The best outdoor cinemas in London

Come summer, the steps leading from Granary Square to Regent's Canal are carpeted in green and turned into comfy staggered seating, Everyman Cinemas sets up a big screen across the canal, and the most laidback cinema in King's Cross begins. The programme includes beloved family-friendly releases, action blockbusters, cult classics, and more, all available free of charge.

Another nationwide outdoor cinema touring company, Adventure Cinema sets up shop at picturesque locations in the Greater London area. Their movie line-up includes everything from classics and blockbusters to musicals and family films. You can book one of their premium deckchairs for ultimate comfort, or bring your own blanket or camping chair.

Cabot Square and Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf are fitted with big screens during from June to late August. The programme is heavy on the sports action, showing major sports events such as the French Open, the British Grand Prix, and Wimbledon, but a smattering of films, including major blockbusters, is shown as well. Admission is free, and refreshments are available from The Grandstand Bar.

In summer, Hyde Park is taken over by the British Summer Time concert series and hordes of tourists, but it still finds time to host an array of activities for the general public. The Open House nights from 23 June to 5 July include an outdoor cinema programme screening beloved classics such as “The Karate Kid” and “Toy Story”, as well as newer releases such as “Pinocchio” and “Mrs Harris Goes to Paris”. Entry is free, just pull up a blanket and enjoy.

The Merchant Square redevelopment in Paddington hosts a series of open-air cinema nights from the beginning of August to mid-September. Every Wednesday, you can grab one of the deckchairs or bring your own picnic blanket and relax by the canal as you watch a film. Pop-up vendors are on hand as well, serving cocktails and authentic Mexican street food.

Throughout the summer, the Luna Cinema team can be found all over London and the rest of the country, setting up their outdoor cinema experience at stunning locations such as Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, or Hampton Court Palace. The programme includes Oscar winners, action blockbusters, family films, beloved classics, and more. Dates and locations vary almost day to day, so make sure to keep up to date via their website.

Vision Cinema takes outdoor screenings to the next level. Their signature blow-up chairs provide extra comfort, the film audio is streamed to wireless headphones, their heated blankets keep the chills away, and you can order food and drinks straight to your seat via an app. This year's films include “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, “Cocaine Bear”, “John Wick: Chapter 4”, “Pretty Woman”, and more.

From May to September, every last Thursday of the month, the Lower Marsh Market space next to Waterloo hosts free open-air screenings of smash hit musicals and classic films. Food and drinks will also be available from the market's vendors, and singalongs are highly encouraged.

Surrounded by the breathtaking London cityscape, the Sculpture Court at the Barbican Centre turns into an open-air cinema in summer. Expect a less mainstream programme than at some of the other outdoor cinemas in the city, including a timetable inspired by the  vision of some of cinema's most profound storytellers including Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Vincente Minnelli, Kamal Amrohi, Michel Gondry, Dee Rees, Hayao Miyazaki, and Ingmar Bergman, plus more. Food and drinks are also provided.

Throughout summer there's a Big Screen set up outside the iconic Battersea Power Station. Though the main focus of the programme are the many sporting fixtures taking place this year, the nearby Cinema in the Power Station is hosting complimentary film screenings on select evenings. Watch beloved hits such as “Barbie” and “Rocky” beneath the Station's imposing chimneys.