Top Outdoor Cinema Experiences This July
Rooftop Film Club (Peckham & Stratford)
What to expect: A stellar summer lineup starring Notting Hill, Moana 2, Wicked, and blockbuster favourites—complete with fireside loveseats, heaters, and headlined series like “Friends” binge nights.
Location & travel: Peckham’s Bussey Building accessible via Thameslink to London Bridge + Overground; Stratford via Thameslink to St Pancras + tube or bus.
Food & drinks: Onsite pizza vendors, street‑food stalls, fully stocked bars.
Booking note: Advanced booking advised for premium seats and headliners.
Vauxhall Summer Screens
Dates: Tuesdays from 8 July at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens (timeout.com, no-26.com).
Lineup: Family‑friendly hits—Aladdin, Mean Girls, Jumanji (“Welcome to the Jungle”), Sister Act II.
Access & cost: Free entry; hire blankets and chairs (~£5), with street‑food vendors and riverside views.
Everyman on the Canal – Granary Square, King’s Cross
When: Late June to ~17 August
What’s showing: Cult classics, blockbuster flicks; great for casual meet‑ups.
Perks: Free screenings, canal-side ambience, snack stalls.
Lower Marsh Lates – Waterloo
Dates: 26 June, 31 July & 28 August
Features: Free sing-along musicals (Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Grease), hosted warm-up sessions by Hannah Maxwell.
Taste bites: Discounts at Waterloo’s vibrant pub tables and eateries.
The Luna Cinema – Various Georgian Venues
Locations: Pop-ups across Clapham Common, Kenwood House, Wimbledon Park, Westminster Abbey gardens
Films: Mean Girls, Breakfast Club, Belfast, House of Gucci.
Setting: Romantic, heritage‑rich backdrop; ideal for date-style outings.
Adventure Cinema – Kew Gardens
Dates: Late June (20-22)
Films: Wicked Sing‑A‑Long, Moana 2, Mamma Mia!, Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Format: BYO picnic; premium options and on‑site bar.
Barbican Sculpture Court
When: Summer event series; at least through July
What to expect: Curated films with urban skyline views; street‑food market and bar.
Ticket info: Around £18 + £1.50 booking; seats open 30 mins pre-show.
The Scoop at More London
Details: Riverfront amphitheatre near Tower Bridge with seasonal film nights, seating ~800
Bonus: Often free; bring blankets, beer, and picnic to soak in cityscapes.
Travel Tips from London Backpackers, Hendon
Getting there: Thameslink from Hendon takes you straight to King’s Cross, London Bridge, or Stratford. Tube journeys (Northern → Jubilee) reach Waterloo or Vauxhall in ~40 minutes.
Group travel perks: Our hostel often arranges meetups for film nights, complete with Oyster card tips and route guidance.
Hostel social vibe: With organised dinners, BBQ nights, and communal outings, it’s easy to bond over cinema plans and split travel costs. Book your stay to experience our vibrant community.
Pre/Post‑Screening Eats Near the Hostel
Hendon local picks:
- Tasty Tandoori: Authentic Indian dishes, perfect for a curry before catching a train.
- Hendon Market: Grab falafel wraps, pastries, and fresh juice to bring along.
- Café Lounge: Casual brunch spot with good coffee—ideal meetup point before heading south.
Cinema-adjacent hotspots:
- King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard: Trendy area with burger joints, tapas bars, and pastries – great before Everyman screenings.
- Waterloo yards: Street food galore – BBQ, tacos, bao – delicious fuel for Lower Marsh events.
- Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens food stalls: Just steps from the screen, offering fish‑and‑chips, falafel, vegan wraps, ice cream.
Insider Pointers
- Bring a travel blanket and a comfy cushion, especially for free screenings.
- Arrive early – free events like Everyman, Lower Marsh, and Vauxhall fill up fast.
- Check the weather – light drizzle isn’t uncommon; a lightweight waterproof coat could save your night.
- Book seats in advance for premium spots at Rooftop Film Club or Luna; same for Luna Cinema ticketed evenings.
Your July Alfresco Cinema Checklist
- Rooftop Film Club: Cult classics + cocktails + skyline vibes.
- Vauxhall Summer Screens: Free Tuesdays, classic flicks by the Thames.
- Everyman Canal: Relaxed, scenic, free – a crowd favourite.
- Lower Marsh Lates: Sing-alongs, street‑food, communal joy.
- Luna & Adventure Cinema: Heritage settings + blockbuster charm.
- Barbican & The Scoop: Urban chic meets atmospheric viewing.
Staying at London Backpackers youth Hostel gives you a social hub, travel ease, and food options to match the outdoor cinemas. Pack your duvet‑style attitude, Oyster card, and a soundtrack to your summer nights—and let the silver screen sparkle under London skies.
