A local’s guide to the best free outdoor cinemas in London to keep enjoying life on warm summer nights; these are amazing free spots for tourists and locals!
I’ve never talked much about London’s cinemas here; and yet, when I live in London, I spend quite some time in various cinemas like The Vue (the cheapest!) and Odeon.
But since even a ticket at The Vue can feel expensive, especially if you’re living in London on a budget, what could be better, on a warm summer night, than spending time at a completely free outdoor cinema?
I mostly spend time at the one in Somerset House’s courtyard, but there are quite a few, not too far from Central London, where you can get super cool free screenings, both just for adults and those visiting London with kids.
5 Free Outdoor Cinemas in London for Warm Summer Nights
Most of London’s free outdoor cinemas don’t require tickets at all, but I’d recommend you check the exact event listing to see if there are any changes.
For instance, the outdoor cinema at Somerset House, close to Waterloo and The Strand, is not operating this August.
There’s usually lots of seating space in said cinemas, but do bring a jacket or a soft blanket for later in the evening (London’s nights are cold!).
If you’ve decided to go during a weekend, go early to get a good spot – if you’re visiting London for the first time, the city’s outdoor cinemas are a really nice way to enjoy the city like a local… without spending anything!
Everyman on the Canal, Granary Square (King’s Cross)
If King’s Cross is already a great spot to visit if you’re interested in the secret shopping area at Coal Drops Yard, it’s even more interesting when summer finally hits London.
Granary Square is home to plenty of fountains that get overly pretty at Christmas time, what with all the lighting, but during the summer, it’s filled with students, families, tourists and locals out on the steps.
That’s also where you can find Everyman on the Canal, which offers open-air screenings right on the waterfront: could this be any more romantic, if you’re looking for date ideas?
Summer by the River, London Bridge
If you’re closer to London Bridge and Southbank, you’ll find that the open air cinema at London Bridge is part of the bigger Summer by the River festival, which you can attend all summer long.
The big screen is set up in The Scoop, the outdoor amphitheater located between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, easily accessible from More London, one of the city’s prettiest streets.
It’s completely free, and you don’t need to book, but I’d recommend visiting on a weekday as The Scoop can get very crowded at weekends.
Open Air Cinema at Barbican, City of London
At the end of August, the Barbican turns its Sculpture Court into a full-on outdoor cinema, surrounded by Brutalist and modernist architecture.
Not only can you watch movies and cartoons by the likes of Wes Anderson or Studio Ghibli, but if you get hungry, you’ll find quite a few street food stalls around Sculpture Court.
Just like the London Bridge festival, either visit on a weekday or arrive early; you don’t need to book, but spaces are limited.
If you’re looking to spend some time in the area before watching the movie, I’d recommend The Charterhouse, one of the city’s most beautiful, and completely free medieval sites.
You can also visit the Smithfield area for a taste of the old; it’s close to the Barbican Centre, and filled with wonderful sights that Central London just doesn’t offer.
Summer in Leicester Square
If you’re looking to stay closer to Central London, you’ll be happy to know that Leicester Square puts on open-air screenings as part of its summer festival.
When I’m around Leicester Square is usually because I’ve been shopping in Covent Garden or getting one of the unique desserts that the Chinatown shops offer, and a screening in Leicester Square is amazing for spontaneous evenings.
Since we’re in the West End, it’s more crowded than other open air cinemas, but it’s easy and accessible, and great after dinner nearby or shopping on Oxford Street.
Canary Wharf Summer Screens, East London
Canary Wharf in East London is undoubtedly a must-visit area, whether in the summer or winter: the financial district always has public art trails and various events going on.
Until September 27, you can not only enjoy lots of movies, but also take part in a Mario Kart championship and Family Gaming events; perfect to enjoy with friends and family.
You don’t need a ticket to attend the Canary Wharf events; why not start the day with breakfast in the gorgeous upscale area, discover the Crossrail Place roof garden, and then browse the different stores in the shopping center?
Or, go at the end of the day after visiting neighborhoods like Spitalfields, Liverpool Street and Bethnal Green, also located in East London!
5 Free Outdoor Cinemas in London for Warm Summer Nights
You’ll hopefully have found in this guide a couple of places you’d love to visit during your trip, or during your summer in London if you live here!
There are lots of completely free spots to visit in London if you wish to do so, from immersive experiences to historical sites (which I’m particularly fond of).
However, as soon as spring and summer come round and nights in London are that much more enjoyable, watching a movie in one of the aforementioned outdoor cinemas makes for a very different, really nice experience – especially if you’re tight on budget!