Going to the cinema doesn’t have to mean sitting in a large enclosed theatre any more. Outdoor cinemas in Kent have been popping up in recent years, and there are some great locations to watch films in the open air. You can also find some drive in cinemas in Kent as well for that fun drive in experience.
If you also enjoy outdoor theatre experiences, Kent has some great open air theatre shows happening through the year too. Don’t forget to check out all the great events that also happen in Kent through the year.
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns
Eastern Esplanade, Clifton, Margate, Kent, CT9 2HL
Deckchair seating is included in all the tickets with Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns. The onsite bar will be serving drinks and treats including popcorn. The films begin around sunset so will be later as the Summer arrives.
12th May 2023 – Erin Brockovich
9th June 2023 – Beetlejuice
14th July 2023 – Clueless
11th August 2023 – Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Whatman Park
St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0GB
Whatman Park in Maidstone Kent is also known as Millenium Park. The open air cinema screenings will be held on the grass in front of the bandstand. You are welcome to take your own picnics, just no glassware.
30th June 2023 – Elvis
1st July 2023 – Dirty Dancing
2nd July 2023 – Top Gun: Maverick
Belmont House and Gardens
Throwley, ME13 0HH
Widely believed to be the prequel to Much Ado about Nothing, this early Shakespeare promises luscious costumes and a few surprises, including an original music collaboration with Kent arts festival, Jam on the Marsh. Take your own picnic blankets or low back chairs to enjoy the performance.
14th July 2023 – Love’s Labour’s Lost
Godington House and Gardens
15th July – Emma
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a riotous Regency rom-com in the open-air! Meet misguided matchmaker Emma as she tries to play Cupid in this hilarious yet faithful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s satirical story.
This fast-paced, physical and funny show is filled with romance, and music. Picnics from 5.30 pm, performance from 6:30 pm.
22nd July – Alice
Follow the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel.
All the unusual suspects are here: the mirthful Mad Hatter, the perpetually late White Rabbit, the quarrelsome Queen of Hearts and, of course, the adventurous Alice herself. Picnics from 5.30 pm, performance from 6:30 pm.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
10th June A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The gates of the walled garden open at 4pm for the performance to start at 5pm. The Handlebards present the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
22nd July – A School For Scandal
The gates of the walled garden open at 6pm for a 7pm performance from Changeling Theatre.
Leeds Castle
- 27th July – Elvis
- 28th July – Top Gun: Maverick
- 29th July – Mama Mia
- 30th July – Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone
Your outdoor cinema experience in conjunction with Luna Cinema will be located on the Cedar Lawn. Leeds Castle is situated 7 miles east of Maidstone, Kent.
Tonbridge Castle
- 21st July – Top Gun: Maverick
- 22nd July – The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long
- 23rd July – Pretty Woman
The screen will be located on the West side of the lawn in front of Motte and Bailey. You can access the event site via the main castle entrance off Castle Street.