Outdoor Theatre and Outdoor Cinema in Somerset 2026
If you’re looking for outdoor cinema Somerset events and open-air theatre performances this summer, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly shows and screenings across the county. From Shakespeare performed in historic gardens to family theatre in Somerset, open-air opera and outdoor movies in Somerset under the stars, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences to enjoy during the 2026 summer holidays.
If you’re planning a family day out, a romantic evening, or simply looking for unique things to do in Somerset this summer, outdoor performances offer something a little different. Bring a picnic, grab a blanket or camping chair and enjoy live entertainment in some of the South West’s most beautiful locations.
This guide includes the best outdoor theatre in Somerset, Bath and nearby, as well as outdoor cinema screenings in Somerset perfect for families, couples and groups of friends.
Outdoor Theatre in Somerset
Outdoor Theatre at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Where: Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG
Set within one of Somerset’s most beautiful historic gardens, Hestercombe hosts a fantastic programme of outdoor theatre performances throughout the summer.
Kaspar: Prince of Cats – Friday 17th July 2026, Starts at 4:30pm | Cost: £14
Around the World in 80 Days – Friday 17th July 2026, Starts at 7:00pm | Cost: £18
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Sunday 2nd August 2026, Starts at 7:00pm | Cost: from £13.
While visiting, take time to explore the lakes, temples, woodland walks and formal gardens that make Hestercombe one of the Best Gardens in Somerset.
Outdoor Theatre at Glastonbury Abbey
Where: Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9EL
Glastonbury Abbey provides a magical backdrop for open-air performances surrounded by centuries of history and legend.
The (Almost) Complete History of Britain – The Pantaloons – Thursday 23rd July 2026, 6.30pm to 9.30pm in the Main Abbey.
Pinocchio – Illyria – Thursday 13th August 2026, 6.30pm to 9.30pm in the Main Abbey.
While you’re in town, read our guide to Things To Do In Glastonbury for more family-friendly attractions and hidden gems.
Outdoor Theatre at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells
Where: Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
The stunning grounds of The Bishop’s Palace provide the perfect setting for summer theatre.
The Big Bad Wolf – 24th July 2026 at 17:30.
Othello – Sunday 19th July at 18:30.
Combine your visit with our family guide to the Best Things To Do In Wells, Somerset.
Outdoor Theatre at Forde Abbey
Where: Forde Abbey & Gardens, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
One of Somerset’s most spectacular historic estates hosts a pair of family-friendly outdoor performances this summer.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Tuesday 28th July 2026,  7:00pm – 9:00pm.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Friday 7th August 2026,  6:00pm – 7:30pm.
Outdoor Theatre at Montacute House
Where: Montacute House, Somerset, TA15 6XP
Enjoy Shakespeare in Somerset in the grounds of one of Somerset’s finest National Trust properties.
Twelfth Night – Friday 7th August 2026, 19:00 – 22:00.
Presented by the award-winning Pantaloons Theatre Company, this family-friendly production features live music, comedy and audience participation.
If you enjoy National Trust days out, don’t miss our guide to the Best National Trust Properties in Somerset to Visit With Kids.
Outdoor Theatre at Yeo Valley Organic Garden
Where: Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon, North Somerset
When: Wednesday 26th August 2026, 19:00.
Enjoy an enchanting evening of Shakespeare in Somerset with Illyria’s outdoor production of As You Like It. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Yeo Valley Organic Garden, this classic comedy explores love, identity and romance through a cast of colourful characters in the magical Forest of Arden.
Performed by a five-strong cast of professional actors, this award-winning production promises an evening of laughter, storytelling and outdoor theatre under the stars.
Good to know:
- Gates open from 6pm
- Ticket holders can explore the organic gardens before the performance
- Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets and refreshments
- Advance booking required
This is a wonderful option for anyone looking for family theatre in Somerset or a memorable summer evening in one of North Somerset’s most beautiful outdoor settings.
Outdoor Theatre at Stourhead
Where: Stourhead, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD
One of the South West’s most spectacular National Trust landscapes hosts a fantastic summer events programme.
The Sword in the Stone Workshop – 2nd August 2026, 15:00 – 15:30 – Join  the actors in a drama workshop before the performance where you will learn some of the songs from the show and find out more about the characters you are going to watch.
The Sword in the Stone – 2nd August 2026, 16:30 – 18:30.
King Arthur and the Holy Fail – 12th August 2026, 19:00 – 21:00.
Bring a seat / blanket / picnic and weather appropriate clothing as the performance takes place in all weather.
Outdoor Theatre Performances in Bath This Summer
Outdoor Theatre at The American Museum & Gardens
Where: Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD
Enjoy theatre performances in beautiful gardens overlooking the Avon Valley.
Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles – Friday 17th July 2026, 15 21
The Jungle Book – Sunday 9th August 2026,  20
Performances will take place on the South Lawn.
The performances will go ahead in all but the most extreme weather event so please make sure you bring appropriate clothing and don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.Â
A bar and BBQ will be available from 5.30pm until the end of the interval so you can grab your supper while you are here.
Garden Theatre Festival at the Holburne Museum
Where: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB
The Holburne Museum’s popular Garden Theatre Festival returns for another summer of outdoor entertainment.
The Importance of Being Earnest – 2nd–12th July 2026
Sense and Sensibility – 14th–26th July 2026
The Big Bad Wolf – 19th July 2026, at 14:00.
Northanger Abbey – 7th August 2026.
Planning a day out in Bath? Read our guide to Things To Do In Bath With Kids.
Outdoor Theatre Near Somerset
Outdoor Theatre at Berkeley Castle
Where: Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Experience theatre and live performances in the grounds of a stunning medieval castle.
An Evening of Opera – Sunday 19th July 2026, 17:00 – 21:00.
Romeo & Juliet – Wednesday 29th – Friday 31st July 2026, Performances start at 19:00, gates open 18:15.
The Railway Children – Sunday 2nd August 2026. There will be two shows at 11:00 and 15:00.
Sherlock Holmes – Tuesday 25th August 2026, 17:30 – 21:00.
Outdoor Theatre at Bowood House & Gardens
Where: Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ
The Great Gatsby – Saturday 1st August 2026. Gates open from 18:30, performance starts 19:00, ends 20:50.
Enjoy an outdoor adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel in the beautiful surroundings of Bowood House.
Pack your picnic, bring your chairs or blanket, and don’t forget to dress for the weather (1920s costumes are welcome!).
Outdoor Cinema in Somerset and Nearby
Outdoor Film Screening at Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Where: Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0NL
When: Saturday 1st August 2026, 2pm – 3.30pm
Join Hauser & Wirth Somerset for a special outdoor screening of Disney’s Peter Pan (1953), inspired by the exhibition Angel Otero: Agua Salada. The film will be shown on a large outdoor LED screen in the farmyard, making it a unique family-friendly outdoor cinema experience in Somerset.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions and camping chairs. Food and drinks will be available to purchase throughout the afternoon from Da Costa’s outdoor kitchen.
Good to know:
- Under 18s go free
- Adults £3 donation to Good Company Bruton
- Advance booking essential
- Dogs welcome on leads
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
This is a wonderful choice for families looking for an outdoor cinema Somerset event with a cultural twist.
Outdoor Cinema at Bath Racecourse
Where: Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath, BA1 9BU
Enjoy a day of outdoor cinema in Bath this summer with family favourites, musicals and blockbuster films shown on a giant outdoor screen.
Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema
Saturday 18th July 2026
Sing along to ABBA’s greatest hits as Mamma Mia! comes to the big screen in the beautiful surroundings of Bath Racecourse.
- Gates open: 7.00pm
- Film starts: 8.00pm
- Adult tickets from £19.27
- Bring blankets, camping chairs or beanbags
Beauty & the Beast (1991)
Sunday 19th July 2026
Enjoy Disney’s beloved animated classic in a magical outdoor setting.
- Gates open: 10.30am
- Film starts: 11.30am
- Suitable for all ages
Tangled
Sunday 19th July 2026
Join Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and Pascal for this much-loved Disney adventure, perfect for families with younger children.
- Gates open: 2.00pm
- Film starts: 3.00pm
Bohemian Rhapsody
Sunday 19th July 2026
Celebrate the music of Queen with this award-winning musical biopic, shown under the summer sky.
- Gates open: 5.30pm
- Film starts: 6.30pm
Pack a picnic blanket, bring your favourite movie snacks and settle in for a memorable outdoor cinema experience. With Disney classics, feel-good musicals and blockbuster films, Bath Racecourse offers one of the best outdoor cinema events near Somerset this summer.
If you’re planning a day out in the city, don’t miss our guide to Things To Do In Bath With Kids for more family-friendly attractions and activities nearby.
Outdoor Cinema at Ashton Court, Bristol
Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, North Somerset
When: 28th–30th August 2026
One of the biggest outdoor cinema events in Somerset returns to Ashton Court this August. Set against the backdrop of the historic Ashton Court Mansion, families can enjoy a weekend of films, music and entertainment on a huge open-air screen.
- Dirty Dancing – Friday, 28th August,Gates 18:00
- Mamma Mia! – Saturday 29th August, gates 18:00; Showtime: 19:30 – 22:30
- Sing – Saturday, 29th August;Gates 12:00
- The Gruffalo & Stick Man – Sunday 30th August, gates 09:30, showtime 11:00 – 12:00.
- Star Wars – Sunday, 30th AugustGates 18:30
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy one of the best open-air cinema Somerset experiences under the stars.
Looking for more family-friendly days out nearby? Read our guides to Things To Do In Bristol With Kids.
