London's green spaces have earnt it the world's first National Park City status! Take some time to relax and unwind during a busy day of sightseeing with a visit to one of London's best parks.
Lay out your picnic blanket or bag a bench and enjoy an alfresco lunch at some of the best picnic areas in London.
The best picnic parks
1. 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 630 deer roaming the land.
2. Hyde Park
Sit by the scenic Serpentine at Hyde Park to watch pedalos and birds float by, or find a secluded bench in the pretty rose garden. You'll find plenty of kiosks selling sandwiches and ice creams if you don’t fancy packing your own basket.
3. Brockwell Park
Work up an appetite for lunch with a splash in Brockwell Lido, before choosing to set up base in rolling meadows, by pretty ponds or on the many grassy lawns of Brockwell Park.
Picnics with a view
4. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
Take in incredible views of the city as you munch on sandwiches at Primrose Hill, located in the northern side of Regent’s Park. Enjoy the sunset vistas in the summer months.
5. Hampstead Heath
Ramble in vast green spaces and ancient woodlands at Hampstead Heath before marching to the top of Parliament Hill for a picnic with a spectacular view of the London skyline.
6. Alexandra Palace Park
Head to north London to soak up panoramic London views stretching from Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral at Alexandra Palace Park. Time your visit with one of the regular street food and farmers’ markets for a delicious outdoor meal.
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.
Pretty gardens for alfresco dining
8. Chelsea Physic Garden
Learn about medicinal and edible plants at the Chelsea Physic Garden, which has grown beside the Thames since 1673. After exploring the collection of 5,000 plants, sit on the lawn for a bite to eat.
9. Kew Gardens
Choose between woodlands, lawns, formal gardens and the banks of lakes for your picnic place at Kew Gardens. The rose garden is a particularly fragrant spot, and if it rains you can duck into the palm house to admire exotic plants from around the world.
10. Phoenix Garden
Tuck into a picnic in the middle of the West End at Phoenix Garden. One of London’s best-kept secrets, this community garden just behind the Phoenix theatre is a peaceful spot to enjoy an alfresco supper before a West End show.
Secret spots and hidden gems
11. St Dunstan-in-the-East
Find peace and calm at St Dunstan-in-the-East, the ruins of a former church designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who designed St Paul's Cathedral) that was destroyed in the Blitz. Now transformed into beautiful gardens, this oasis in the City is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.
12. 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 rain in the Dutch Barn, a covered picnic area.
13. Thames Barrier Park
Explore one of London’s lesser-known green spaces filled with fountains, flowers and a distinctive sunken garden at Thames Barrier Park – 17 acres (7 hectares) of green space located in the Royal Docks. Head to the cafe if you're short on supplies.
14. Victoria Park
Enjoy a relaxing picnic in Victoria Park, one of east London’s most beloved green spaces. Spread out on the expansive lawns, shaded by ancient trees, or settle near the bandstand where you might catch a live concert on Sundays between May to July.
Discover more beautiful green spaces in London with the best parks and prettiest gardens. For even more inspiration, check out 101 things to do outdoors in London.
