Looking for special London picnic locations? With ‘Love Parks Week’ on the 26th of July and the entire month celebrating the joy of picnics, there’s no better time to visit London’s amazing parks and green spaces.
As one of the world’s greenest capitals, and more than 4,000 spaces to choose from, London parks have their own unique character and appeal whether you prefer alfresco dining next to fountains, water features, or high up with sprawling city views.
After a day of touring London’s sights, visiting well-known museums, or being entertained by a West End musical, a park visit can offer a welcome retreat. In fact, any of London’s green spaces are perfect for a peaceful picnic away from the humdrum of the city’s streets.
This article explores some of London’s best parks and their unique features, perfect for your next picnic adventure if the weather behaves itself as summer unfolds. Here are five London picnic locations to try this summer.
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A park for any picnic
London’s parks offer a diverse array of picnic experiences, each with its own unique charm and features. Whether you’re looking for sporting activities, wild swimming, royal gardens, historical sites, or simply a beautiful green space to relax, there’s a perfect picnic spot waiting for you.
With July being designated as the official month of picnics, if the sun does make an appearance, there is no better way to enjoy a sandwich at lunchtime or take a break from sightseeing with a picnic in a park. London has a wealth of picnicking spots to choose from whether you head south or north of the Thames.
Regent’s Park: Zoo and canal
While there is plenty to see and enjoy in London, it’s always lovely to visit an attraction without having to spend too much. All eight of London’s Royal Parks are free. One of the most central is Regent’s Park, which is a great park to lay out a picnic blanket after a shopping trip on London’s famous Oxford Street or at a vintage market in trendy Camden.
Regent’s Park, designed by John Nash in 1811, is one of the capital’s most renowned Royal Parks. It offers a stunning backdrop for a picnic with wonderful gardens, tree-lined paths bustling with joggers, dog walkers, and visitors on their way to see some not-so-local wildlife! Indeed, London Zoo stretches over 36 acres of Regent’s Park and is home to 10,000 animals.
For water lovers, Regent’s Park also sets itself apart due to its proximity to the Regent’s Canal, providing picturesque views for a picnic with colourful narrowboats gliding past, or a waterside London pub experience like no other.
Post-picnic, if you want to burn off those cocktail sausages and nibbles, there are impressive sporting facilities on offer too, such as tennis courts, one of London’s top running routes, and a must-do walk up Primrose Hill. Once you’ve reached its peak, you’ll find it a fantastic vantage point to admire the capital’s skyline and spot major landmarks before you head to the Thames for a river tour.
Hampstead Heath: Pond swims and pretty views
For those seeking a more rugged and natural picnic setting, Hampstead Heath offers an escape from the manicured lawns of central London. Apart from its rural vibe so close to central London, the Heath’s most famous features are its three ponds.
Today, more people realise the health benefits of outdoor swims and prefer diving into a natural pool with fresh water rather than chlorinated one. So, for a truly memorable outdoor swim, head to the mixed pond, men’s pond, or ladies’ pond for an idyllic, lazy picnic and refreshing dip.
Hampstead Heath is also a beautiful place for a walk with ancient woods, ‘wilding’ meadow, and the imposing Kenwood House. For an ultimate scenic picnic, Parliament Hill has elevated views of the London skyline, making it one of the most popular picnic locations in the city.
Spread your blanket, unpack your hamper, and feast your eyes on iconic landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Palace of Westminster, the Gherkin, the Shard, and the London Eye.
Kensington Gardens: Art and fountains
For a picnic fit for royalty, look no further than Kensington Gardens. Once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, this royal park now offers visitors a chance to dine in truly regal surroundings. Its striking grounds, ornamental flower beds, and serene water features make it one of the most beautiful parks in London.
Regarding special memorials, the Diana Memorial Fountain is another unique feature of Kensington Gardens. This contemporary water feature, designed to reflect Diana’s life, offers a peaceful spot and picnics are permitted on the nearby grass areas.
The Serpentine, a large recreational lake that straddles both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, provides a stunning backdrop for your picnic. Find a spot along its banks and watch the swans glide by as you enjoy your picnic.
For art lovers, the Serpentine Galleries offers world-class exhibitions for you to combine your picnic with a taste of culture. Pack a light lunch and enjoy it on the gallery’s lawn before exploring the latest installations.
Greenwich Park: Maritime history and timeless wonders
Venturing to the southeast of London, Greenwich Park offers a unique blend of maritime history, scientific significance, and natural beauty.
This is the oldest of London’s Royal Parks, providing picnickers with stunning views of the River Thames and the city beyond. One of Greenwich Park’s most distinctive features is its connection to timekeeping and navigation.
The nearby National Maritime Museum offers fascinating insights into Britain’s seafaring past. Furthermore, Greenwich Park is home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line, where east meets west at Longitude 0°.
Once here, ensure you leave enough time for a picnic—perhaps a themed one with foods from different time zones. Afterwards, take a short walk to the top of the hill, where the observatory offers breathtaking views of London and the Thames.
Another one of the most amazing London picnic locations to add to your list!
St James’s Park: Pageantry and pelicans
St James’s Park offers a picnic location steeped in royal history. This small but perfectly formed park is surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and the Horse Guards Parade.
One of the park’s most unusual features is its resident pelicans. These large birds have been a fixture here since the 17th century when they were gifted to Charles II by the Russian Ambassador.
If you want to explore more of the park and are keen to do something in London for free, the park’s central lake, complete with two islands, provides a picturesque setting for your outdoor meal. Find a spot on the grass near the water’s edge and enjoy views of the London Eye and the iconic Horse Guards building as you dine.
For a touch of royal splendour, position your picnic blanket to catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. While the main event happens at Buckingham Palace, you can often see the guards marching through the park on their way to and from the palace.
This Love Parks Week, pack your hamper, grab your blanket, and set out to discover the unique charms of London’s incredible parks for a lovely picnic. There’s no better way to celebrate how much you love parks while relaxing in the heart of the capital.
