24 of the Best Picnic Spots in London

Last updated: 29 July 2023

London is awash with green space. Alongside stunning formal gardens, London has parks with free roaming wild deer, boating lakes, lidos, playgrounds, and the outdoor sports areas.  We have found 24 parks which we think qualify for the best picnic spots in London.  

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This interactive map is created using Google Maps. Click on this   symbol on the map above to expand the map legend or click on any of the blue pins for more information about the best parks in London for a picnic.

East London 

1. Victoria Park

The “People’s Park”, and the oldest public park in London, Vicky Park as it’s known to East Londoners is a fabulous expansive green space sandwiched between Hackney, Bow, and London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.

Over 200 acres, the park also features two lakes, a children’s playground, a Chinese pagoda, and a boating pond where you can hire a peddle boat or row boat for some time on the water. Victoria Park remains our favourite and deservedly lands at the number 1 position in our best picnic spots in London list. 

2. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The site of London’s highly successful Olympics in 2012, Stratford’s park covers 560 acres, the equivalent of around 300 football pitches, and larger than Hyde Park. 

There are plenty of secluded spots to hide away from other visitors in a park of this size. Plonk yourself by the River Lea, the meadows of the north park or the more manicured south park. There’s plenty of active and children’s play areas to keep the whole family occupied.

3. London Fields 

This uber-fashionable spot in East London is not my first choice for a picnic because of its overwhelming popularity. 

The 31 acres is frequently at capacity with sun-worshipping Londoners from the East End. The park is well stocked with a number of desirable facilities like a lido and much beloved Pub on the Park which has a park-side beer garden, and a pétanque area.

West London

4. Holland Park

Located in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, unlike many green spaces in West London which are gated and only accessible with a key, this park is open to all. 

The park has numerous sports facilities to accommodate ball games as well as areas for children’s play and large areas of woodland abundant with wildlife which is perfect for a picnic. 

The pièce de résistance is the beautiful Kyoto Garden, donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991, to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992. 

5. Richmond Park

The largest of the Royal Parks and covers an area of 2500 acres, Richmond Park is famously home to 650 deer that roam freely. While they’re not considered dangerous, they are wild. It’s a wise decision is to set your picnic away from them for your safety and theirs. 

There’s plenty of shade in Richmond Park under the wild woodland landscape though you may struggle to find parking on fabulously sunny days. This park is a top UK site for ancient trees and supports a range of rare species including birds, beetles, bats, and wildflowers.

Be mindful of the lycra-clad cyclists who use the smooth tarred bridleway as a racetrack. The opportunity to spot deer whilst having a relaxing visit during the weekend is just too good an opportunity to pass up and a reason why Richmond Park is near the top of our best picnic spots in London list. 

Central London 

6. Hyde Park 

The central location of Hyde Park makes it easily accessible from Hyde Park Corner Underground station, and within walking distance of the upmarket shops of Knightsbridge.

The part of Hyde Park near The Serpentine, a 40-acre recreational lake, is ideal for picnicking, where people-watching opportunities are endless with family days out, dates on pedal boats and waterfowl float on by. 

This inner city park has kiosks selling sandwiches and ice creams but I’d recommend you pack your own picnic basket. 

The vast size of this park means you can find a quiet space of your own especially as you head west towards Kensington Palace, making Hyde Park a great spot for a quiet picnic. For these reasons, I prefer it over the neighbouring St James’s Park.

7. St James’s Park

Situated within reasonable walking distance of London landmarks of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster, St James’s Park won’t be the quietest park for a picnic but you will be in a beautiful Royal Park overlooking a long lake.

8. Green Park

Green Park is popular with Londoners and visitors alike, partly because it’s conveniently sandwiched between St James’s Park and Hyde Park, as well as the fact that there’s a small chance of encountering the park’s rather famous neighbour, the Royal family.

Unlike many parks on this list, Green Park is not perched on top of a hill, there is no spectacular vista of the London skyline, but instead, visitors can encounter water fountains, statues, and enjoy plenty of flora. 

The high traffic footpaths that lead from tube stations to Buckingham Palace are a highway for tourists, so look towards elsewhere, perhaps Hyde Park, for a slightly quieter spot.

9. Regent’s Park

Formally the hunting ground of King Henry VIII, Regent’s Park is a 400 acre oasis in the centre of London.  

Queen Mary’s Gardens is a picturesque garden created in the 1930s, showcasing 12,000 rose bushes on landscaped grounds. A great spot for your picnic is by the boating lake. You can see why Regent’s Park has made the best picnic spots in London list, at the very least from a historical perspective! 

10. Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Located in London’s West End, Lincoln’s Inn is enormously popular with working Londoners seeking a sun-drenched long lunch or a post-work picnic. As the city’s largest public square, you’ll want to secure a spot before the lunchtime rush or head out after people have gone back to their offices. Bench seats along the main footpath are considered hot property. 

A good spot for a picnic is tucked up against the tennis courts to watch games in progress, or the quieter side is the south east corner near the Royal College of Surgeons. 

Pack your own picnic, or stock up from nearby shops or supermarkets such as the Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose which are all just a few minutes walk away. 

11. Soho Square 

This pocket-sized patch of grass is home to the fanciest shed you’ve ever seen. What looks like a cute Tudor-style cabin in the centre of the square actually houses the tools of the trade for the Square’s greenkeeper. 

Situated just a street back from retail shopping mecca Oxford Street, a picnic in Soho Square is a lovely spot for some respite, to sit amongst colourful flora packed into the perimeters. 

12. Phoenix Garden

A community garden born from WWII bombing, and in the shadow of the Palladian-style, Anglican St Giles in the Fields in London’s West End.

The Phoenix is a lovely little green spot for a quiet breather away from the hustle and bustle of the lively West End, where half-hardy plants thrive in the thin rubble-filled soil. Everything in this little community garden from flower beds, to the garden, and open ponds are maintained by volunteers.

Popular with local workers, there is a weekly food market is held here on Thursdays.  

13. St Dunstan-in-the-East

One of my favourite secret oases in the City, St Dunstan-in-the-East is neatly sandwiched between London Bridge and the Tower of London.

It was once a Church of England parish church on St Dunstan’s Hill, however the church was largely destroyed in the Second World War and the ruins are now a public garden.

It’s a popular photography spot with lots of texture, character, and charm. To find out more about visiting St. Dunstan in the East, here’s our article covering everything you need to know. 

14. Victoria Embankment Gardens

A series of gardens situated on the embankment on the north side of the Thames, Victoria Embankment Gardens features a bandstand, well-tended flower beds and lawns, and a number of statues that pay tribute to characters from the local area.

The proximity to Strand and Charing Cross, it’s a popular spot for workers to have a picnic lunch on warm sunny days. 

15. Jubilee Gardens

Back in 1951 this was the site of the Festival of Britain’s principal building, the Dome of Discovery, as well as its striking temporary landmark: the Skylon. These were demolished and replaced with a car park that remained until the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

What is now known as South Bank, Jubilee Gardens has become recognised as a top London landmark attracting some 25 million visits annually.

Find this park under the shadow of the London Eye, a green space with luscious lawns, a play area for children, grassy knolls and flowerbeds. There’s limited shade, but the views over the Thames to Westminster are incredible and people-watching opportunities are endless.

16. Victoria Tower Gardens South

Situated between Lambeth and Westminster bridges, Victoria Tower Gardens is a public park along the north bank of the river, adjacent to the Palace of Westminster.

Not imminently close to a Tube station and slightly off the tourist trail, these gardens are often quieter than neighbouring Parliament Square Gardens, making it a great choice for some peace and quiet for anyone seeking some solitude.  

The rather vast open green is tree lined on all sides which provides plenty of shade and views of the Thames, Victoria Tower – the 98.5m square tower at the south-west end of the Palace of Westminster, and statues and monuments to a number of influential figures including suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, and social reformer MP Thomas Fowell Buxton and one of twelve original casts of Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais, cast in 1908.

North London 

17. Primrose Hill

Offering incredible views of the city, Primrose Hill in the northern side of Regent’s Park, is well within reach of hipster hotspot Camden. 

A very popular spot in London’s long summer nights, aim to set your picnic near the main viewing point and see how many London landmarks you can name on the skyline.

18. Hampstead Heath

Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath is arguably the finest view of the City of London. 

Spend the day discovering the Kenwood estate, including the House and view it’s breath-taking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, including Rembrandt’s ‘Portrait with Two Circles’, and stroll through the glorious 112 acres of parkland and gardens.

Aim to set your picnic up for late afternoon to watch the city’s twinkling lights come alive. 

19. Alexandra Palace Park

Alexandra Palace Park, or ‘Ally Pally’ to the locals, is an expansive park in North London with spectacular vistas stretching from London’s financial district Canary Wharf to St Paul’s Cathedral

Frequently hosting events, farmers’ markets, a 10 hole Pitch & Putt course and a fleet of rowing and pedal boats to hire on Swan Lake. 

South London 

20. Kew Gardens 

Officially titled Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is more than 130 hectares of landscapes and gardens situated in Kew in South West London.  These world famous gardens make a great day out and are ideal for a picnic lunch. 

Explore the grounds with the 250 year history of the Gardens, scientifically important plants and glasshouses, historic buildings, formal gardens, arboretum, and more.

21. Brockwell Park

The 50.8 hectare park commands views of the skyline of the city and Central London from its south London location.  

The grade II listed Brockwell Hall is worth a look, and as an added bonus, Brockwell is one of the few parks to have a lido. Have a pre-picnic swim, in the famous Brockwell Lido, restored to its original 1930s beauty in 2007. 

22. Greenwich Park

One of the city’s largest green spaces, aside from sunny weekend days when it’s inundated with sun-seeking Londoners, you can usually find a peaceful corner of your very own in Greenwich Park. I think the best spot is at the top of the hill, where you’ll find iconic views of London. This is one of Russ’s favourites and a worthy inclusion in the best picnic spots in London.

Once you’ve had your fill of finger sandwiches and cakes, which you can either BYO or stock up at the fabulous Greenwich Market, head to the Cutty Sark to discover the world’s only surviving tea clipper, or the National Maritime Museum, or the Royal Observatory to experience where global time begins. 

23. Horniman Museum and Gardens

A museum and gardens located in South London houses an eclectic collection nationally regarded of some 350,000 objects in anthropology, natural history and musical instruments. 

Icicle Bear, the Horniman’s famous overstuffed walrus is one of its most popular exhibits and even has his own Twitter account! 

The 16 acres of beautiful gardens are home to urban wildlife in the grasslands, meadows and nature trails, all of which are ideal for a day out, providing views across London, from the Shard to Wembley Stadium.

The Meadow Field is a large green space below the Bandstand, which originally included a boating pond dating back to the 1920s.  It was drained and resurfaced in the 1960s and is now used as an informal play area. Today, dogs are allowed off the lead in the Meadow Field.

For a quiet picnic head to the South Downs Meadow on the eastern edge of the site offering views over Kent and the South Downs. 

24. Battersea Park

This long-standing 200 acre Victorian park was built in the later half the 19th century. Increasingly popular as the area around it developed as the city expanded.  The riverside promenade, a large lake, multiple gardens and trees provide shade for picnics.  It’s also a popular destination for birds including herons, cormorants and grebes. The peace pagoda is a nice spot for those seeking some quiet contemplation.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have built a comprehensive list of the best picnic spots in London to spend a sunny day out. You’re really spoiled for choice so pack a hamper, bring a bottle of wine, and blanket, and make the most of it. No matter where you end up, you’re bound to find a piece of happiness.

Tweet us, or comment below to let us know where you end up!

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