Best London Picnic Spots
- Amy Pritchett
- Updated: 2022
Guess what? It’s summer. Guess what else? There’s a high chance that if you look outside during the daytime, you’ll see the actual sun beaming down from the sky.
There are two things to capitalise on this. First: go outside. Secondly: have a big old picnic. London has parks and grand green spaces perfect for al fresco.
From a blanket in the park to the side of the canal, the 20 amazing picnic spots in London are here.
Map
Best 20 London Picnic Spots
Parks, Places & Areas for Your Picnic
1. Hyde Park
2. St. James's Park
Perhaps the most exalted of all the Royal Parks with an enviable position bordering Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park is well worth a visit. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Buckingham Palace flower beds, The Queen Victoria Memorial, and The Blue Bridge, which boasts impressive views of the palace across St James’s Park Lake.
Also, keep an eye out for the park’s resident pelicans – you can catch them feeding beside the park’s charming Duck Island Cottage between 2-3 pm every day (unavailable during the pandemic).
3. Kew Gardens
4. Regent's Park
5. Richmond Park
Sit under the shade of ancient trees and enjoy a wild landscape of hills and woodlands at Richmond Park. Be sure to lay out your spread far away from the 650 deer roaming the land.
6. Kensington Gardens
It’s hard not to enjoy an outdoor meal with a view of Kensington Palace, right? With plenty of local shops, there’s no shortage of good food to enjoy on a picnic in Kensington Gardens (even if it costs a fortune to do it). It also makes it strange that there aren’t as many picnickers in the gardens as in places like Green Park.
7. Greenwich Park
Climb towards the Royal Observatory perched on top of the hill at Greenwich Park and be rewarded with fantastic views of the Thames and central London. One of the best picnic areas in London.
8. The Natural History Museum
One of the most majestic buildings in London, The Natural History Museum in South Kensington makes for the perfect picnic backdrop, followed by a visit to the museum, of course. Visitors are welcome to bring their picnics and dine al fresco on the front lawn.
9. Hampstead Heath
Renowned for its remarkable city views and bathing ponds, London’s 790-acre Hampstead Heath makes for the perfect picnic. Perch upon Parliament Hill Viewpoint for the park’s best panorama of the city, where you’ll be able to spot several iconic London landmarks, from The Shard to the Houses of Parliament.
If you’ve got itchy feet, be sure to take a wander around Hampstead High Street and delight in ice cream at Venchi Chocolate and Gelato.
10. Holland Park
Holland Park is often overshadowed by its regal neighbour Kensington Palace Gardens, but it’s an undeniably picturesque picnic spot. There’s a lot to see, from woodland and wildlife to sculpture and the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens, plus there are tennis courts, football pitches and spots to play golf, cricket and netball so that you can have a side of sport with your sausage rolls.
It’s a serene spot that comes to life in the summer. So get hamper happy at Holland Park, and you’ll soon forget about the sweaty bus ride that got you there.
11. Green Park
Enjoying a picnic in Green Park is guaranteed to be lively. Visitors and locals flock to the park thanks to the Queen’s gaff. Green Park has its spectacular vista, with statues, fountains, and daffodils. The Royal Park may be famous, but it’s a buzzy suntrap for feasting on M&S salad pots after work.
12. Battersea Park
With pedalos, a landscaped boating lake and walled gardens, this South London haunt is the perfect patch for stuffing yourself silly. Once you’re done with mini pork pies, there are plenty of things to do.
The word ‘Battersea’ conjures up images of the famous dogs and cats home, but if you fancy yourself more of a pygmy goat-whisperer, visit Battersea Park Children’s Zoo to pet away from the stresses of adult life and coo over all things small and fluffy.
13. Parliament Hill
Located in the southeast corner of Hampstead Heath, a park in north London, Parliament Hill is an excellent picnic spot. The whole park is a bit elevated relative to the surrounding areas, meaning sweeping views over the London skyline.
Here you can sit in the sun or shade since there are quite a few trees around, taste the delicacies of your picnic, drink a cold beer and watch the sunset over the London skyline.
14. Victoria Park
Victoria Park – or ‘the people’s park’ as it’s well renowned – emerged in the 19th century in the hope of improving East London’s living conditions and life expectancy.
Today, the Tower Hamlets parkland draws in thousands of picnickers every year with its Regal Boat Hire, children’s play areas and beloved Pavilion Café, which overlooks the lake – ideal if you need a hamper refill.
15. Horniman Museum and Gardens
Discover incredible urban wildlife in the grasslands, meadows and nature trails at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. Picnic around the terrace at the bandstand on sunny days, or find shelter from the rain in the Dutch Barn, a covered picnic area.
16. St. Dunstan-in-the-East
Find peace and calm at St Dunstan-in-the-East, a former church destroyed in the Blitz. Now transformed into beautiful gardens, this oasis in the City is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.
17. Primrose Hill
Another green space boasting picturesque views of the city skyline, Primrose Hill is a popular spot for picnickers, renowned for its surrounding pretty pastel townhouses and A-list residences.
So perch yourself at the top of the hill, where you can munch on your sandwiches and Scotch eggs whilst admiring the city vista. It’s also worth noting that the park is within easy reach of London Zoo, ideal for a post-picnic visit that the little ones will love.
18. Kenwood House
Kenwood is one of London’s hidden gems. The stunning interiors and Rembrandt’s ‘Portrait with Two Circles’ are free for everyone to enjoy. A café to relax and stretch your legs. Come and see what Kenwood has to offer you.
19. Morden Hall Park
At last, a reason to head to the mythical end of the Northern Line. It may technically be reachable by tube, but Morden Hall Park feels like the proper countryside. So, bring a flask of tea and some jam sandwiches and lose yourself in the Rose Garden or wandering along the shady river.
20. Cutty Sark Gardens
