Are you looking to watch one of your favourite movies in a unique location? London is home to some brilliant alfresco movie spots, which will be popping up all over the city in 2024, everywhere from docks and parks to rooftops and manicured gardens. There’s something for everyone.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter & London Walking Tour
Before we get to exploring London’s popular cinema spots, we’d be remiss if we didn’t start with a tour of not only the studio behind one of the biggest movies to come out of the United Kingdom, but one of the biggest cinema phenomenons in movie history, Harry Potter! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter & London Walking Tour will give you the opportunity to explore the famous sights of Central London, before touring Warner Bros. Studios, where the Wizarding World comes to life. Step into the hallowed Great Hall, the eerie Forbidden Forest, and so much more. And in true Hogwarts fashion, you’ll end your tour at Kings Cross Station, where you can visit the famous Platform 9 ¾!
City Cruises: Movies on the River
Time Out first launched Movies on the River in 2017 and has now teamed up with Häagen-Dazs ice cream to bring back London’s first and only floating cinema on the River Thames this summer. The season starts on the 1st of August with screenings for five nights a week until the 26th of August. The cruise departs from Tower Pier, sails down the river for about an hour and then once the sun disappears, it docks up in the shadow of some of London’s most awe-inspiring sights. The movie will play on a huge screen on the open upper deck of City Cruises’ boats and Haagen-Dazs will join the al fresco fun to offer guests a selection of indulgent delights to sample and enjoy. The movies programme has been chosen by Time Out experts and includes hot new releases like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Aftersun as well as classics like Top Gun: Maverick and Bridesmaids.
Photograph Above: Time Out, David Tett
Luna Cinema:
The UK’s No.1 and largest open air cinema definitely makes the list of best outdoor cinema experiences. Luna Cinema has a unique way of turning TV and cinema into real events, working with international partners to make more than just a great movie viewing experience, but working to create interactive themed fan experiences. They can even be rented out for private hire. But at the end of the day, when it comes to watching a movie on the big screen it’s hard to top Luna Cinema, “With more than 150 screenings including brand-new blockbusters and feel-good classics, at some of the UK’s most beautiful venues, The Luna Cinema promises the ultimate movie night out.”
Rooftop Film Club:
Located atop some of London’s most iconic buildings, including the Bussey Building in Peckham and the Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch, the Rooftop Film Club offers a unique cinematic experience with panoramic views of the city. Equipped with comfy deckchairs, wireless headphones, and blankets, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of films while savouring the stunning London skyline and enjoying delectable food and drinks.
Backyard Cinema:
Backyard Cinema takes outdoor cinema to another level by transforming unique spaces into immersive themed worlds. From secret gardens to enchanted forests, their creative and whimsical settings bring movies to life. With cozy beanbags, themed cocktails, and delicious street food, Backyard Cinema offers an unforgettable movie-watching experience that combines fantasy and entertainment.
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House:
Set in the stunning neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House, Film4 Summer Screen is a cinematic event that attracts film lovers from all over. With its prestigious lineup of classic and contemporary films, the outdoor cinema offers a unique experience in an iconic setting. Visitors can recline on blankets or hire a deck chair, enjoy gourmet food, and soak up the historic ambiance while watching their favourite movies.
Original publish date: July 12, 2023