Seven best outdoor cinemas in London and the UK

Celebrate the summer heat with a unique cinema experience: watch new and classic films on rooftops, castle gardens and even on water.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House

One of the capital’s ultimate outdoor film destinations, Film4 Summer Screen offers films “shown on London’s largest outdoor screen, presented in full surround sound and accompanied by DJ sets, exclusive onstage introductions from directors, cast and surprise special guests”, says Somerset House. The Screen is currently showing films like Inception, The Wizard of Oz, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and more.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Price £19.75

The Luna Cinema at Warwick Castle

Experience classic films under the stars at one of England’s oldest castles. One of the most unique outdoor cinema experiences, a night with Luna Cinema at Warwick Castle will have you feeling like you’re in a fairy-tale. Food and drinks are available on site, with "the Luna Bar with Estrella serving a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including Estrella beer, prosecco, a selection of Casillero del Diablo wines, spirits and soft drinks", according to Luna Cinema. The cinema is currently showing films like The Greatest Showman, Pretty Woman, and Harry Potter.

Price £17

Cult Screens at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Watch movies under the stars in a romantic garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You can book a bean bag, deck chair or just bring a blanket. Popcorn is available. Currently showing The Greatest Showman, Leon, Pretty Woman, and Darkest Hour.

Price £13.95

Movies on the River

Take the cinema experience onto a boat, with Movies on the River. “Departing from Tower Pier in the early evening - to make the most of the sunset - films like Jaws, Romeo + Juliet and Notting Hill are screened on the top deck,” says Vogue.

Price £29

The Luna Cinema at St Paul’s Cathedral

One of the most incredible rooftop views available, Luna is bringing cinema to one of London’s most iconic locations: St Paul's Cathedral. Luna Cinema says: “Designed by Jean Nouvel, one of the world's most celebrated modernist architects, One New Change, as well as offering 220,000 sq ft of premium retail space, has one of the most incredible rooftop views in the capital.” Currently showing films like Mean Girls, Romeo and Juliet, and I, Tonya.

Price £20

Sundown Cinema at Wimpole Estate

Watch your favourite movies in this mansion’s gardens, against the beautiful backdrop of the massive Estate. Movies include Brave, The Last Jedi, Moana, and Wonder Woman.

Price £10.50

Outdoor Cinema at Hardwick

Watch a movie under the stars against the backdrop of this Elizabethan Masterpiece at Hardwick, currently showing titles like Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman.

Price £12.50