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Our Top 10 Picnic Spots In London

20 Jun 2022 by Sophie White

Read time: 8 mins.

With the long days here and the sun shining (some of the time at least), the arrival of the great British summertime means it’s the start of picnic season.

For Londoners and visitors to our capital, a picnic is an opportunity to enjoy some British treats and drinks in the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
Who’s ready for picnic season?

With royal parks and beauty spots aplenty, there are some great spots in London for picnics in the park.

To help you decide where to go, we’ve created a list of some of the best places to have picnics in the capital, so grab your picnic basket and a nice spread and head out to one of these relaxing parks for a weekend picnic with friends or family.

 

Here are our top 10 suggestions for where to go for picnics in London:

 

1. Picnics in Richmond Park

Best picnic spot for: wildlife spotting.

The largest royal park in the capital is home to countless picnic spots across its 2500 acres. Surround yourself with ancient trees, wildflowers and wildlife as you tuck into your salads and sandwiches in this national nature reserve.

As the home to over 650 deer, as well as rare bats, birds and beetles, a picnic in Richmond Park is the perfect setting to relax amongst nature.

Things to do nearby:

  • Visit the Isabella Plantation. A 40-acre woodland garden home to spectacular late spring blooms.
  • Fancy a spot of afternoon tea? Head to the award-winning Georgian tea rooms at Pembroke Lodge.
  • Run or cycle the Tamsin Trail, a 7.35 mile trek around the park’s borders.
  • Head to Petersham nurseries and treat yourself to some homeware or garden accessories.
  • Visit King Henry’s Mound. This bronze age burial chamber is thought to have been used as a viewing spot for hunting and falconry by King Henry VII. Stop here for an uninterrupted view of St Paul’s cathedral, despite it being almost 10 miles away.

Nearest Station: Richmond (then hop on the number 65 or 371 bus to get to the pedestrian gate).

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Richmond Park is home to over 650 deer. Take care when passing these wild animals. Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash.

 

2. Picnics in Hyde Park

Best picnic spot for: a hot day.

At London’s heart, Hyde Park and Kensington gardens offer relaxing scenery in a central location. Within the 350 acres, there are views of the Serpentine, royal statues and Kensington Palace and plenty of spots to cool off from the summer heat.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to set up your picnic!

Things to do nearby:

  • Go for a paddle in the Serpentine Lido on a warm day (re-opening to the public in July 2022).
  • Listen to people share their views on life at Speakers’ Corner. A site of public debates and protests since the mid-1800s.
  • Dip your feet in the Princess Diana memorial fountain. Open daily from 10am.
  • Rent a boat and pedal across Serpentine Lake.
  • Pay a visit to Kensington Palace, the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate and Knightsbridge are all within a short walk of the park.

Why not set up your picnic with a view of the Serpentine Lake? Photo by Neil de Souza on Unsplash.

 

3. Picnics in Primrose Hill

Best picnic spot for: watching the sunset.

Across the road from the tree-lined pathways of Regent’s Park is the grassy summit of Primrose Hill. At almost 63 meters above sea level, this is the perfect spot for a picnic with a view and where many Londoners come to enjoy a sunset on a summer’s day.

And if you would like a hot drink to enjoy with your picnic, head to Primrose Hill café or one of the nearby eateries along Regent’s Park Road.

Things to do nearby:

  • Take in a spectacular sunset view from the hill’s summit.
  • Visit nearby ZSL London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo.
  • Go birdwatching in nearby Regent’s Park, home to a small family of magnificent Peregrine Falcons and one of London’s largest Grey Heron colonies.
  • Sing along to a show at the multi-award-winning Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park.

Nearest Station: Camden Town or Chalk Farm.

The view from Primrose Hill is one of six protected views in the capital. Photo by Timur Valiev on Unsplash.

 

4. Picnics in Hampstead Heath

Best picnic spot for: a romantic date.

Wild Hampstead Heath has been the inspiration for many a poet and author over the years and it’s not hard to see why. This popular filming location is filled with top picnic spots and a stream of delis next to the local stations provide plenty of opportunities to refuel.

Laze in the grounds of Kenwood House as you tuck into your picnic or perch on Parliament Hill for stunning views across North London.

Things to do nearby:

  • Enjoy the sweet fragrance of the wisteria on the hill garden’s pergola.
  • Admire Rembrandt’s masterpieces and the stunning interiors of Kenwood House.
  • Brave a dip in one of the Heath’s 3 natural bathing ponds or Parliament Hill’s 60-metre lido.
  • Take a tour around Hampstead and follow in the footsteps of countless artists and celebrities.

Nearest station: Hampstead or Hampstead Heath (overground).

The pergola at Hampstead heath. Photo by Timur Valiev on Unsplash.

 

5. Picnics in Greenwich Park

Best picnic spot for: views across the river.

As London’s oldest royal park, Greenwich Park’s 183 acres are steeped in history. Perch on the hill for a stunning view of the Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House and across to Canary Wharf or lay out your picnic spread on one of the many green spaces for a spot of people watching.

Grab a sweet treat for your picnic by picking up some award-winning doughnuts from Greenwich market’s Crosstown bakery.

Things to do nearby:

  • Spot the filming locations around the park including Ranger’s House, as seen in Bridgerton, and the Old Royal Naval College which features in Les Misérables.
  • Stand on the GMT meridian line in the courtyard of the Royal Observatory, the spot where all time on earth is measured from.
  • Explore the special exhibitions at The National Maritime Museum.
  • Walk the decks of the Cutty Sark, which once held the record for the fastest trip from England to Australia.

Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR), Greenwich, Maze Hill and Blackheath stations are all within walking distance of the park.

Greenwich Park boasts spectacular views of Canary Wharf and the Royal Naval College. Photo by Fas Khan on Unsplash.

 

6. Picnics in Peckham Rye Park

Best picnic spot for: relaxing away from the big city.

Peckham Rye Park and Peckham Rye Common’s 113 acres include an adventure playground, community, Japanese and nature gardens and a special picnic area with tables for those that prefer a seated picnic.

Pick up your picnic supplies from one of the many delis, cheesemongers or wine shops along East Dulwich’s Lordship Lane.

Things to do nearby:

  • Walk the Peckham Rye Park Trail, taking in the ornamental Sexby garden and wisteria blooms.
  • Explore the colourful stalls of Rye Lane.
  • Watch the sun set over the city from the rooftop of Frank’s Café.

Nearest station: Peckham Rye.

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Peckham Rye Park is home to peaceful gardens, woodland and gentle streams. Photo by Jide Tijani on Unsplash.

 

7. Picnics in Kew Gardens

Best picnic spot for: a family picnic.

Kew’s Royal Botanical gardens are the perfect spot for a family day out. Amongst the 250 year old gardens’ 50,000 living plants are plenty of picnic spots with unique scenery.

Pop down your blanket in Cedar Vista for views of The Great Pagoda, enjoy the fragrant rose bushes when picnicking near The Rose Garden or take a pew in view of the Palm House pond.

Things to do nearby:

  • Take the kids for a play session in the Children’s Garden, featuring Earth, Air, Sun and Water Gardens, where nature is made interactive.
  • Enjoy views across London from the top of The Great Pagoda.
  • Discover rare and almost extinct temperate plants in The Temperate House.
  • Look for an endangered stag beetle whilst exploring the Natural Area of Kew’s woodland.

Nearest station: Kew Bridge or Kew Gardens.

A view of the Temperate House at Kew Gardens. Photo by Charlie Seaman on Unsplash.

 

8. Picnics in Holland Park

Best picnic spot for: a calming city retreat.

Whether you’ve been out shopping all day at Westfield or just fancy a picnic in nature away from the hustle and bustle, Holland Park, tucked away in a corner of Kensington, is the perfect spot for some relaxation.

Pick a spot close to the Kyoto Garden or perch on a bench with views of the terrace of the long-destroyed Holland House and top off your picnic with gourmet treats from nearby Jeroboams.

Things to do nearby:

  • Marvel at the tiered waterfall, koi pond and Japanese maples found in Kyoto Garden.
  • Explore the exclusive nearby neighbourhoods of Notting Hill and Kensington.
  • Spot a wild peacock roaming around the gardens.
  • Watch a performance at the Holland Park Theatre.

Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate or Kensington High Street.

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The tiered waterfall at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden. Photo by Daniel Latimore on Unsplash.

 

9. Picnics in St James’ Park

Best picnic spot for: a lunchtime rest stop in between exploring London’s top attractions.

Situated in walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Whitehall, Westminster and Trafalgar Square to name but a few, St James’ Park is a popular picnic spot for tourists and Londoners alike.

Tuck into your picnic treats surrounded by birds on the lawns or lay pack in one of the park deck chairs. Fancy an ice cream or a cup of tea to accompany your picnic? Pop to St James’s Café or one of the parks refreshment points.

Things to do nearby:

  • Take a peek at the residence of the Prime Minister from the gates outside Downing Street.
  • Spot the resident pelicans, whose ancestors have called St James’s Park home for almost 400 years.
  • Walk the 7 mile long Diana Princess of Wales Memorial trail through St James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
  • Visit Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch.

Nearest station: St James’s Park, Westminster, Charring Cross, Green Park and Victoria stations are all within walking distance.

St James’s Park boasts a prime central London location. Photo by Sapan Patel on Unsplash.

 

10. Picnics in Clapham Common

Best picnic spot for: picnics with friends.

A prime spot for lounging on a weekend afternoon, south London’s Clapham Common is a great location for a picnic with friends.

With the common being a hot spot for running clubs, football games and just a stone’s throw away from the bars of Clapham High Street, this park’s open spaces make an ideal location for socializing with friends.

Things to do nearby:

  • Visit the grade II listed bandstand - London’s largest.
  • Shop the produce at Venn Street Market.
  • Did your toes in the paddling pool, opening in the Summer of 2022.
  • Bring a frisbee or ball to throw around in one of the park’s many open spaces – or see if you can join in with someone else’s game!

Nearest station: Clapham Common or Clapham South.

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Clapham’s well maintained lawns are an ideal spot for a picnic. Photo by Herry Lawford via Creative Commons.

 

Those are some of our favourite spots for picnics in London, but as one of the greenest cities in the world for its size, London is not short of great spots to enjoy a picnic.

It’s worth mentioning that London’s royal parks are subject to a maximum picnic size. Cooking, barbecuing, erecting tents and playing loud music are not permitted in these areas. For more information, please visit the royal parks website

Have we missed your favourite go to spot for picnics in London? Let us know on social!

Have you got your picnic basket ready? If not, check out our hand-packed British picnic hampers!