*This is a collaborative post
Ever catch sight of those epic outdoor film screenings for movie nights but assumed they’d be costly? We’ve gathered a guide showing how you can enjoy FREE outdoor film screenings with the entire family. Sure, you could choose to borrow a projector and watch movies in your backyard, but if you're after the full outdoor cinema experience, I have teamed up with FreeStuffSpot which is a UK Freebie site to come up with the best locations in the UK for outdoor films.
Everyman Screen on the Canal – LONDON
Right in central London, Everyman on the Canal is perfectly located in Kings Cross. Wondering if it’s free? Yes! Until 17th August, you can catch films like Coco, Parent Trap, Encanto, Finding Nemo, Grease, Top Gun: Maverick, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Bohemian Rhapsody at no cost. These are real Everyman outdoor screenings—grab your free tickets here. To know what times are the screenings, please click here.
Summer By The River – London Bridge City
Running until 12 August, this riverside series is packed with family-friendly movies. Think of Despicable Me 4, The Lion King, Wicked, and others. You can check their locations, full schedule, and timings right here.
Summer Screens – Canary Wharf
Canada Square Park transforms into a vibrant film zone thanks to Summer Screens. From June to August, you can watch a mix of beloved classics and newer hits like Matilda, Encanto, and Mrs Doubtfire. You don’t need to worry about looking for tickets. As a movie buff, all you need to do is just turn up early, bring a blanket or grab a deckchair. The setting includes manicured gardens, city views, and nearby eateries, all of which augment the entire experience. You can check out their listings here.
Summer Screens – Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Tuesday nights in July belong to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens’ lively open-air cinema under the stars. You can enjoy blockbuster favourites like the 2019 Aladdin, Jumanji, and Mean Girls. Guests who come to these screenings have the option to rent deckchairs or blankets for around £5—or you can come with your own. Considering how these fan favourite shows fill up quickly, think about booking ahead.
Lower Marsh Lates – Waterloo
Taking place on the final Thursdays of June, July, and August, Lower Marsh Lates mixes singalong movie classics with live entertainment. Crowd-pleasers such as Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia!, and Grease convert these free and fun-filled events into musical street parties. Full details on timings and more can be found here.
BST Open House – Hyde Park
Part of the British Summer Time festival, Hyde Park’s Open House welcomes everyone to free movie nights on its huge screen. Running all through from late June to early July, film enthusiasts can go relax on the grass and watch films like Harry Potter, The Goonies, and Dune II. There’s no need for you to look for tickets or do any bookings—just arrive early for a good spot. You can check their details and find out more here.
Merchant Square – Paddington
Running through the end of September, waterside screenings in Merchant Square offer chilled summer vibes in Paddington. They’re playing a full catalogue of movies like Wonka, Mamma Mia, Moana 2, and others. It’s perfect for a laid-back evening thanks to features such as picnic areas, free deckchairs, and tasty food trucks. You can view their listings and learn more here.
Films On The Green – Hounslow
Held in mid-June across different Hounslow venues, Films On The Green brings community-focused event screens films such as Wicked and Moana 2. Think inflatable chairs and wireless headphones for a “silent cinema” style viewing. You get Entry free, but booking ahead is recommended.
Hammersmith Summer Festival – Hammersmith
Each summer, Lyric Square turns into an open-air cinema packed with family and feel-good films. This community event pairs nicely with local food stalls and live performances, creating a friendly, relaxed West London atmosphere. Discover what’s playing here.
Square Cinema – Edinburgh
In June, Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square hosts a weekend of curated outdoor films. Watch Inside Out 2 and Paddington 2 by day, and Gladiator 2 or Chicago in the evening. Bring your picnic setup and enjoy movies in a scenic urban garden. Explore details here.
