When the sun shines in London, there are few better things to do than pack your basket and head for a picnic.
With the city engulfed in a glorious heat, it’s essential to get out and enjoy every moment of it: as we’ve seen this year, it doesn’t last long. Plenty of filling picnic snacks and fluids will certainly help you do that. Add in some beautiful surroundings or incredible views and you’ve got a job well done.
If you need more motivation to enjoy the capital’s green spaces, look no further than Love Parks Week, which kicks off on Friday (July 25). Organised by environmental group Keep Britain Tidy, the event aims to raise awareness of the city’s parks and the importance of protecting them.
Each year, the organization encourages local communities to get involved in any way they choose, from outdoor movie screenings to treasure hunts for the little ones, and of course, the classic park activity: picnics.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best picnic spots in the capital. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot, an activity centre or dinosaur statues, we’ve got you covered.
Primrose Hill
Nearest station: Camden Town (Underground), Chalk Farm (Underground)
If you’re looking for a picnic with a view, there are few better places to visit than Primrose Hill. With the hill rising more than 60 metres above sea level, the vast city skyline stretches out before you. If you’d like to stop by after your picnic, it’s right next to London Zoo.
Kew Gardens
Nearest station: Kew Gardens (Above Ground, Under Ground)
The botanical gardens provide a wonderful place for a picnic. There are numerous beautiful spots to let loose and enjoy your meal, as well as a designated picnic area near Brentford Gate.
Richmond Park
Nearest station: Richmond (Underground)
It’s a real favourite among Londoners, but as it covers more than 2,500 acres (the largest of the Royal Parks), it’s always possible to find a quiet, secluded spot for a picnic. The park is also home to thriving wildlife – around 650 species of deer live there, along with birds, insects, bumblebees and more.
Greenwich Park
Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
This is London’s oldest Royal Park and it’s quite large (183 acres in fact). There’s plenty to see and do in the area – from visiting the Greenwich Planetarium to walking the University grounds – but the best picnic spot is probably at the top of the hill, which offers stunning views of the River Thames and London’s skyline.
Dulwich Park
Nearest station: West Dulwich, North Dulwich or Forest Hill
A gem of a park, surrounded by ancient oak trees, a gentle pedal pond, Bowles club and café. The park’s proximity to Dulwich and Forest Hill in the centre means there’s plenty of family-friendly things to do, playgrounds and the like, but there are also tennis courts and cricket nets for the more active among you.
Crystal Palace Park
Nearest station: Crystal Palace (Above Ground)
This park has plenty of green space and a private area near the lake. Be sure to check out the dinosaur statues that have been there since the park opened in Victorian times.
Holland Park
Nearest station: Holland Park (Underground)
An escape from the hustle and bustle of Kensington. The grounds offer wonderful opportunities – from sports pitches to woodland areas – but perhaps the highlight is the Japanese Kyoto Garden. Complete with a koi pond and waterfall, this idyllic spot has benches perfect for a picnic.
Brockwell Park
Nearest station: Herne Hill (above ground)
Basketball, tennis, cricket nets, a BMX track and a swimming pool; Brockwell Park seems designed for an active day out. But its gentle hills are also perfect for soaking up the summer sunshine, while plenty of local cafes and delis offer good spots to refuel.
Horniman Museum
Nearest station: Forest Hill (Above Ground)
For the best picnic spot, head to the pretty 112-year-old bandstand in the Horniman Museum gardens – but there are plenty of workable alternatives on the 16-acre grounds. Afterwards, take a walk on the nature trail or visit the Grade II-listed conservatory – or, of course, pop into the free museum.
Hampstead Heath
Nearest station: Hampstead Heath (Above Ground), Hampstead (Under Ground)
Another popular spot, and for good reason. The views of London from the top of Parliament Hill are first-class – and thankfully protected by law. The area in front of stately home Kenwood House is also a picnic spot worth considering. And if you need to cool off afterwards, check out the swimming pools.
Victoria Park
Nearest station: Hackney Wick (Above Ground)
Known as the “People’s Park,” this East End spot is an old favorite; in fact, it’s London’s oldest public park, having opened in 1845. Once you’ve filled your basket, we recommend taking a leisurely cruise on a rowing boat, available to rent seven days a week from 11am to 5pm.
Battersea Park
Nearest stations: Battersea Park (Above Ground)
Battersea Park has a number of picturesque gardens, but the best for a picnic is probably the Subtropical Garden, where you can relax under palm trees and admire other exotic plants.
Clapham Common
Nearest stations: Clapham Common, Clapham South (Underground)
It’s always packed with runners, footballers, yogis, cyclists and people of all kinds, but Clapham Common is big enough to mean it’s never impossible to find a quiet, pleasant spot for a picnic. A spot next to Mount Pound is always a win.