Find your favourite al fresco spot to catch a movie in the captial
With warmer weather upon us, we’ll take any excuse to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. The city’s selection of open air cinemas make this possible and add some much-needed flair to a standard movie night. From sunsets to rooftops and architectural masterpieces serving as the backdrops to many of these cinemas, movie-goers will be torn between keeping their eyes on the screens or the sights. Here’s our roundup of the coolest outdoor cinemas in London this season.
Our favourite experience? The Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building. With high ratings, immersive programming, and unbeatable skyline views of Peckham, it’s the perfect spot for sunset films and summer nights.
Ultimate Guide to Open-Air Cinemas in London 2025
Rooftop Film Club (Bussey Building & Roof East)
Ambience: Laid-back rooftop lounges with cityscape views, fairy lights, and deck chairs
Highlights: Regularly updated programme of cult hits, sing-alongs, and new releases.
The Rooftop Film Club is back and taking advantage of the city’s best views this summer as it travels between rooftops across the city. This year’s venues are Bussey Building, Queen of Hoxton, Kensington Roof Gardens and Roof East. Showings include the classics in black and white, Disney heroines and recent blockbuster hits like La La Land. With bars open from 5pm, guests can take advantage of Insta-worth sunset views before settling into deck chairs.
Don’t miss Do The Right Thing (5 July) on top of Peckham’s Bussey Building, or Lost in Translation at Stratford’s Roof East, among lots of other great films.
Locations: Bussey Building (Peckham) & Roof East (Stratford).
Insider Tip: Arrive before sunset to grab cocktails and the best seats for skyline selfies.
Picturehouse Pop-Up
Ambience: Traditional park pop-up with vintage charm
Lineup: Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing & other cult faves
The Picturehouse Pop-Up heads to Dulwich to screen old faves Labyrinth and Back to the Future. Screenings begin as soon as it’s dark enough. Arrive earlier and enjoy the surroundings with a picnic and kick back with drinks from the on-site bar.
Location: Dulwich Park
Insider Tip: Bring your own picnic, drinks, and folding chairs; and check out their Recommends section before you visit for the best screenings!
picturehouses.com
Luna Cinema
Ambience: Grand, picturesque venues perfect for date nights or group outings
New Open-Air Movies in 2025: Films like “Barbie,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and indie favourites.
Luna Cinema is another traveling outdoor experience making its way across the UK. London locations include Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, Crystal Palace Park, Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey. From fan faves like the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Grease to newly-released Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Luna Cinema has all its bases covered.
Locations: Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, Hampton Court Palace, Westminster Abbey & more
Insider Tip: Bring your own blanket or hire a bean bag. The Luna Cinema is available for private hire so you can hold your own evening of cinema under the stars! If you are a venue looking to host outdoor cinema in London, you can partner under The Luna Cinema brand for their summer season (running June to September).
thelunacinema.com
London Bridge City Summer By the River 2025
Ambience: Epic riverside setting with skyline views, music, and fitness events
Mixing modern with the old, the London Bridge City Summer Festival puts guests in the Scoop’s amphitheatre. With Tower Bridge to your left, the Tower of London behind you and the financial district skyline to your right, guests are fully immersed in one of the city’s most picturesque areas. The festival also includes workout classes, discounted coffee and ‘Massaoke’ Fridays for those interested in making a full day of it.
Location: Outdoor amphitheater at The Scoop, SE1
Free Entry: Completely free; just turn up with a blanket
londonbridgecity.co.uk
BST Hyde Park
Activities & Ambience: Free outdoor movie nights, live Wimbledon screening, street food & bars
2025 Films Screening: Dune Part Two, Wicked Singalong, The Goonies
BST Open House includes daily outdoor cinema screenings, as well as showing Wimbledon matches. On the cinema programme: The Garfield Movie, Thelma, The Goonies, Wicked Singalong and Dune Part Two. Street food stalls and pop-up bars are open throughout.
Dates: Mid-July
Location: Hyde Park, Central London
bst-hydepark.com
Everyman Screen on the Canal (Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross)
Dates: Until 17 August 2025
Ambience: Canal-side seating meets curated design by Yinka Ilori
Programming: Family-friendly animations and indie shorts
Arrive in good time to secure your canal-side cinema spot; enter a world designed by Yinka Ilori, a dreamscape inspired by the line-up of animated films.
Insider Tip: Bring a cushion—seats fill up fast.
everymancinema.com
Adventure Cinema
Highlight: Period drama backdrops, ideal for picnics & family nights
This group that sets up screens in beautiful stately homes all over the country. Head to Polesden Lacey in Surrey for The Goonies on 24 August.
Location: National Trust estates including Kenwood House & Polesden Lacey
Must-Watch: The Goonies at Polesden Lacey, 24 August
adventurecinema.co.uk
Vauxhall One Summer Screens
Dates: 8 – 29 July 2025
Ambience: Festival-like vibe with giant screen, music, and food trucks
Lineup: Free weekly screenings of blockbusters and classics like The Devil Wears Prada and Top Gun
Set in the vibrant Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, this weekly outdoor screening series offers a mix of nostalgic classics and recent hits, all completely free. With a laid-back festival feel, expect food trucks, live DJs, and a buzzing after-work crowd. Arrive early to claim a free deck chair and enjoy the sunset atmosphere.
Location: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, SE11
Bonus Tip: Deck chairs are free but limited—get there early
vauxhallone.co.uk
Barbican Outdoor Cinema
Dates: 20 – 31 August 2025
Ambience: Intimate urban garden setting in the heart of the City
Curated Picks: Showcasing global cinema, art-house classics, and themed events
Located in the tranquil Barbican Sculpture Court, this cinema delivers a unique cultural twist with a focus on global cinema and rare screenings. It’s perfect for film lovers seeking something a little offbeat. Many events include special intros or post-film Q&As. A peaceful gem in the heart of the city.
Location: Barbican Sculpture Court, EC2Y
Perk: Tickets grant Barbican Centre access and usually include post-film talks
barbican.org.uk
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
