Where to watch the World Cup and Wimbledon outdoors in London
Experience this historic summer of sport at these magnificent outdoor screenings
As the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy looms ever closer to England's grasp and the Wimbledon tournament kicks off into high gear, why watch history being made from your sofa? Take advantage of this most un-British heatwave and eschew the indoor pubs and sports bars: plenty of places are setting up outdoor screenings of both the World Cup and the Wimbledon tournament this summer. Though most venues have already been sold out, we've compiled a list of places that are either offering free entry or are holding contests to score tickets to watch the final, so you won't have to miss a moment of the action.
Landsec's Great British Summer
Catch all the action coming out of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Landsec's Great British Summer Series, which will be hosting free outdoor screenings of the Wimbledon games at One New Change, Cardinal Place and New Street Square. Sit back in free deck chairs and giant Union Jack pillows and sample delights from pop-up bars and food from Doughnut Time, Greenwood, Nova Food, Bread Street Kitchen and more.
1 New Change; Cardinal Place, 1 Victoria Street, Westminster; New Street Square
Flat Iron Square
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The railway arches of this Bankside foodie hub has been transformed into the ultimate destination for sport this summer, with a gigantic screen in their outdoor courtyard broadcasting all the World Cup and Wimbledon matches. All their usual vendors will be open as well, so you won't have to travel far for a top-up or a snack to calm the nerves. Tickets to the final have yet to be released and entry to the semi-final sold out in a flash, but they're currently running a raffle for 50 customers to win four tickets each, so sign up quick.
Flat Iron Square, 53a Southwark Street
Camden Market
The famed Camden Market will be hosting screenings of the football matches, whilst serving up plenty of libations and themed pizzas to represent the nations taking part in the FIFA World Cup. Best of all, it's completely free, so better arrive early to snag a place.
Camden Market, Camden Lock Place, Camden Town
The Piazza
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What better place to watch Wimbledon than in SW19 itself? Pull up a deckchair and catch all the drama on the centre court play out on a big screen set up right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Entry is free, and you can grab a bite at any of the eateries along the high street.
The Piazza, Wimbledon
St James' Market
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Upscale St James' Market will be holding secret Wimbledon screenings throughout the tournament. It's completely free to attend and there'll be free Pimms popsicles on the 14th and 15th, as well as a free cocktail if you take a lunch break from the excitement at the chic Ikoyi.
1 St James' Market
Bud Boat
Blame your nerves on the seasickness aboard the Bud Boat, a Thames river cruise-slash-World Cup viewing party hosted by Budweiser. Doors open an hour before kick-off so you'll have plenty of time to grab a brew and sample the street food on board, and DJs will keep the party going after the final whistle. Tickets are £10, and though the semi-final is sold out, you can enter for the chance to win tickets to the World Cup final.
Bud Boat, Lambeth