The days are getting longer and the smell of sun cream is ever stronger. The picnic blankets are at the ready and mum’s holding the popcorn steady. So it’s time to sit back, relax and watch some epic movies under the stars this summer.
From Hollywood classics to new found favourites, you are sure to find something to watch that even the toughest of critics will enjoy. And, what better place to enjoy the open-air cinema than here in Herts?
Down Hall
10th, 11th, 12th August
Taking place within Down Hall’s stunning 110-acres garden, you can unwind with a picturesque backdrop this August as you book in for a showing at their wonderful open-air cinema. With three showings throughout the month, the choice is yours – will it be an evening of laughter with Bridesmaids, a screening with perhaps a few tears and lots of love with Pretty Woman, or perhaps some fun for the whole family with Harry Potter? Enjoy some al fresco cocktails as Enchanted Cinema brings to life the experience of movie-watching, adding some live music and even a short film showing before the magic begins…
Knebworth House
June – August
This year, the elegant gardens of Knebworth House will be transformed into the ultimate open air theatre venue as a whole host of theatre companies come knocking on the grand door. Set against the dramatic backdrop of one of the finest stately homes in the country, there will be several nights over the summer of fantastic theatre. From the tragedy of Hamlet to family fun in The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, and everything in between, your summer entertainment is ready and waiting...
The Watford Big Screen
5th-11th August
Enjoy a day out in the park this summer... watch the trees, the bees, and the movie screen! The Watford Big Screen is back and better than ever and you can watch your favourite movies while you eat an ice cream and lie on the grass. Catch showings of Wonka, The Color Purple, The Little Mermaid, Barbie, and many more. The picnic blankets will be laid, the summer sun will (hopefully) be blazing and you’ll be able to enjoy all the scenes on the big screen.
Sundown Cinema
July & August
Picture this, on a warm summer’s evening you’re sat down on the grass and the smell of lavender fills the air. You’ve got toffee popcorn in one hand and a refreshing beverage in the other. You sit back, relax and BOOM, the most amazing film of all time blasts out, giving you on-the-edge-of-your-seat entertainment like no other. At Hitchin Lavender fields you can live the dream as the Sundown Cinema will be bringing their biggest screen, brightest projector and best sound system! You can witness cinematic magic from the likes of Top Gun, 10 Things I Hate About you, Dirty Dancing, Rio, Mamma Mia, and plenty more.
Stevenage Town Centre
July
It’s all going on at Stevenage Town Centre’s Event Island, where they’ll be bringing you and the family plenty of fun – and free! – movies this year at their outdoor screen. Bring along your own deckchair and blankets and get there early, settling in as you enjoy either a showing of Super Mario Bros on the 13th July, or The Paw Patrol Movie on the 14th – or hey, why not both! Face painting, fair rides, ice-cream, and more will make this a summer day to remember.
Parks in Herts
With several locations across Hertsmere, you've got plenty of options for places to get your fix of outdoor cinema this summer. Movies in the Park are rolling out a stellar lineup, with classics such as The Greatest Showman and new hits like Barbie on screen for you and the family to enjoy. Check out their site for more listings, then get your picnics at the ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
The Grove
July – September
Ever wanted to enjoy an outdoors movie on the grounds of a 5-star hotel, formerly home to the Earls of Clarendon? Well now you can! Come along to The Grove Hotel, where guests can enjoy complimentary viewings of a great range of films in the hotel's Walled Garden, and non-guests can book a movie with dinner from one of their three restaurants. Sample some culinary delights from fantastic food stations, British classics, or pop-up Italian dining. Then head over to the magical walled garden where you can enjoy a viewing of a new release, or kick back with a classic. The options are endless at The Grove this summer!
Hatfield House
July & August
If your summer is looking a little quiet, then no need to fear as Immersion Theatre is coming to the magnificent Hatfield House. The Jacobean country house, dating back to 1611, will be the host of three amazing nights of live performance in the great outdoors. You and the little ones will be able to laugh and dance along at the production of Peter Pan on 29th July and A Midsummer Night’s Dream on 9th August, then head back for a rendition of Shakespeare's Henry V, performed by Changeling Theatre, on 14th August.
Hertford Castle
June & August
Back by popular demand, Hertford Castle's Open Air Cinema is returning to the beautifully historic grounds this August. Keep an eye out for which movie they’ll be showing – we can assure you, they don’t disappoint! And, to add to the fun, why not head down to their Open Air Theatre as, this June, the Quantum Theatre arrives to put on spectacular performances of the Beatrix Potter Classic, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Dickens’ iconic Great Expectations.
Ashridge House
27, 28, 29 August
Quick! Tickets are selling quickly for this one…as the summer sun sets on the neo-gothic Ashridge House Estate, the gardens will be illuminated by the brilliance of Adventure Cinema. Come along for an evening of entertainment, with Top Gun showing on the 27th August, a sing-along for The Greatest Showman on 28th, and a blast from the past on the 29th with the beloved Dirty Dancing.
Movie Sensations in St Albans
TBC
Get ready for a festival like none other as the iconic St Albans Cathedral brings us a whole host of outdoor cinema and film fun. Last year saw the likes of Blade Runner, Grosse Point Blank, The Full Monty, as well as quizzes and competitions, so check back on their website soon for more details. Movie buffs...we'll see you there.