There’s something undeniably charming about an outdoor film screening. It’s the kind of event that takes over London’s parks and rooftops when the weather warms up – and for good reason! But what’s better than an outdoor movie-watching session? Why – a FREE one, of course! So we’ve rounded up the best free outdoor film screenings to enjoy in London this summer.
Summer By The River
The London Bridge riverside festival brings summer vibes to our capital from May through to September – as well as plenty of free outdoor film screenings! Every Tuesday you can head to their The Scoop viewing area to enjoy “the best of the silverscreen”. They’ll also be showing plenty of sporting action through the summer, and even be putting on live concerts.
🎬 What’s showing? They’re showing everything, from Barbie to Wonka, Back to the Future, and more.
📍 Where is it? You can find Summer By The River’s The Scoop at 110 The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2AA. The nearest station is London Bridge.
Find out more here.
Canary Wharf Summer Screens
Just last year Canary Wharf brought us an updated version of their spectacular Summer Screens viewing experiences with loads of film-watching opportunities – and it’s back again for 2024. Running all the way until September 8, viewers won’t miss a second of the film or sporting action thanks to the two enormous screens. Again, no tickets are needed – just turn up and find somewhere to sit!
🎬 What’s showing? This year they’re boasting their biggest-ever selection of films, and sports screenings will include everything from F1 to cricket, Wimbledon, Ascot, and of course the Olympics! They’ll also be hosting live gaming sessions in the form of a supersized Mario Kart Championship and more.
📍 Where is it? You can find the Canary Wharf Summer Screens at Canada Square Park, 25 Canda Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5AH. The nearest station is Canary Wharf.
Find out more here.
BST Hyde Park Open House
The BST Hyde Park festival is more than just a celebration of music – it also brings a packed programme of events and activities to our city throughout its run from late June to mid-July. The events we’re most excited for? The free film screenings of course, which allow you to rock up and enjoy a movie!
🎬 What’s showing? Screenings will include a Grease sing-along event, La La Land, The Goonies, Mean Girls, and more.
📍 Where is it? You can find BST Hyde Park Open House at the Parade Ground on the East side of Hyde Park, W2 2UH. The nearest stations are Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner.
Find out more here.
Screen on the Canal
The Everyman Screen on the Canal film festival is back once again, providing screenings across from the King’s Cross steps from July 1 – August 18. There are no tickets and no sign-ups – just turn up and grab a seat to enjoy the show! As an added bonus – almost every screening will be subtitled, making it free and accessible.
🎬 What’s showing? Expect to see everything from family favourites to cult classics and Hollywood blockbusters.
📍 Where is it? You can find Screen on the Canal at Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4PQ. The nearest station is… erm… King’s Cross…
Find out more here.
Vauxhall Summer Screen
Vauxhall’s Summer Screen returns in 2024 for its 11th year of free outdoor film screenings. Throughout July they’ll be showing a variety of movies – but be aware, it is free but you’ll need a ticket to get in!
🎬 What’s showing? Among the movies you can watch for free are Encanto, Men in Black, and Moulin Rouge.
📍 Where is it? You can find the Vauxhall Summer Screen at New Spring Gardens Walk, Vauxhall, Vauxhall Walk, SE11 5HL. The nearest station is Vauxhall.
Find out more here.
Hammersmith Summer Festival
Now, the focus at this particular screening spot is definitely the sport, with a packed 8-week schedule of free sports viewings to enjoy. But, they’re also peppering in a few free outdoor film screenings for Londoners to enjoy in July.
🎬 What’s showing? They’re kicking things off with a Barbie screening on July 17. Subsequent film screenings (of different movies) will take place on July 19 and July 25.
📍 Where is it? You can find The Big Screen at Lyric Square, Hammersmith, W6 0ED. The nearest station is Hammersmith.
Find out more here.
Merchant Square Summer Movie Nights
Merchant Square is here to add a bit of magic to your summer nights with their canal-side movie nights under the stars. There are no bookings and plenty of deckchairs to kick back in for the film. They’ve also got street food and a pop-up bar to add to the experience, running through August and September.
🎬 What’s showing? Expect side-splitting comedies (like Anchorman), family-friendly musicals (like The Greatest Showman), and more.
📍 Where is it? You can find the Merchant Square Big Screen in Merchant Square, Paddington, W2 1JZ. The nearest station is Paddington.
Find out more here.
So, there you have it – all the best spots for free outdoor film screenings in London. Fancy a night watching Hollywood stars under the stars? Then head on down to your nearest event!