Best picnic spots in London – and what to eat when you’re there
London boasts an impressive roster of green spaces – but which ones are best for a picnic? Read our rundown of the finest parks in the city
London's glorious diversity of parks are prime for picnicking, whether you're after glorious views, leafy corners or plenty of room to spread out a blanket and tuck in. Whether planning a family-friendly feast, hang out with friends or a low-key lunch, read on for our list of the best parks in the capital – perfect for making the most of summer picnic season and discovering a new area of the city.
We also highlight the best spots to pick up supplies nearby, meaning no more soggy sandwiches or overpriced last-minute supermarket trips.
Packing your own picnic with homemade treats is great for socialising on a budget – see our collections of picnic recipes, picnic drinks and budget picnic recipes for inspiration.
1. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a classic for a reason. The largest of the four Royal Parks in central London, it covers a whopping 350 acres, with meadows, tree-lined paths and the Serpentine lake for boating or people-watching. The Diana Memorial Playground is an brilliant space for children, and the Rose Garden and Speaker’s Corner are also worth exploring. There's even the Hyde Park stables, offering horse ride lessons for adults and children all year round.
What to eat: Head to the Italian Gardens Café in neighbouring Kensington Gardens for locally roasted coffee, sandwiches and handmade cakes, with indoor and outdoor seating available and views of the ponds and fountains to boot (there's also a bespoke gelato cart in the summer). Alternatively, collect cinnamon buns and focaccia rolls from Ole & Steen on nearby Marble Arch, or for a next-level treat, Selfridges Food Hall is a short stroll away.
2. Regent’s Park
Manicured gardens, open lawns and a boating lake are just a few of Regent’s Park stunning features. A must-visit park for families thanks to the playgrounds and world-famous ZSL London Zoo, there's also the hidden Japanese garden, football pitches and tennis courts to keep you busy. The Queen Mary’s Gardens are a riot of roses in the summer and should not be missed.
What to eat: Bread, seasonal bakes and savoury pastries can be found at nearby GAIL's on Baker Street (though be warned of the prices), and the food stalls at Marylebone Farmers’ Market (open on Sundays) offer everything from handmade pasta to artisan chutneys and fresh fruit. Regent's Park also runs food festivals and chef takeovers during the summer.
3. Green Park
Many Londoners have a soft spot for Green Park, which offers an oasis of calm within the hectic centre of the city. Covering 40 acres, it's a relaxed setting for refuelling after a morning of sightseeing, being just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. Its shaded avenues of mature trees and stretches of picturesque grassland make it a popular haunt for sunbathers and picnickers.
What to eat: Plan a pre-picnic visit to Soho’s historic Italian deli, Lina Stores, and take your pick from charcuterie, cheeses, antipasti and breads to take away. Don't hesitate to try the produce before you buy, from porchetta to prosciutto di parma, pecorino and provolone piccante. A loaf of their sourdough makes the perfect base for a makeshift sarnie – just make sure to leave room for a couple of ricotta and pistachio cannolis.
4. Victoria Park
Known as the 'People’s Park', this much-loved east London green space offers lakes, playgrounds, fountains and plenty of shady trees. For parents looking to entertain kids there's the splash pool for hot days, as well as a skate park for teens. Make sure to check out the Chinese pagoda set on an island within the lake during your post-picnic stroll.
What to eat: If you're visiting on the weekend it would be remiss not to visit the market. Turkish gözleme, Argentinian empanadas and Greek souvlaki are just some of the dishes on offer, along with homemade cakes, local craft beer, a natural wine bar and even a bloody mary bar. On Sunday there's a focus on quality produce, with a curation of seasonal fruit and veg, locally baked bread, cheese, charcuterie, organic meat and more.
5. Greenwich Park
If you want dramatic views of the Thames and city skyline to accompany your picnic, Greenwich Park is the frontrunner. There’s plenty of open space, a deer park, flower gardens and of course the Royal Observatory. Kids can blow off steam in the maritime-themed playground or on the boating lake, while adults can explore the park's famous maritime history or enjoy views away from the crowds at the summit of One Tree Hill.
What to eat: The quaint Greenwich Market, open seven days a week, is packed with street food wonders – grab a box of fist-sized chorizo scotch eggs, gourmet sausage rolls or Italian macarons. Paul Rhodes Bakery is a favourite for pastries and bread, while Heap’s Sausages sells hearty hot dogs to go.
6. Hampstead Heath
Wild, sprawling and full of panoramic city views, Hampstead Heath is ideal for those who prefer their picnics with a side of adventure. There are plenty of things to see and do following your lunch: climb Parliament Hill for unbeatable skyline views, paddle in the famous bathing ponds or book a slot at the 60-metre long lido. Expect lush woodlands and meadows, too.
What to eat: Pick up an expertly curated picnic made by the famous The Hampstead Butcher & Providore, complete with charcuterie, truffle crisps and Willies chocolate (disposable plates and drinkware, cutlery and condiments in sturdy disposable containers are included). There's premium challah and pastries galore from Karma Bread Bakery, or for a purse-friendly option, the local M&S Foodhall for all the picnic classics.
7. Richmond Park
The largest of London’s Royal Parks is also the wildest, boasting verdant open landscapes and herds of free-roaming deer. Covering 2,500 acres, there are woodlands, lakes and plenty of quiet spots for a peaceful picnic which will make you forget you're still in the city. A visit to the Isabella Plantation – at its most magical in spring – is an essential for nature-lovers.
What to eat: Get your fresh sarnies and sausage roll fix from The Alberts Deli, a local favourite and hidden gem located only five minutes from Richmond station. Or immerse yourself in the sights and smells of traditional swiss bread and pastries at Swiss Bread Bakery, all of which are baked by hand on a daily basis.
8. Battersea Park
This Thames-side gem features wide lawns suitable for leisurely picnics, or park up on a riverside bench for lunch with prime views of Albert Bridge. A post-prandial walk will take you around the boating lake, secret gardens and the elevated pagoda, while little ones can keep entertained over in the park's adventure playground or Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
What to eat: Pear Tree Café inside the park boasts a desirable position overlooking the boating lake, serving up takeaway pastries, coffees and pizza on the weekend. For extra treats, head to Mahali Bakery for speciality coffee and creative bakes, such as its pandan and coconut cruffins.
9. Primrose Hill
This popular spot north of Regent's Park features one of the six protected viewpoints in London, so you can rest assured your picnic will encompass some of the best views of the city. Located in the village-like area of Primrose Hill, the picturesque Regency townhouses and Victorian terraces are lovely environs for meandering. The Grade II listed park also includes an outdoor gym and children's playground. You could even walk along Regent’s Canal towpath which will take you to Camden Market.
What to eat: You'll find many charming cafés along Regent's Park Road, which adjoins the park, including lofty New York-style bagels at It's Bagels. It's a few minutes' walk from the the park's viewpoint, and if you can cope with the queues, their wares make perfect posh picnic grub.
10. London Fields
This Hackney favourite is regarded as a trendy hangout spot, with ample grassy space for you to settle down for your picnic. There's also a cricket pitch, heated 50-metre lido and café, tennis courts, table tennis table and two children's play areas, so there's something here for everyone.
What to eat: Broadway Market is within shouting distance and offers a bustling cornucopia of food market treasures and specialist food retail. There are plenty of shops and cafés surrounding the market, from costermongers to greengrocers, great for adding to your picnic basket.
11. Alexandra Palace
Though mostly known for its leisure and entertainment facilities, 'Ally Pally' provides panoramic views of London's skyline, creating an epic setting for a picnic. You'll also find rolling lawns, a boating lake, skate park, and woodland walks, leaving you with plenty of ways to while away the hours. There are often family-friendly events on the weekend plus a farmers’ market on Sundays, which is a well-loved local fixture for residents.
What to eat: Fetch picnic supplies at Ally Pally Farmers’ Market on Sundays – think artisan bread, cheese and sweet bakes. Or for a quick grab-and-go, try long-running local bakery Dunns Bakery in Crouch End.
12. Clapham Common
Stretching over 220 acres, Clapham's spacious triangular park offers a slice of calm amid hectic south-west London. Visitors are spoilt for choice with cafés encircling the park, including Italian gelateria and local favourite Nardulli. There's a skate park inside the park, four ponds (including Eagle Pond for fishing, complete with wooden platforms), a wetland and London's largest bandstand, which hosts a free summer concert series.
What to eat: Neighbourhood café August Bakery is home to some of the best bakes in the area, with homely smells of fresh bread drifting out the door. Plan a pitstop for good-quality coffee and classic viennoiserie.
13. Crystal Palace
This charming south-east London park is a family favourite thanks to its life-size dinosaur sculptures, boating lake, maze and city farm (complete with goats and pigs). Spanning 200 acres, there’s plenty of space for children to run around and lots to explore, including the Crystal Palace Food Market on the weekend which sells street food, fresh loaves and cakes.
What to eat: Crystal Palace denizens are proud to have Chatsworth Bakehouse – one of the frontrunners behind London's bakery boom – on their door step. The Saturday queue can get monstrous, however they're much quieter during weekday hours. Inside the park, Brown & Green Café offers salads and sandwiches to go.
14. Brockwell Park
Brockwell Park is a green oasis for south Londoners, conveniently located near the road leading to the always-busy Brixton. The hilly, open landscape means there's beautiful scenes back towards the city, perfect for absorbing mid-graze. Work up an appetite with a brisk swim in the iconic grade II-listed Brockwell Lido, or let little ones run wild in the large playground and wet play area.
What to eat: Fill up on pastries and velvety flat whites at independent Maya's Bakehouse, or saunter to Bunhead Bakery on the park's perimeter for savoury sourdough buns with Palestinian flavours. Alternatively, Herne Hill Market (open Sundays) makes a fitting morning activity.
15. Walthamstow Wetlands
Act like a East Londoner by skipping the crowded parks of Hackney and Stoke Newington and travelling to the end of the Victoria line, arriving at Walthamstow. Bordering the River Lea, this 211-hectare nature reserve is less manicured lawns and more wildlife haven, ideal for escaping the urban jungle. Cycle along the area's protected marshes – past nettles, elderflower and blackberries (depending on the season) – and settle down for your feast.
What to eat: Located a 10-minute walk away, you won't regret a stop-off at Table 13 for pizza and Italian sandwiches. The wetlands also has The Engine House café, where you can fill up on toasties, bagels and coffee freshly roasted by north London specialist coffee roasters Liberty Coffee. Grab-and-go or sit out on the terrace overlooking the reserve.
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