London’s Loveliest Picnic Spots

You’ve got your stylish rug, luxury hamper and sausage rolls – but where to pitch up? Despite hosting a population of over nine million people, there are plenty of quiet and idyllic places to picnic in London – from Hampstead Heath to Hyde Park. These are our top picks for the perfect picnic in London

Best Places To Have A Picnic In London

1. Hyde Park

As one of the most prominent and visited green spaces in London, Hyde Park certainly isn’t lacking in picnic spots. Pitch up by the 40-acre Serpentine and enjoy a post-picnic boat ride on the lake, or head to the Rose Garden in the south east of the park where you can dine amongst an abundance of pretty florals. What’s more, you’ll find a number of refreshment points dotted around the park (in case you’ve forgotten to pack a bottle of water amongst the flurry of fizz). royalparks.org.uk

Closest Stations: Piccadilly Line (Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge), Central Line (Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate, Queensway), Circle Line (Bayswater)

2. Hampstead Heath

Renowned for its remarkable city views and bathing ponds, London’s 790-acre Hampstead Heath makes for the perfect picnic. Perch upon Parliament Hill Viewpoint for the park’s best panorama of the city where you’ll be able to spot a number of iconic London landmarks, from The Shard to the Houses of Parliament. Or or an especially secret spot, venture over to the Hill Garden & Pergola to the west, where a Georgian arbour and terrace await exploration. If you’ve got itchy feet, be sure to take a wander around Hampstead High Street and delight in an ice cream at Venchi Chocolate and Gelato. cityoflondon.gov.uk

Closest Stations: Northern Line (Belsize Park, Hampstead, Kentish Town), Overground (Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak)

3. Kew Gardens

Where better to picnic than the Royal Botanic Gardens? Richmond’s Kew Gardens deserves an entire day out, with its spectacular Rose Garden (designed in 1948), Cedar Vista, Treetop Walkway and iconic Palm House, Kew’s expansive greenhouse enriched a vast array of world-wide tropical plants. View the Kew Gardens map ahead of your visit to find the perfect spot to park on. kew.org

Closest Stations: Kew Gardens (District Line and Overground), Kew Bridge train station

4. The V&A’s John Madejski Garden

Combine outdoor dining with a visit to The V&A, where you’ll find the perfect picnic spot located in the museum’s John Madejski Garden. Dating back to 1857, the courtyard was formed as the V&A’s surrounding green space made way for the museum’s expansion and the emergence of South Kensington’s structure and establishment. A small slice of green serenity amidst the museum’s grand edifice now remains, ideal for a mid or post-visit picnic. vam.ac.uk

Find It: London SW7 2RL

Closest Stations: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line)

5. Primrose Hill

Another green space boasting picturesque views of the city skyline, Primrose Hill is a popular spot for picnickers, renowned for its surrounding pretty pastel townhouses and A-list residences. Perch yourself at the top of the hill where you can munch on your sandwiches and Scotch eggs whilst admiring the city vista. It’s also worth noting that the park is in easy reach of London Zoo, ideal for a post-picnic visit which the little ones will love. royalparks.org.uk

Closest Stations: St John’s Wood (Jubilee Line), Chalk Farm and Camden Town (Northern Line), South Hampstead and Camden Road (Overground)

6. Victoria Park

Victoria Park – or ‘the people’s park’ as it’s well renowned – emerged in the 19th century in the hope of improving East London’s living conditions and life expectancy. Today, the Tower Hamlets parkland draws in thousands of picnickers every year with its Regal Boat Hire, children’s play areas and beloved Pavilion Café which overlooks the lake – ideal if you need a hamper refill. towerhamlets.gov.uk

Closest Stations: Hackney Wick (Overground), Bethnal Green and Mile End (Central Line)

7. The Natural History Museum

One of the most majestic buildings in London, The Natural History Museum in South Kensington makes for the perfect picnic backdrop, followed by a visit to the museum of course. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and dine al fresco on the front lawn, which has just had a refresh for 2024. nhm.ac.uk

Find It: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

Closest Stations: South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines), Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line)

8. St James’s Park

Perhaps the most exalted of all the Royal Parks with an enviable position bordering Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park is well worth a visit. It’s here that you’ll find the beautiful Buckingham Palace flower beds, The Queen Victoria Memorial, and The Blue Bridge which boasts impressive views of the palace across St James’s Park Lake. Keep an eye out for park’s resident pelicans – you can catch them being fed beside the park’s charming Duck Island Cottage between 2-3pm every day. royalparks.org.uk

Closest Stations: St James’s Park (District and Circle Lines), Westminster (Jubilee Line), Victoria (Victoria Line), Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)

9. Richmond Park

A National Nature Reserve and the largest Royal Park, Richmond Park enjoys plenty of prepossessing picnic spots. Pitch up in the Isabella Plantation, a captivating woodland garden adorned with tranquil ponds, Kurume Azaelas (brought over from Japan in the 1920s) and plenty of wildlife. The park is also home to an array of freely-roaming Fallow deer – but keep your sandwiches to yourself. royalparks.org.uk

Closest Stations: Richmond (Overground, District and National Rail)

10. Holland Park

Picnic with the elite at Holland Park, a leafy oasis tucked between Kensington and Shepherd’s Bush. Right in the middle is the tranquil Kyoto Garden, filled with colourful plants, shrubs and trickling water features designed by Shoji Nakahara. Visit before or after a picnic in the surrounding park, which is popular among dog walkers and families.

Closest Stations: Holland Park (Central Line), Kensington Olympia (Overground and District Line)