Watching a film in London needn’t be the domain of the couch or a picture house. The capital is awash with places where you can huddle up and catch a flick under the stars. Summer screenings are announced early in the season. As they are extremely popular and tickets do sell out, you will want to plan your al fresco movie night as early as possible. Make a reservation the very second you find yourself booking into one of our prestigious hotels near Central London.
Outdoor movie nights in London
- The Luna Cinema
A favourite in the outdoor cinema scene, the Luna Cinema is held at iconic heritage buildings such as Kenwood House and Kew Gardens. The selection is inclusive of all ages and tastes, with a mixture of Hollywood classics and new releases.
During the winter months, the Luna Cinema takes outdoor cinema indoors. This December, pop-up cinemas are planned for Kensington Palace and the Battersea Arts Centre. Both are extremely convenient for our hotels near Central London. It’s a thoroughly festive line-up including Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, The Holiday, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Coca, mulled wine, and mince pies will be available for purchase. Book now to avoid disappointment.
- Pop Up Screens
By the time the schools close for summer, London’s parks are swimming in pop up cinema screens. This company sets up camp in lesser-known and outlying parks such as Ravenscourt Park (Hammersmith) and Bishops Park (Fulham). As a result, they tend to be quieter. Screenings generally focus on retro classics and romantic comedies.
- BST Hyde Park Open House
BST Hyde Park Open House is a younger arrival and operates as part of the wider music festival in the namesake park. This event includes Outdoor Cinema where family-friendly films are beamed out while you tuck into a picnic. It’s a new event but is slated to return in June/July 2024.
- Rooftop Film Club
Rooftop Film Club is an outdoor cinema that has two locations: Peckham’s Bussey Building and Stratford’s Roof East. In addition to the big screen, events include headphones to ensure you don’t miss a word. Street food stalls and seasonal cocktails complete the experience. This is one of the best outdoor cinemas in London for seeing cult favourites with friends or your spouse.
Where to watch films in London in winter
During the winter months, you can escape the chill at one of London’s fantastic indoor cinemas.
Notting Hill’s Electric Cinema is the most romantic picture house in London and has squashy velvet seats and beds.
The cultic Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square will bend the rules with what you might consider a festive flick. Home Alone and Love Actually will share the program with The Godfather, a Batman and Batman Returns double bill, and a Lord of the Rings triple whammy.
For something entirely different, the Royal Albert Hall will screen Home Alone and Elf to a live symphony orchestra on limited dates in December. All the more reason to stay at our hotels near Central London this winter.