London is worldwide popular for its iconic and historical landmarks and vibrant energy. It is also famous for its eye-catching and serene picnic destinations. From the spacious Royal Parks to lesser-known garden squares and green spaces near landmarks, London has the perfect picnic spots. Whether you are with family for a picnic party or looking for a place filled with tranquility in busy London. Finding a perfect spot for a picnic will turn a dull experience into an unforgettable adventure. Today’s guide is all about exploring the fantastic and best picnic spots in London and their unique features and reasons for being the perfect green space for a picnic.
Top Picnic Spots in London
The summer season in London, with its pleasant and mild weather and longer days, calls for a picnic. Despite being a busy metropolis, the city offers beautiful green spaces, parks, and gardens, making it an ideal setting for a picnic. Let’s uncover the top picnic locations in London to lay down your carpet and enjoy some alfresco.
1. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is an iconic picnic spot in London, offering serene areas near the Serpentine Lake and beautiful lawns. The park is home to wildlife such as black swans, Mandarin ducks, and a bird sanctuary. Covering an enormous area of about 350 acres, Hyde Park offers panoramic lakeside paths, waterfront cafes, and wildlife. It is located in Central London in the borough of Westminster, Mayfair to the East and Kensington Gardens to the West.
Key Features:
- Accessibility: Hyde Park is accessible through public transportation, with stations like Lancaster Gate and Hyde Park Corner. The park connects with Kensington Gardens, making it more accessible for the neighbourhoods.
- Amenities: Hyde Park is a perfect picnic spot because of its amenities such as public restrooms, cafes, sitting places, and boating on the Serpentaine Lake.
- Popularity: The park is popular due to its rich history and diverse attractions. It is one of the largest Royal Parks in Central London.
2. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is another popular picnic destination famous for being home to London’s biggest collection of pitches for outdoor sports. It has the world’s oldest scientific zoo and outdoor theatre. It is the best picnic destination as it offers tranquil scenery like St. John’s Garden and Queen Mary’s Garden, and lush green lawns to sit and relax in a pleasant atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Family-Friendly: Regent’s Park is a perfect spot for family picnicking as it offers playgrounds, open-air theatre, boating on the lake, sports, and a scientific zoo.
- Scenic Views: Regent’s Park offers scenic views and is near Primrose Hill, so you can enjoy panoramic views.
- Accessibility: It is easily accessible by public transportation with stations like Regent’s Park Station and Camden Town Station. It also has a huge parking space.
3. Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is a popular picnic destination for those who seek history and beauty in a serene atmosphere. The unique attraction of the Kensington Garden includes its large and open lawns providing enough space to spread your picnic blanket, beautiful scenic views featuring formal flower beds, Serpentine Lake, historic essences like Albert Memorial, and its proximity to Kensington Palace and Italian Gardens. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it the best place for a picnic in London.
Key Features:
- Tranquility: Kensington Gardens offers a tranquil atmosphere in a bustling city like London. It is a perfect spot for those looking for a peaceful and picturesque spot in London for a picnic.
- Landmarks: The famous attractions and landmarks that can be explored from Kensington Gardens include, Albert Memorial, Princess Diana Fountain, Serpentine Galleries, Peter Pan Statue, and Kensington Palace. You can spend a good time exploring and learning about the heritage and history of the park.
- Amenities: Kensington Gardens has about 265 acres of parkland, offering abundant benches, public restrooms, playgrounds, and cafes.
4. Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is another one of the best London parks for picnicking, spanning over 320 hectares and famous for its countryside feel in the heart of London. It is one of the ancient heaths in Britain, giving a more natural and rustic feel to its visitors. It offers spectacular London views, woodlands, rolling meadows, and enormous green space. However, if you are a new visitor and struggling to find the best spot from Hampstead Heath, then head to the summit of Parliament Hill; this spot will give you the most panoramic view.
Key Features:
- Privacy: Hampstead Heath is spacious and offers many spots that are dedicated to picnics, and there is a lot of space for you to find yourself a secluded spot as well.
- Accessibility: Being spacious and located at the heart of the city, Hampstead Heath is easily accessible from Central London, making it convenient to travel via public transportation.
- Scenic Views: If you are looking for a view of the London skyline and a breathtaking city view, then Parliament Hill is the best spot.
- Activities: Other than the picnic, the park offers playgrounds, sports, swimming ponds, and walking trails. This makes it one of the best parks for a picnic in London.
5. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is a top picnic location in London. It has gained popularity because of its dramatic scenery, attractions, and historical importance. It covers about 74 hectares of land and is one of the largest green spaces in South-East London. The park has a history of welcoming visitors from ancient Romans to Anglo-Saxons to Tudors and Victorian sailors. You may come across the traces of all these visitors, such as the Roman Temple and Anglo-Saxon cemetery, during your picnic. Its famous views of the River Thames over the capital make Greenwich Park the best picnic spots in London. One of the greatest attractions of this place is the Royal Observatory situated in the centre of the parkland, and the National Maritime Museum.
Key Features:
- Scenic Views: If you are seeking a picnic spot for panoramic views while picnicking, Greenwich Park is the perfect spot with views of the Thames and the London skyline.
- Historical Significance: Greenwich Park has a history of visitors from the Romans to the Victorians. It is home to the Royal Observatory and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Activities and Amenities: Greenwich offers playgrounds, cafes, and kiosks for refreshments with public restrooms and plenty of benches and spots for a picnic.
Family-Friendly Picnic Spots in London
If you are planning a family outdoor picnic, then it is a key factor to search for a place that is spacious, safe, and child-friendly. We have highlighted some of the family-friendly picnic parks in London.
6. Victoria Park
Whenever it comes to family-friendly picnic spots in London, Victoria Park will always be at the top of the list. It has an enriched history, being one of the oldest of London’s public parks and also known as “The People’s Park”. It is one of the largest and well-maintained green spaces in London, with numerous playgrounds, open-air picnic spots, and a lake, spanning around 86 hectares of land. It offers a range of live music, community activities, sports, and events.
Key Features:
- Child-Friendly: The east side of the park offers large play areas and slides, climbing things, water jets, and splashpools, making it perfect for children. It also has a skate park where you can ride a BMX Bike, roller blades, scooters, and do skateboarding.
- Amenities: for your coffee boost and some food, the Park offers some nearby cafes. You can also take your food and drinks if you want.
- Accessibility: Victoria Park is easily reachable for visitors via public transport. It is well-served by London’s Mile End underground station, Bethnal Green, and buses.
7. Clapham Common
Clapham Common is one of London’s largest and oldest green spaces, sprawling over 85 hectares of land. It is located between Clapham, Balham, and Battersea. The park offers scenic views with its woodlands and lush green meadows, as well as many family-friendly activities, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Key Features:
- Child-Friendly Activities: The park provides a perfect family picnicking space offering huge playgrounds and activities like boating, fishing, wildlife, skatepark, and outdoor sports, including tennis, basketball, rugby, and netball.
- Accessibility: It is located between Clapham, Battersea, and Balham, which makes it easily accessible via public transport through Clapham Common Underground Station.
- Amenities: Clapham Common has public restrooms and cafes, and restaurants if you want to grab something during the picnic, making it convenient for visitors.
Secluded Picnic Spots in London for a Quiet Escape
Our London picnic guide also covers some private picnic spots in London for those who are searching for some privacy and peaceful picnic-friendly spots in London.
9. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Holland Park is a picturesque community park in London’s West End. The park has the perfect serene atmosphere and offers several gardens. Kyoto Garden is one of those offering a quiet place for a picnic in London. The garden was established as a testament to the friendly ties between Japan and Britain and was created to celebrate the Japan Festival in 1992. You will find Japanese aesthetics in the garden with natural views of woodland, wildlife, sculptures, a flowing waterfall, and koi ponds. For those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kyoto Garden is just the right location!
Key Features:
- Privacy: Kyoto garden often gets overshadowed because of Kensington Park; therefore, it is still a lesser-known and a hidden quiet spot for a picnic in London with a serene atmosphere.
- Activities: The garden offers many outdoor sports activities such as tennis, football, cricket, etc. The Kyoto Garden offers playgrounds with zip-wires and swings for children’s entertainment. If you are planning a picnic in Kyoto Gardens during the summer, then you can also book your tickets for the Opera Show in Holland Park for added enjoyment.
- Amenities: You can use the public restrooms and cafes in Holland Park.
10. St. James’s Park
St James’s Park is one of the oldest Royal Parks in London. It is located near Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace and offers a perfect spot for a picnic near Buckingham Palace. Being located at the heart of the city, the park offers scenic views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Palaces. Other than its proximity to the iconic landmarks, it is also one of London’s parks with lake views; such a lake that is home to various birds and blooming flowers.
Moreover, it also offers a natural and serene escape for nature lovers with its twisted and curved pathways, beautiful scenery, green lawns, and flower beds. Being surrounded by the iconic landmarks of the city, St. James’s Park is the best picnic spot with facilities in London and a tranquil atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Accessibility: It is easily accessible for visitors, as it is located in a central location of the city and also connects with Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
- Scenic Views with Royal setting: St. James’s Park offers scenic views of Buckingham Palace and most of London’s iconic landmarks, being one of the royal parks.
- Amenities: The park offers ample space perfect for a picnic in Central London with cafes and restaurants.
- Wildlife: This green space is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans, as well as other wildlife.
Picnic with Scenic Views in London
If you want to have a picnic with scenic views in London and also a picnic location with food and drinks options, then the following spots are your dream destinations, offering the most scenic and panoramic views of the city.
11. Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a district in the London Borough of Camden, near the Camden Town area and North of Regent’s Park. The park has a famous and prominent hill known as Primrose Hill. The hill offers some of the best picnic spots with scenic views of the London skyline, an open atmosphere, and enormous green space. You can get to one of the six protected scenic viewpoints of the city at the top of Primrose Hill. The peak of the hill is almost 63 meters above sea level, and the trees are kept a little low so they do not disturb the panoramic view. The famous Shakespeare’s Tree is also standing on the slope of the hill.
Key Features:
- Amenities: The hill offers the best and the highest picnic spots with facilities in London, such as the Primrose Hill Cafe offering coffees, light snack items, and drinks.
- Activities: The place offers playgrounds for children with outdoor activities and fun.
- Scenic Views: Primrose Hill has the most beautiful and scenic viewpoint of the city, making it a perfect picnic spot for some time to relax and enjoy nature.
- Accessibility: The area is connected by public transport through the Chalk Farm and Camden Town Stations.
12. Richmond Park
Richmond Park offers an amazing picnic location with a peaceful escape, unique wildlife, and scenic views. It is a National Nature Reserve with diverse natural habitats, historical and ancient trees, and deer herds. It is home to various natural habitats, such as around 150-year-old anthills and a 750-year-old oak tree. The park is located in a central position and offers one of the best picnic locations near the Thames. Also, it provides large green spaces to spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy the natural views.
Key Features:
- Scenic Views: Richmond Park offers the most scenic landscapes of the city and the River Thames
- Attractions: The park offers unique wildlife such as deer herds, moths, stag beetles, and bats, and other wildlife. You can also explore the oldest woodlands and natural habitats.
- Accessibility: The park is easily reachable by public transportation and also provides ample parking space.
Hidden Gems for a Picnic in London
For those who want to avoid the crowds and explore more off-the-beaten-path picnic spots, these hidden gems offer tranquility and beauty:
13. St. Dunstan in the East
One of the city’s most loved yet a lesser-known spot for a perfect picnic is the St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden, originally built around 1100, but was damaged in the Blitz Bombing in 1941. It is a nestled gem hidden in the heart of the city, halfway between the Tower of London and London Bridge. This peaceful oasis offers a tranquil atmosphere to escape from the bustling city. Today, the church has become a public garden with cascading plants over its historic walls and windows, making it the best hidden spot for tourists and Londoners to relax and enjoy their picnic for an unforgettable experience.
Key Features:
- Hidden Gem: The garden is a hidden gem in busy London, offering a quiet and peaceful environment and a serene escape.
- Historical Setting: St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a historical landmark mixed with the beauty of nature.
- Scenic Beauty and Serene Atmosphere: The garden is full of greenery flowing from the walls and windows of the church, making it a tranquil retreat and a quiet place for relaxation.
14. The Camden Sculpture Garden
For a unique and artistic picnic experience, the Camden Sculpture Garden is a hidden gem in London. It is not a typical garden with open spaces and lawn, but a home to many sculpture displays and a tranquil atmosphere. This unique setting makes it even more perfect for a picnic. Moreover, it is also a good picnic spot for tourists in London, as they can explore Camden Town, enjoy its vibrant streets, go boating in Little Venice, or visit the London Zoo.
Key Features:
- Artistic Environment: The Camden Sculpture Garden is a perfect place for those who enjoy art, as it offers many sculptures.
- Privacy: The garden is a lesser-known area with a tranquil environment that gives visitors a private space to relax and escape from the bustling streets of the city.
- Accessibility: It is located near Camden Town and is easily reachable for visitors via public transport. Located near Camden Town, it’s easily accessible by public transport.
Choose Your Favourite Picnic Spot and Enjoy Your Picnic
London is a city with historic and iconic landmarks. Despite being a bustling city, it is home to many serene and natural parks and gardens that are perfect for picnics. Whether you are looking for a scenic view, a family picnic park, or a secluded spot with a tranquil atmosphere, our London picnic guide will help you find the best picnic spot in London. You just need to choose your favourite destination and enjoy during the season, and make the most of your time to make unforgettable memories.
