Seasonal
The 5 Best Outdoor Cinemas in London
A blockbuster on a giant screen, a cold drink in hand and the London skyline going pink behind it.
In short: our top picks are Rooftop Cinema Club, The Luna Cinema and The Nomad Cinema. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Outdoor cinema in London is a short, sharp season, and the good nights sell out fast. The rooftops in Peckham and Stratford give you skyline and screen at once, which is hard to argue with, while Luna pitches up at grand backdrops like Kenwood House and Hampton Court that you would struggle to beat for setting. Avoid the cheap inflatable-screen operators that show up in a car park for one weekend; stick to the established names below, who do this properly with proper sound and proper sightlines.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Cinema Club | Peckham and Stratford |
| The Luna Cinema | Royal parks and historic houses |
| The Nomad Cinema | Gardens and parks across London |
| Backyard Cinema | Wandsworth |
| Pop Up Screens | Parks across London |
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Editor’s choice
Rooftop Cinema Club
Why we pick itDeckchairs, wireless headphones and snacks on rooftops with skyline views of The Shard from Peckham and the Orbit from Stratford.
rooftop wireless-headphone cinema
-
The Luna Cinema
Why we pick itThe big-screen tour pitches up at grand backdrops like Kenwood House, Hampton Court Palace and Battersea Park with picnic pitches and bar partners.
touring heritage open-air cinema
-
The Nomad Cinema
Why we pick itA social enterprise giving all profits to charity, screening films in unusual settings from Brompton Cemetery to Fulham Palace and the Horniman gardens.
roaming charity pop-up cinema
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Backyard Cinema
Why we pick itHeavily themed sets, giant beanbags and a fully built bar turn each season into an experience rather than just a film screening.
immersive themed cinema
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Pop Up Screens
Why we pick itLondon's original pop-up tours suburban parks like Bishops Park and Crystal Palace with feel-good films, cult classics and street-food stalls.
touring park open-air cinema
Before you book
Most seasons run roughly May to September, so book the moment programmes drop because the marquee titles go first. Bring layers and a blanket; even a warm London evening turns cold once the sun is down. Many venues let you bring your own picnic but ban glass and sharp knives, and screenings go ahead in light rain, so pack a poncho rather than an umbrella that blocks the view behind you.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Rooftop Cinema Club is our editor's choice: Deckchairs, wireless headphones and snacks on rooftops with skyline views of The Shard from Peckham and the Orbit from Stratford. Rooftop Cinema Club, The Luna Cinema and The Nomad Cinema lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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