewings
Make the most of sunnier evenings by catching one of your favourite movies in the great outdoors. From cathedrals to castles, parks to palaces, screens are popping up all over the capital. Check out our guide to the best outdoor cinemas for 2022.
Best Outdoor Cinema 2022: London & Nearby
Everyman at The Grove
As if we needed another reason to book a stay at luxurious Hertfordshire hotel The Grove, it has opened a pop-up outdoor cinema for the summer months. Running in collaboration with Everyman, the screen is located in the beautiful Walled Garden, with a programme of films old and new being shown from July through to September. Cosy up in one of the beanbags, pop your headphones on and grab a drink and some snacks from the pop-up bar. Coming up in the next few weeks, there’s Grease, Moana, Notting Hill, House of Gucci and much more, with various dinner packages available across the hotel’s impressive array of restaurants. Until 4 September, thegrove.co.uk
Summer Showtime
Photo by Charlie Round Turner
Battersea Power Station is bringing back Summer Showtime, an open-air cinema experience set on the London riverside. Taking place in the newly opened Power Station Park, it’s curated by The Cinema in the Arches (which remains open as usual), with films on show including classics like Dirty Dancing and Back To The Future, alongside newer releases such as The Greatest Showman and Bohemian Rhapsody. A whole host of food and drink pop-ups will serve everything from seafood to burgers, plus refreshing cocktails and classic cinema snacks. 21 July – 21 August, thecinemainthearches.com
Secret Cinema
Al Fresco cinema with a twist: Secret Cinema presents immersive screenings of iconic blockbuster hits – across evenings in July, a secret outdoor location in London plays host to a showing of the classic Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey film. But beyond just cinema, enter the world of the film (and enjoy Passoã cocktails whilst exploring the Kellerman Resort – brought to life). tickets.secretcinema.org
The Floating Film Festival
Taking place on a floating pontoon in St. Katherine Docks, The Floating Film Festival is always a fun one. This year’s programme includes feel-good flicks like Mamma Mia alongside cult classics such as Pretty Woman, plus some family-friendly movies. You can catch them at 7pm every day, with two additional 2pm screenings on Saturdays and Sundays. Settle into a sofa or a deckchair and enjoy food and drink from the pontoon bar. 12 – 24 July, skdocks.co.uk
Screen on the Canal
Located across the water from the Ghat Steps in King’s Cross, Screen on the Canal is another Everyman pop-up running until early August. Films are screened throughout the day and into the evening, from Top Gun to Grease and even a sing-along version of Encanto. Staggered seating of beanbags and and loungers means everyone can see the screen well, and guests can enjoy food from Everyman’s menu which includes burgers, wine and cocktails. Until 7 August, kingscross.co.uk
Rooftop Film Club
Rooftop Film Club runs across two London venues: Bussey Building in Peckham and Stratford’s Roof East. With huge screens, comfortable deckchairs and incredible sound, outdoor film setups don’t get better than this. Iconic films on the cards this month include the old and new: from The Godfather and Jurassic Park to House of Gucci and La La Land. Screenings span the weekdays and weekend, so you can perk up a terrible Tuesday at work with a dreamy date night (double lounge seats are bookable) or relax into the weekend by watching a comforting classic and gorging on bottomless popcorn. You’ll also be given wireless headphones to make sure you’re not distracted by the outside world. rooftopfilmclub.com
The Nomad
The Nomad is a charitable open-air cinema pop-up which donates all profits to The Sustainability Institute, an environmental charity based in South Africa. Films will be screened across various locations in London, including Hatton Garden, Hyde Park Lido, The Hoxton Shoreditch and Paddington Street Gardens, screening a mix of new and old classics like Thelma and Louise, The Hangover and Bridesmaids. whereisthenomad.com
Luna Cinema
Popping up in green spaces across the city from Kensington Palace to Clapham Common, Luna Cinema is back with some great classics this summer, from Notting Hill to Moulin Rouge. Depending on the venue, visitors can bring their own chairs and blankets, or take a seat on the ones provided; but not before grabbing a beverage from The Luna Bar. There’s also a Luna Kids Cinema screening family-friendly classics during the day in venues like Dulwich Park and Hampton Court Palace. thelunacinema.com
The Openaire Float-In Cinema by Häagen-Dazs
Less drive-in and more of a float-in cinema (the UK’s very first), Häagen Dazs’ The Openaire is back this summer. The cinema experience sees 16 eco-boats floating amongst Regent’s Canal, where guests can enjoy a self-driven boat-ride around Little Venice, then pitch up at Merchant Square to enjoy a classic film screening on the large-scale LED video screen. Cinema snacks can be ordered via mobile and delivered to the boats (including Häagen-Dazs delights, of course), whilst delicious Italian cuisine will be served up at award-winning chef RaviOllie’s waterside pop-up kitchen – delizioso! openaire.co.uk
READ MORE:
Open-Air Theatre Shows in London / 15 of the Best Independent Cinemas in London
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