Summer is fast approaching – it’s finally time for more daylight hours, holidays and hopefully lots of sunshine! One of our favourite things to do in the summertime is to visit an outdoor cinema.
Pop up cinemas have become a summer staple across the UK, appearing everywhere from iconic landmarks to magnificent country homes. We’ve done our research to show you the best outdoor cinemas in the UK, where you will find the perfect backdrop for a night under the stars.
The Luna Cinema runs each of the events below and promise to provide ‘classic films on a big screen in a beautiful or prestigious setting’. Pick your favourite and enjoy an evening of film, food and fizz!
All these al fresco cinemas are easily accessible by train, so remember to buy Advance tickets with CrossCountry for great prices and zero booking fees.
Cardiff Castle
Located within beautiful parklands at the heart of the Welsh capital, Cardiff Castle is one of the UK’s leading heritage attractions. Its walls and fairy-tale towers conceal 2,000 years of history, which you can appreciate while you sit back and enjoy a fantastic film.
Staying in Cardiff? Check out our handy Cardiff destination guide for the best things to do while you’re there.
Getting there: From Cardiff Central Station, you can walk to Cardiff Castle in 10 minutes or take a bus.
Sheffield Amphitheatre
This spectacular theatrical location is cut into the hill above Sheffield's main station, creating an easily accessible venue with a stunning backdrop of city lights. The amphitheatre is an ideal setting for a warm summer’s night of cinema under the stars. With echoes of Ancient Greece in the heart of a modern city, it’s sure to be a magical evening.
Want to know what else you could do while visiting Sheffield? Read our Sheffield destination guide.
Getting there: The outdoor cinema screen will be located in the Amphitheatre directly behind Sheffield Station. From the station, it is a 5-minute walk.
Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden
Just one mile from Edinburgh city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden offers visitors peace and tranquillity amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery. As well as boasting a rich collection of plants, the gardens provide visitors with excellent views of the capital’s skyline, featuring the city’s iconic Castle. This means when you are watching your chosen film, you can appreciate the fantastic surroundings at the same time.
Getting there: From Edinburgh Waverley Station, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a 15-minute bus ride. The screen will be located on the Glasshouse Lawn, accessible via the East Gate.
Guildford Cathedral
The grounds of Guildford Cathedral will welcome film fanatics with open arms this summer as it plays host to an outdoor cinema for all to enjoy. Built in 1961, and the seat of the Bishop of Guildford, this impressive venue will provide a dramatic backdrop for some unforgettable nights of cinema.
Getting there: Whether you walk or take the bus, the journey time from Guildford Station to Guildford Cathedral is around 15 minutes.
York Minster
The perfect location for families and film fans alike, Dean’s Park in York provides the perfect setting to enjoy a picnic before settling down to watch a film on the big screen. The stunning Gothic cathedral and its beautiful stained-glass windows provide the ultimate backdrop – so picturesque it may distract you from the film. Pack your popcorn and get to York!
Getting there: York Station is half a mile from the outdoor cinema, meaning you can walk there within 10 minutes.
Leeds Millennium Square
Located in the heart of Leeds city centre, this award-winning public square is the perfect location for an outdoor cinema. Situated in front of Leeds Civic Hall and surrounded by iconic buildings, it makes a great backdrop for your al fresco film.
Check out the best things to do in Leeds and stay for the weekend.
Getting there: Leeds Millennium Square is a 5-minute walk from Leeds Station and a 10-minute walk from the bus station.
The open-air cinema experience is made complete with a glass of something chilled in your hand. Luckily at all locations, you will find The Luna Bar with Estrella Damm offering a full bar service, including beer, wine and soft drinks. You will also find food being sold at the venues, from gourmet burgers to sweet popcorn, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
If you’d rather bring your own, that’s fine too! Pack a picnic rug, your favourite snacks and enjoy the film!
Whichever UK outdoor cinema you choose to visit, remember to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app to enjoy zero booking fees.
Written by Julia