NoorLondon is a city that may not be sprawling in nature. But what we do have, are some of the most beautiful gardens and parks. And do you know what London parks are perfect for? Picnics! So with that in mind, I present to you 22 of The Best Beautiful and Delicious London Picnic Spots that can be enjoyed in the summer and winter.
And the best part, some of these parks come with a view, or is located along the riverbank of the River Thames or has a garden offering al fresco dining. So even if you don’t want to bring your own picnic hamper or basket with you, you’ll be able to purchase food on site.
London’s Best Picnic Spot
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Did you know that most London afternoon tearooms now serve a takeaway service? Well if you are heading out onto a picnic in London, why not take an afternoon tea hamper with you? And with that in mind, here are 11 Halal Afternoon Tea in London that You’ll Love.
The Best Picnic Parks And Spots In London
London’s parks are the best places for a picnic in London. They are free to enter, come with endless grounds of rolling green, picnic tables, lakes, ponds, and more to keep every visitor entertained. So first off, we’ll be looking at some of London’s best parks that are perfect for a picnic in London.
1. Hyde Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 5am – 12am
Need To Bring Food: Bar, Restaurant and Cafés available on site.
Hyde Park is probably the first park that you think of when you think of the best London picnic spot in a park. Given its proximity to some of central London’s most famous landmarks and it being over 350 acres in size, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular choice.
And with over 4000 trees, a large lake, meadow and more, there are lots of picnic spots to choose from in Hyde Park, London.
2. Brockwell Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7:30am – 15 minutes before sunset
Need To Bring Food: There’s a café available on site
Brockwell Park is a large park in South East London that covers an area of 125.53 acres that’s been awarded one of Lambeth’s 12 Green Flag Awards. If you want a picnic spot in London that comes with historic buildings then Brockwell park is for you. It comes complete with ornamental ponds, flower beds, a walled Old English flower garden, and a 19th century clock tower.
But it’s the hill with a fantastic view of the city on one side, and the sunset on the other, that makes a great picnic spot in London.
3. Richmond Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7:30am – 15 minutes before sunset
Need To Bring Food: There’s a Café, refreshment points and lodge here which offers afternoon tea.
Richmond Park is a 2500 acre park that was originally a hunting ground in the 17th century, and until today is still home to hundreds of deer. Additionally, there are lots of rare fungi, birds, beetles, bats, and wildflowers to view here. And if that wasn’t enough there are numerous activities (horse riding, golfing, cycling, etc.) available here.
Of course, it goes without saying that there are endless picnic spots to choose from here including the Cafés and refreshment points available on site.
4. Alexandra Palace Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7am (summer), 7:30am (winter) – Dusk, though the pedestrian gates are open 24 hours
Need To Bring Food: There’s a Food Court, Bar & Kitchen, Food Trucks and numerous cafés on site.
Alexandra Palace Park is one of the most visited parks in London that gives Londoners a respite from the busy city life. With over 694 types of plants, animals, and fungi, the ecosystem here plays the perfect backdrop for a picnic in London.
And when you need a breather from all the food, you’ll find a boating lake, skatepark, farmer’s market, Go Ape, and more. So your hardest decision will be, where to sit and what to do after?!
5. Holland Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7:30am – Dusk
Need To Bring Food: Cafeteria available on site
Holland Park is one of the most underrated parks in London that’s close to Kensington Palace. It has a large green area that centers around the ruins of Holland house that’s perfect for a picnic spot. But it’s the hidden Kyoto Gardens here where you should really be settling down for your picnic.
The Kyoto Gardens at Holland Park is filled with colourful shrubs, stone lanterns, and Japanese maple trees that centres around a tiered waterfall. It has all the making of a traditional Japanese garden, including Koi carps. If you’re looking for a tranquil spot in London to have a picnic, then Holland Park is for you.
6. Victoria Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7:30am – Dusk
Need To Bring Food: Cafeteria available on site
Victoria Park is a gorgeous Victorian London Park that not only comes complete with the traditional park amenities, but it also has a canal that runs alongside it. With floating boathouses on the canal and all!
Within the park, there are two lakes. On the West Boating Lake there resides one of my favourite attractions, the Victoria Park Chinese Pagoda. If you’re looking for a perfect picnic spot at Victoria Park, it will be any spot with the pagoda in sight.
7. Green Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 5am – 12am
Need To Bring Food: Refreshments points available on site
Green Park is one of the three parks surrounding Buckingham Palace, which’s filled with rolling green lawns and lots of memorials dotted around the park. Although it is the smallest Royal Park in London, it’s is nonetheless one of the best picnic spots in London.
And the fact that there aren’t many distractions in Green Park is actually a bonus as it means you can enjoy your picnic in peace without getting disturbed. Not to mention that you will be dining just a couple of footsteps away from royalty.
8. St James Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 5am – 12am
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
St James Park is one of the most gorgeous parks in London that’s just on the opposite side of Buckingham Palace. There are luscious green lawns that are perfect for a spot of picnic in London, in addition to a children’s playground, a cottage aboard, and an island lake running through its entirety.
Did I mention that there’s a bridge with gorgeous views of the surrounding area and that the park is inhabited with enough wildlife to make you think you’re in a zoo? It’s without a doubt that there’s lots of nature to enjoy here, so your hardest decision will be, which of the picnic spots at St James Park London is perfect for you.
9. Regent’s Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7am – 9pm
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
Regent’s Park is one of the most gorgeous Royal London Parks that has a beautiful mix of large open green spaces, tree lined pathways, a boating lake, 4 children’s playgrounds, and formal gardens. Including my favourite, the Japanese Garden Island located within the Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens which homes over 12,000 roses.
Additionally, there’s a large wetland area, an Open Air Theatre, and over 100 species of wild birds to spot here. And oh yes, for the main attraction there are endless and endless picnic spots to enjoy here in the heart of London. If you don’t want to bring your own picnic, that’s also okay! As there’s a couple of cafés dotted around the park.
The Best Riverside Picnic Spots Along The River Thames In London
During the summer months, the riverside in London is the place to be as the restaurants surrounding the Thames turn al fresco. But did you know that there are a couple of spots where you can have a picnic along the London riverside as well? Read on below as I share some of the best riverside picnic spots with you.
10. Furnival Gardens
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 24 Hours 7 Days A Week
Need To Bring Food: Yes
Furnival Gardens is a riverside park along the River Thames in London that is covered in luscious green lawn offering many perfect picnic spots. This garden is the prime location for those who enjoy viewing the boat races that take place on the River Thames.
So if you really want to make a day out of it, why not time your picnic with a race. Just be sure to pack your picnic with you as there aren’t any cafés available on site! Oah, and there are no toilets available in the park either.
11. Battersea Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 8am – Dusk
Need To Bring Food: Cafés and refreshment points available on site
Battersea Park is a 200 acre Victorian Park located along the riverbank of the Thames in South West London. Other than the luscious green lawns, flower gardens, children’s play areas, zoo, sporting areas, lake, fountains, and more, the main draw here is the Peace pagoda that will transport you to South East Asia.
If you really want to escape the hustle and bustle of London, Battersea Park offers some of the best picnic spots in London that will truly take you away from it all.
12. Victoria Tower Garden South
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7am – 10pm
Need To Bring Food: Yes
Victoria Tower Garden South is a central based riverside park that offers some wonderful picnic spots in London. It’s located right next to the Palace of Westminster just off the North end of Lambeth Bridge and comes complete with a children’s playground and a memorial fountain.
This is a quaint picnic space in London that doesn’t offer any refreshment points, so be sure to come with your best picnic hamper for the occasion.
13. Victoria Embankment Gardens
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 7am – 9pm
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
The Victoria Embankment Gardens is a lovely serene green space that’s located on the north end of the Golden Jubilee Bridge. It’s a riverside garden located along the River Thames, that comes with rolling green lawns, picnic benches, and lots of trees to take cover from the elements.
With the many zones located in this London garden, you’ll be spoilt for picnic spots but be sure to also check out the many memorials dotted around the gardens. And if you want to enjoy the refreshment on-site, the Embankment Café will be ready to cater to you.
The Best London Picnic Spots With A View Of The City
14. Primrose Hill
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 24 hours
Need To Bring Food: Yes
Primrose Hill is the number one place to go in London if you want to enjoy a picnic spot with a view. It’s located just beside Regents Park which encompasses ZSL London Zoo, and it also corners Camden Lock and the famous Venice-like river, making it a prime location.
Primrose Hill itself is a humble green space with a children’s playground. But it’s the panoramic views of the London cityscape here that makes Primrose Hill such a London favourite. Although you do need to bring food with you, I would highly recommend taking a trip to Camden Lock to gather your nourishments before heading here. It makes a nice change from the traditional picnic basket. And as other picnickers gather a whiff of your delicious food, you may even become the envy of everyone.
If you’re planning a visit I would recommend arriving a few hours before sunset and settling down with a picnic in the warm afternoon heat. But make sure you don’t leave until you’ve enjoyed the breathtaking views of London at sunset.
15. Hampstead Heath
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 24 hours
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
Hampstead Heath is one of the largest green oases in London that is the perfect place to escape it all. Thee’s beautiful landscapes to enjoy including lowland, highlands, and woodlands. And if that wasn’t enough there are numerous ponds to enjoy, which includes 3 swimming ponds:
- Mixed Bathing Pond
- Kenwood Ladies Only Bathing Pond
- Highgate Men’s Bathing pond
Whilst there’s plenty to do at Hampstead Heath on the recreational side, it goes without saying that there’s countless picnic spots to enjoy in this not so little North London hook. However, the truly magnificent picnic spots with panoramic views of the City of London are located on the Parliament Hill Viewpoint. So be sure to head here if you are after a picnic spot with a view.
Although there is the Brew House café on site, given the vastness of the size of Hampstead Heath, I would recommend bringing your own picnic basket so you’re not wandering around aimlessly trying to find sustenance.
16. Greenwich Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 6am – 6pm October – February and 6am – 9pm March – September
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
Greenwich Park is a large green space near the University of Greenwich that encompasses the famous Royal Observatory Greenwich. Additionally, there are numerous monuments, a rose garden, a boating pond, and a Wilderness Deer Park.
But the real sweet spot here is the Cherry Blossom boulevard that makes a perfect picnic spot that offers fantastic views on a warm spring day. And if you want a view that’s out of this world be sure to head up to the Royal Observatory!
17. Alexandra Palace Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 6am – 6pm October – February and 6am – 9pm March – September
Need To Bring Food: Café available on site
Alexandra Park is the large park complex located just outside of Alexandra Palace which encompasses sports clubs, a golfing area, a rose garden, a skate park, a boating lake, and more. With so many activities available here, you may even feel like this is your palace complex. But it’s the hill at Alexandra Palace Park that is the real deal here, especially for a picnic with a view of London.
Fancy a midnight winter picnic? Well, the hill at Alexandra Park is the best place to go, especially on New Year’s Eve as it will offer some fantastic picnic spots with views of the London fireworks. Just be sure to arrive early with lots of comfy blankets in tow just in case the other half of London has the same idea.
If you fancy a less busy night for a winter picnic in London, why not combine a trip to the Ice Rink available here during the Christmas season with a picnic in the park. This could even be a new Boxing Day tradition!
The Best London Picnic Spots For People Watching
18. Jubilee Park and Gardens
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 24 hours
Need To Bring Food: Food available locally
Jubilee Park and Gardens is the go-to place is you want to people watch against one of London’s famous landmarks, The London Eye. It’s a lovely green space that was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 that offers lots of picnic spots and plenty of flowerbeds to make it feel homelier in the heart of London.
Although there is a requirement to bring food along with you if you fancy a picnic, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the vendors and restaurants available along the riverbank. I would highly recommend that you immerse yourself into London’s diverse culinary scene to gather your picnic treats, before settling into the Jubilee Park and Gardens.
19. Soho Square Gardens
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 8am – 8pm
Need To Bring Food: Yes
As the name suggests, Soho Square Gardens is a little green oasis in the heart of Soho that provides ample green space to take a moment and escape it all. The Soho Square Gardens is a literal garden that centres around a Tudor style Gazebo with picnic benches and picnic spots dotted around the ground.
And the best part, Soho Square Gardens even offers a view, but this time it will be a view of passer bys and those taking a breather from the everyday London life. If you’re after a spot perfect for people watching, then Soho Square Gardens is for you.
Secret Picnic Spots And Hidden Gems In London
20. The Phoenix Garden
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 10am – 4:30pm
Need To Bring Food: Yes
The Phoenix Gardens is a hidden gem located just behind Covent Garden in London that offers some great picnic spots. In fact, this little garden is so hidden and filled in with greenery, winding paths, a pond, and secret benches dotted all over the place that you may even start to think it’s your own secret garden.
There’s even a little lawn that’s perfect for a picnic on the ground, but be sure to bring your picnic hamper with you. And of course, avoid the lunch hour rush if you want a more exclusive feeling.
21. St Dunstan In The East
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 8am – 7pm
Need To Bring Food: Yes
St Dunstan in The East was once a functioning Church until it was bombed during the Blitz of 1941 whereby a decision was then made to turn the grounds into a public garden. And today you can still visit this little hidden gem that people are only starting to appreciate during the London lockdowns.
When visiting today you’ll be able to appreciate the gardens surrounded by the ruins of the church located in the hustle and bustle of Monument. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the large arch windows and the greenery that drapes the church walls.
And the best part, there is a green lawn right in the center of the ruins that offers many picnic spots for you to choose from. What a more unique picnic spot could you ask for in the heart of London?
22. Thames Barrier Park
Entry: Free
Opening Times: 10am – 4:30pm
Need To Bring Food: Yes
The Thames Barrier Park is a riverfront hidden gem located in East London that’s not too far from London City Airport. In fact, this park is so hidden that it’s on its own little island and besides the locals of Silvertown (yes this is a real place in London and not a Pokémon town) not many others may know of its existence.
This park lays within the redeveloped riverside area and includes gardens, a children’s play area, football and basketball areas as well as an on-site café. My favourite part is the abundance of greenery surrounded by the peacefulness of the area that makes it the perfect picnic spot in London.
The Veiled Explorer Takeaway
And there we have it, the Top 22 picnic spots in London that can be enjoyed in the warm heat of a summer afternoon as well as the cold crisp evening of winter. With so many places on offer, you are beyond spoilt for choice. So whether you’re after a serene hidden gem or a hilltop with views of the city, just grab your hamper and get going!