We all love summer, but every year it brings with it a dilemma. We want to be able to get outside and make the most of the sunshine. However, London is a busy city – it’s equally important to find the time to just veg out and relax.
How does one enjoy the summer while still getting in that much-needed chill?
The answer is outdoor cinemas. These fantastic little venues have been popping up in recent years and have been working to bring Londoners together with a bit of downtime. Watch everything from the latest blockbusters to all-time classics in some of the capital’s coolest locations, from parks to rooftops – even on the river itself!
This week, we’re running through the best outdoor cinemas in London. Take your pick from these fantastic spots.
The Nomad Cinema
This tiny pop-up cinema always puts in that little extra effort to make your movie experience special. There’s great food, decorations, and even goodie bags to take home with you at the end of the night. The Nomad Cinema is a registered charity, too, so you know your ticket price will go to a worthy cause – The Sustainability Institute.
Rooftop Film Club
These guys always manage to find the coolest spots in the city. Their rooftop theatre showings take place in some of London’s hippest neighbourhoods, including Shoreditch and Peckham. They cater to the hipster crowd, showing cult classics like The Labyrinth, Napoleon Dynamite and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. They’ll probably serve you a cocktail in a jam jar, too.
Movies on the River
The River Thames is foremost amongst the places in London you wouldn’t expect to find a cinema. Nonetheless, Time Out’s unique event, Movies on the River, is an excellent choice for spectacular views and great films. You’ll enjoy a peaceful cruise down the river just before the sun sets, after which you’ll be treated to a viewing of your favourite movies.
Film4 Summer Screen
Somerset House is one of the most stunning locations we can think of to hold a pop up cinema. Not only is it a perfect venue, but you’ll also see some fantastic independent films that you won’t see anywhere else. Showing some UK premieres, Film4 brings new movie experiences to today’s Londoners.
Summer at the Southbank Centre
This lovely little outdoor cinema is the perfect way to catch fantastic musicals like Chicago, Moulin Rouge and Little Shop of Horrors right on the banks of the Thames. After the showing, take a look around some of the summer exhibitions happening at the Southbank Centre, including music, dance and fashion. It’s a vibrant place to be on a Friday evening.
British Summer Time’s Open House
If you checked out our post on the best summer festivals, you’ll know that BST is at the top of the list for hosting A-tier performing artists in the city. However, the organisers use the space between gigs by opening up the festival site for free movies and live shows. Use the street food vendors well and catch modern classics like Bohemian Rapsody and Guardians of the Galaxy.
For more exciting things going on in and around London, check out our London tours. You’ll find the very best ways to explore the capital.
