Best outdoor theatre and cinemas in London

1. Enjoy a dazzling performance in leafy surroundings with the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season each summer. Running from May to September, the season features an eclectic mix of performances, ranging from Shakespearean classics to family-friendly productions and innovative premieres. In 2024, audiences were treated to a diverse programme, including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile, The Secret Garden, and the beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof. Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup, coming soon! Performances run from May through September.
2. Rediscover classic plays alfresco at the Shakespeare's Globe where beloved classics and hidden gems by the celebrated playwright come to life. This season showcases The Princess of Essex, a subversive twist on Pride and Prejudice, alongside the return of The Comedy of Errors by popular demand. Set against the vibrant backdrop of an Elizabethan dock, this production offers a lively portrayal of Shakespeare’s London. For a surreal experience, catch The Taming of the Shrew, a bold reimagining that blurs the lines between reality and the absurd. Looking ahead to winter, Simon Armitage's new version of Hansel and Gretel enchants audiences with a festive twist. All year round

1. See cult classics under the stars with the Rooftop Film Club, featuring an annual lineup of iconic films. From Pretty Woman and Top Gun to Pulp Fiction and Casablanca, enjoy your favourite movies in unforgettable settings at Peckham's Bussey Building and Roof East in Stratford. Screenings run only through the summer, offering a unique cinematic experience with stunning rooftop views. Summer only
2. Head to the heart of Canary Wharf for an unforgettable open-air cinema experience with the Canary Wharf Summer Screens. From May to September, enjoy screenings by the canal, featuring beloved films like Toy Story and Matilda the Musical, along with live broadcasts of major sporting events. It’s the perfect way to soak up the summer atmosphere in the bustling business district. Summer only
3. Another summer favourite is Screen on the Canal in King's Cross, one of the few remaining free outdoor cinema experiences in London. Settle down by the water and enjoy a film from a diverse lineup of over 150 movies, ranging from blockbusters and family favourites to cult classics. Summer only
4. Head to London Bridge for Summer by the River, a three-month festival by Tower Bridge, running through to September. Enjoy a packed schedule of free events, with plenty of pop-up bars and street food options to explore before catching a film screening or live sports broadcast. In 2024, the programme featured a mix of blockbusters and family favourites, including Barbie, Wonka, Back to the Future, and more. Summer only

1. Go on a self-guided Theatreland tour, narrated by the legendary Sir Ian McKellan, to learn the secrets of the stage and the history of the West End. 
2. Join the Theatreland Walking Tour, where your guide leads you through Covent Garden and The Strand, uncovering the rich history of some of the West End’s most iconic theatres. Discover fascinating stories behind these legendary venues and hear chilling tales of ghosts said to haunt the walls of the Royal Drury Lane Theatre.
3. Movie buffs alert: rediscover icons from a century of cinema and iconic film scenes with Scenes in the Square, an interactive trail of statues in Leicester Square. Snap a selfie with Paddington Bear, say hello to Harry Potter or sing the famous chorus of Singin' in the Rain with Gene Kelly!
4. Discover London's scenic waterways aboard the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, travelling from Westminster to Greenwich. Hop off at Greenwich Pier and step aboard for a tour of the iconic Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper. Explore life at sea as you take the helm at the ship’s wheel, gaze up at the towering masts, and marvel at the 11 miles of intricate rigging. It's a journey through both history and the heart of London.
5. Discover a hidden gem in Hampstead Heath by visiting the Pergola, a stunning landscaped garden that offers breathtaking views of the heath – a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Hampstead village. On a hot summer day, take a dip in the public ponds, a beloved tradition among Londoners for decades, and enjoy the refreshing experience of swimming alfresco.
6. Explore London through a variety of walking tours. Take the eerie Jack the Ripper tour to retrace the steps of the infamous killer through East London, or immerse yourself in the world of music with a Beatles tour, visiting key locations where the legendary band recorded and performed. Each tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich and diverse history.
   

1. Check out the new installation at the Serpentine Pavilion each summer. Since 1970, this renowned art gallery has championed innovative contemporary art and architecture with a free programme featuring exhibitions and live events. This year, the pavilion showcases Minsuk Cho’s Archipelagic Void, a thought-provoking work comprising five distinct islands, each with its own unique environment. June to October
2. Wander nocturnal exhibition Illuminated River, which transforms the Thames into a glowing art piece stretching across nine of London's bridges as night falls. Marvel at the colourful displays which reflect into the water and shine a new light on London.
3. Follow The Line sculpture trail from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to The O2. Along the way, you'll be able to spot artworks from famous names including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor and Abigail Fallis.
4. Wander the city with a London Mural Festival map in hand and see if you can spot the works which first popped up across London as part of the festival in 2020.
5. Head over to Trafalgar Square and check out the latest installation on The Fourth Plinth. The current artwork by Teresa Margolles was created to commemorate Karla, a trans woman murdered in Mexico in 2016, and to stand for the rights of transgender communities everywhere. The sculpture is made up of hundreds of plaster cast faces of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people.
6. Seek out incredible street art across the city, from large-scale murals decorating Shoreditch and canalside artworks in Camden to the graffiti-filled Leake Street Tunnel. 

Find more things to do outdoors in London, or download the Visit London app for more inspiration while out and about.