13 best London picnic areas with a mouthwatering view

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.

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.

Sit by the scenic Serpentine at Hyde Park to watch pedalos and birds float on by, or find a secluded bench in the pretty rose garden. There are plenty of kiosks selling sandwiches and ice creams if you don’t fancy packing your own basket. 

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.

Ramble in vast green spaces and ancient woodlands at Hampstead Heath before marching to the top of Parliament Hill for a picnic with a stunning view of the London skyline.

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.

Head to north London and soak up spectacular vistas stretching from Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral at Alexandra Palace Park. Time your visit with one the regular street food and farmers’ markets for a delicious outdoor meal.

Choose between woodlands, lawns, formal gardens and the banks of lakes for your picnic place at Kew Gardens. Don’t worry if it rains – you can duck into a greenhouse and admire exotic plants from around the world. 

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.

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 grassy lawn for a bite to eat.

Tuck into a picnic in the middle of the West End at Phoenix Garden. One of London’s best-kept secrets, this community garden is a peaceful spot to enjoy an alfresco supper before a West End show.

Find peace and calm at St Dunstan-in-the-East, a former church that was destroyed in the Blitz. Now transformed into beautiful gardens, this oasis in the City is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic.

Explore one of London’s lesser-known green spaces filled with fountains, flowers and a distinctive sunken garden at Thames Barrier Park. There's also a cafe in case you're short on supplies.