Top 5 Open Air Cinema’s in London

In the last few years, I have been to a fair few open air cinemas; despite telling myself year after year not to spent such extortionate money to sit outside and watch a film which I have probably seen a 100x times. But I somehow end up booking tickets every year, simply because its such a fun experience.

Anyhow, I have had a few request to do this blog post, so I’m going to share with you my personal top favourite outdoor cinemas in London – these are in no particular order:

#1 The Luna Cinema

The Luna Cinema.png
Source: The Luna Cinema

This is a big cinema chain which has grown massively in UK over the last few years. You can choose various locations all over UK.

Tip: Food and drinks are available to buy on site, or you can bring along your own picnic.

Location: Click here to see all locations.

Price: £13.50 – £20.00*.

#2 Film4 Summer Screen

Film4 Somerset House
Source: Somerset House

Film4 Summer Screening takes place every year for 14 days throughout August. Unfortunately this year it has already finished all screenings (Screening took place between 4 – 17th August 2016). 

Film4 Summer Screen is known as the “London’s best-loved open air cinema”. But it’s also one of the most expensive open air cinema in London.

Tip: There’s no seating, so bring blankets and cushions. Don’t forget a picnic.

Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

Price: £16.00 – £24.00*.

#3 Rooftop Film Club

Rooftop Film Club.png
Source: Rooftop Film Club

This is one of my favourite organisations that organise top roof screening yearly. Rooftop Film Club has grown fast in the last few years, since it became a ‘trend’ in the UK. They were already very well established for many years in Los Angeles and New York.

They are the cheapest outdoor cinema compared to the others, and they really do know how to set up a great screening in various locations around London.

Shoreditch and Stratford are my top two favourite venues. Both of these top roofs are used all year round, so they are equipped with the needed facilities e.g. Food/drink bar and toilets.

Tip: Avoid Shadwell venue, which is at the Tobacco Docks. The venue is not well suited for a top roof cinema. It has not been equipped for disabled customers. The lift doesn’t work in the venue, which means all all visitors are asked to walk up four flights of stairs. The portable toilet are located in a middle of a car park which aren’t pleasant.

Location: Shadwell, Stratford, Shoreditch, Peckham and Kensington – View full list here.

Price: £15.00*.

#4 Backyard Cinema

Backyard Cinema.jpg
Source: London the Inside

This was one of my first outdoor cinemas I went to a few years ago now. I was so impressed by the layout of the cinema and lovely cosy ambiance.

I went late September and although this cinema is hidden away in a little street, it still got fairly cold as soon as the sun went down. When I first went I paid £10 for my ticket, however as these screenings got more popular over the years, the prices have significantly risen.

I would definitely recommend Backyard Cinema, just make sure to book your tickets on a warm night so you don’t have to end up wearing a hat & scarf like I did.

Location: Backyard Cinema: Lost World, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR.

Price: £16.50*.

#5 Pop Up Screens

Pop Up Screens
Source: Pop Up Screens

Pop Up Screens have been running for the last four years. What I love about this company is that they run all year around. So they create events throughout the year, such as: Summer, Halloween and Christmas.

Locations: View the full list here.

Price: £12.00 – 25.00*.

And finally here are a few other outdoor cinema’s with a twist:

August might be over, but the sun is still shinning, so make the most of your last few days of summer by catching a film in an outdoor cinema – from rooftops to hot tubs, barges to parks.

*All prices stated are Adult prices. Please check the cinema’s websites for further prices.

Have you been to an open air cinema before? Comment below, I’d love to hear your experiences.