The coolest places to enjoy a movie this summer
By Afro
An outdoors screening is one of the best things someone can do in London. Wrapped up in a blanket with a lager in hand, watching a favourite film… bliss! It may have started in conventional forums but the places now have expanded to include parks, castles, city squares, rooftops even boats! I always try to see at least one film outdoors every year. I am now planning my next adventure and browsing all the different websites and options and I thought of sharing this list with you along with my tips, you lucky things!
Here we go:
#1 | Pop-up screens
This pop-up cinema has taken over various parks of London in the previous years. This summer is no different. You will find them in Fulham, Canada Water, Hammersmith, Bloomsbury, Greenwich and other places. Check out their What’s On section
Reasons to go: As mentioned above, blanket + park are the definition of summer for me!
When: July-September
Tickets: £12 for a single screening but gets cheaper if you buy the weekend ticket for all 3 days!
[Tip: They don’t provide headphones (at least that was the case 2 years ago) and being in a park acoustics can be a bit flaky – so I suggest you choose a favourite watch-again-and-again film and just enjoy the overall experience! Totally recommend this one!]
pic taken by fortitudemagazine.co.uk
#2 | Where is the Nomad
Those guys give 100% of their profits back to charity in addition to being one of the best outdoors cinemas in London. Don’t say you have not been warned! Click on their website for more information on screenings.
Reasons to go: Enjoy yourself and increase your karma points, win-win?
When: June-September
Tickets: £7 – £14
Pic traken by Whereisthenomad.com
#3 | The Luna cinema
The Luna cinema boasts a winning recipe: a classic film on a summer night in prestigious settings! There is a packed calendar which you definitely need to check out and combine it with a day trip in the area.
Reasons to go: You are guaranteed a beautiful location!
When: June-October
Tickets: starting from £13
Pic taken by thelunacinema.com
#4 | Rooftop Film Club
Rooftop film club is a classic open-air cinema with a twist and to be honest, the first one I personally ever heard about. There are 4 different locations in Shoreditch (Queen of Hoxton), Kensington (Kensington Roof Gardens), Peckham (Bussey Building) and Stratford (Roof East – Stratford multi-storey car park). By the way, these guys are behind London’s only Drive in cinema.
Reasons to go: Those people do glam outdoors screenings; on your arrival, you will be given wireless headphones, blanket and a deck chair. I personally found it hard to get up and leave even after the movie finished!
When: May-September
Tickets: £15 +£1.50 online booking fee
[Tip: Make sure you arrive a couple of hours earlier to enjoy a beer over sunset. Bussey Building offers amazing views over London!]
Pic taken by bringthenoiseuk.com
#5 | The Scoop London events at More London
London Bridge City is hosting London’s largest free festival, London Bridge City Summer Festival featuring live music and DJs, fitness and dance classes, street performances, live theatre and of course film screenings! All screenings take place on Tuesdays from June 7 to August 2 which makes it ideal for post-work hangouts.
Reasons to go: Free films overlooking Tower Bridge and Townhall? YES PLEASE!
When: June – August
Tickets: Free (first come first served basis)
Pic taken by london-attractions.info
#6 | Free Film Festivals
Last but not least in this list is another free initiative formed in 2010 to promote free film screenings in neighbourhood venues. You can follow the festivals around London or choose your nearest one. Be there or be square!
Free film festivals come back in September with events in Peckham, Westminster and London Fields. Make sure to check out their page with what’s on.
Reasons to go: To enjoy the feeling of a community coming together!
When: Various points throughout the year
Tickets: Free
[Tip: for more wallet-friendly options check out our article with tips on finding cheap cinema tickets ]
Pic taken by freefilmfestivals.org
Finally, Vauxhall One are back again for the 5th year with 4 free film screenings at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens every Tuesday in July.
Oops! Is it raining today and the thought of outdoors cinema is unbearable? Then check our article here for the Best Cheap Cinemas in London.
Tip: Looking to create your own outdoor cinema? Check out thesilentcinemacompany.co.uk, they specialise in mobile outdoor cinema hire.
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You may also want to check our post about our post about Tips for Cheap Cinema in London.
