There’s something a little bit special about London’s outdoor cinemas. Largely found on repurposed rooftops or above multi-storey car parks, these unusual spots almost always offer views dramatic enough to vie for attention with whatever’s on screen. Whether showing new releases or old favourites, there are few better ways to pass a sunny afternoon than basking in the rays while watching a favourite film. And, if it happens to rain? Well, there’s no greater British pastime than stubbornly persevering with an outdoor event under umbrellas and raincoats. Read on for our guide to the outdoor cinemas that promise a screening to remember…

Roof East, Stratford

Found on top of a multi-storey car park (see, we told you) conveniently located opposite Westfield Stratford City, Roof East is home to multiple bars, street food vendors, a crazy golf course, batting cages and lawn bowls, as well as an open air cinema, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking to make a day of your outing. Screenings are organised by the specialist Rooftop Film Club, so expect a slick operation complete with comfy deck chairs and a huge variety of films. This year’s line-up features newer releases as well as classics, including The Notebook, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022) and Fight Club. 

Tickets from £16.95, visit roofeast.com

Luna Cinema, various locations

Popping up at no fewer than 12 London locations throughout the summer, including Kensington Palace, Clapham Common and Westminster Abbey, Luna Cinema is the capital’s most expansive outdoor cinema operation. Promising giant HD screens and state-of-the-art sound systems, this year’s offering includes Top Gun: Maverick, Pretty Woman and Elvis. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic, while each venue also offers a range of food and drink options from local suppliers and vendors, which stock cinema classics such as popcorn, hotdogs and pick-n-mix. For the full experience, upgrade to sit in your very own director’s chair with a cosy blanket. 

Tickets from £17.50, visit thelunacinema.com

Bussey Building, Peckham

Another summer screening offering created by the Rooftop Film Club, the cinema atop the Bussey Building in Peckham has been around long enough to become many Londoners' go-to for al fresco entertainment. Start your evening with a drink at the Bussey Rooftop Bar — the views across south London make this one of the city’s best spots for a sundowner — before retiring to your deckchair to enjoy the show. Download the app, and pizza, popcorn and drinks can be delivered directly to your seat so you don’t have to miss a minute of the show. Our picks from this year’s line-up include award-winning films such as The Whale and Everything Everywhere All At Once, as well as classics Notting Hill and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 

Tickets from £16.95, visit rooftopfilmclub.com

Openaire Cinema, Paddington

Undoubtedly London’s most unique outdoor cinema experience, Openaire does away with standard seating, swapping picnic blankets and deck chairs for, um, boats. Described as being akin to a drive-in cinema, the ‘float-in’ concept sees guests kitted out with a boat for up to eight people plus headphones to provide you with top-quality sound. Simply pick up your boat and navigate your way through the waters of Little Venice down to Merchant Square in Paddington. Once arrived, boats remain moored throughout the screening, so you’ll have access to land for the duration. This summer’s films have yet to be announced but, with Joker, Jaws and The Greatest Showman making up last year's line-up, we recommend booking your boat now.

From £248.40 for an eight-person boat, visit openaire.com

Adventure Cinema, Richmond and Ealing

The much-lauded Adventure Cinema will once again be traversing the UK this summer, screening classic films and modern masterpieces to film buffs from Hove to the Highlands. It's making just two stops at National Trust sites in London: first at Osterley House in Ealing in June, and then to Richmond’s Ham House in August. Once seated in suitably decadent surroundings, settle down in your deckchair to watch Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing. Good times guaranteed.

Tickets from £15.50, visit adventurecinema.co.uk

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