For all that moaning about how expensive it is to go to the cinema these days, there’s something quite un-ironically magical about a trip to the movies. As easy and comforting as your Netflix account may be, there’s nothing quite like the big screen. And we have to admit, given our current situation, it seems we've taken the odd Sunday screening or popcorn-filled date night for granted, because cinema, we miss you, a lot. And the beauty of an outdoor cinema screening or a drive in? It's a lot easier to socially distance.
And although a lot of outdoor cinemas closed at the start of the pandemic, many of them have now reopened, or moved to a new location, so check out your local big screen in the great outdoors this summer. We can't guarantee new blockbusters, but we'll take any old classic at this stage. Also, don’t be that oblivious person who doesn’t clock on to the existence of these wonderful events until October. Get your diary out and go to one of these.
DISCOVER: The Best Outdoor Cinemas In The UK
DISCOVER: The Best Outdoor Cinemas In The UK
1 of 7The Luna Cinema
The Luna Cinema have loads of screens that pop up across the country throughout the summer (I counted 24 on their venue map) Stand out locations are Warwick Castle, Regents Park and other gardens if you're into pretty surroundings.Screenings for the Luna Cinema are now open again and Covid secure. Check out the website for more info on the classic films showing this summer, including Back The The Future, A Star Is Born and Dirty Dancing.
2 of 7Summer Screens
Okay, if you want to win some serious date points, take your fancy person to the Botanical Gardens where one of Summer Screens' screen are. Unless you're particularly sensitive to pollen. Then this one might not be the best idea. Nevertheless, you can pick one of the other 19 venues they have across the country, including Oxford, Southhampton and Reading. After. a brief closure they're back open now and offering socially distanced screenings under the stars.
3 of 7Rooftop Film Club
The Rooftop Film Club's usual locations are currently closed, however they are offering drive-in screenings at Alexandra Palace in the meantime. Visit the website to find out how you can watch fims including Fight Club, Downton Abbey, The Notebook and ET. How do you take outdoor cinema one step further? Put the screen on a roof. Everyone loves a roof. The Rooftop Film Club have been doing their thing in London for a while now and this summer isn't going to be any different. Take your pick of their four locations – Peckham's Bussey Building, The Queen of Hoxton, Roof East or Kensington Roof Garden – climb the stairs, grab your wireless headphones and pull up a deck chair.
4 of 7Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
**Will resume August 2021.**If you haven't seen this one advertised all over the place where the hell have you been mate? The annual Summer Screen at Somerset House is one of the go-to venues but be warned, it gets hella busy for that very reason.
5 of 7Moonlight Flicks
Moonlight lChester's only outdoor cinema is back for the best part of July and August and has moved to a new and bigger spot in Dean's Field at Chester Cathedral and if it's food service you're after, chefs from the Twelfth Slice will be serving up pizza (you need to place your order up to 24 hours in advance) and retro snacks will be on sale on the day.
6 of 7Edinburgh’s Film in the City
**Postponed this year.**Who doesn't love a free event? Do yourself a favour and pack a picnic, leave your wallet at home and make your way over to St Andrew Square to catch a classic or two this June. Hell, stay the whole day and watch them all. It's free!
7 of 7Summer Nights Film Festival
**Closed.**If you like to watch your films in beautiful settings, then look no further. Summer Nights Films show screenings at heritage locations, but don't get too distracted by your surroundings, remember your there for the film... Right? The festival will be heading to Rufford Abbey Country Park in Nottinghamshire for a series of screenings in early September, including Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing. Check out their Instagram page for more information.