London's best parks and places for a picnic

When the sun is out in London, there are few better things to do than pack up your hamper and head off for a picnic.

With the city bathed in glorious heat, it's of the utmost importance to get out and enjoy every last bit of it: as we’ve seen already this year, it doesn’t last long. Plenty of hearty picnic snacks and liquid refreshments will certainly help you do that. Chuck in some beautiful surroundings or an incredible view and it's a job well done.

We've drawn up a list of places where to find some of the best picnic spots across the capital. Whether you're after a secluded spot, a hub of activity or, erm, dinosaur statues, we've got you covered.

Primrose Hill

If you’re after a picnic with a view, there are few better places to visit that Primrose Hill. With the top of the hill more than 60 metres above sea level, the sprawling city skyline is laid out in front of you. It’s right next to London Zoo, too, if you feel inclined to pop over after your picnic.

Nearest station: Camden Town (Underground), Chalk Farm (Underground)

If you’re after a picnic with a view, there are few better places to visit that Primrose Hill. With the top of the hill more than 60 metres above sea level, the sprawling city skyline is laid out in front of you. It’s right next to London Zoo, too, if you feel inclined to pop over after your picnic.

Kew Gardens

The botanical gardens provide a stunning location for a picnic. There are countless beautiful spots within the grounds for you to set yourself down and enjoy your food, as well as a specifically designated picnic place near Brentford Gate.

Nearest station: Kew Gardens (Overground, Underground)

The botanical gardens provide a stunning location for a picnic. There are countless beautiful spots within the grounds for you to set yourself down and enjoy your food, as well as a specifically designated picnic place near Brentford Gate.

Richmond Park

This is a real favourite among Londoners, but as it spans more than 2,500 acres (the largest of the Royal Parks), it’s always possible to find a quiet, secluded spot for a picnic. The park is home to thriving wildlife, too – around 650 deer live alongside birds, beetles, bumblebees and more.

Nearest station: Richmond (Underground)

This is a real favourite among Londoners, but as it spans more than 2,500 acres (the largest of the Royal Parks), it’s always possible to find a quiet, secluded spot for a picnic. The park is home to thriving wildlife, too – around 650 deer live alongside birds, beetles, bumblebees and more.

Greenwich Park

(​Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

Nearest station: Cutty Sark (DLR)

This is London’s oldest Royal Park and it is fairly sizeable (183 acres, in fact). There’s plenty to see and do within the grounds – from a visit to the Greenwich Planetarium to walking through the University grounds – but the best picnic spot is probably atop the hill, which offers marvellous views of the Thames and the London skyline.

Dulwich Park

(Trevor Moore)

Nearest station: West Dulwich, North Dulwich or Forest Hill

A gem of a park lined with ancient oak trees surrounding a gentle pedalo pond, Bowles club and cafe. The park’s proximity to midurbian Dulwich and Forest Hill means there are plenty of family friendly things, playgrounds and such, but tennis courts and cricket nets are there too, for the more active among you.

Crystal Palace Park

There’s plenty of green space within this park, along with a dedicated area close to the lake. Be sure to check out the dinosaur sculptures as well, which have been there since the park opened in the Victorian era.

Nearest station: Crystal Palace (Overground)

There’s plenty of green space within this park, along with a dedicated area close to the lake. Be sure to check out the dinosaur sculptures as well, which have been there since the park opened in the Victorian era.

Holland Park

A retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kensington. The grounds offer a great deal – from sport pitches to woodland area – but perhaps the highlight is the Japanese Kyoto Garden. The idyllic spot, complete with koi pond and waterfall, has benches perfect for a picnic.

Nearest station: Holland Park (Underground)

A retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kensington. The grounds offer a great deal – from sport pitches to woodland area – but perhaps the highlight is the Japanese Kyoto Garden. The idyllic spot, complete with koi pond and waterfall, has benches perfect for a picnic.

Brockwell Park

Nearest station: Herne Hill (overground)

Basketball, tennis, cricket nets, a BMX track and a lido; Brockwell park seems geared for an active day out. However, the soft hills of the park are also perfect for soaking up summer sun, with plenty of local cafes and delis providing good spots to refuel.

Horniman Museum

Nearest station: Forest Hill (Overground)

Head for the quaint 112-year-old bandstand within the gardens of the Horniman Musuem for the best picnic location – although there are many viable alternatives dotted throughout the 16-acre grounds. Afterwards, stroll along the nature trail or visit the Grade II listed conservatory – or, of course, step inside the free museum.

Hampstead Heath

Nearest station: Hampstead Heath (Overground), Hampstead (Underground)

Another popular place, and for good reason. The view over London from the top of Parliament Hill is top notch – and protected by law, luckily. The area in front of Kenwood House, the stately home, is also a picnic patch to consider. And if you need to cool down later, check out the swimming ponds.

Victoria Park

Known as "the People’s Park", this East End spot is an old favourite – in fact, it’s the oldest public park in London, opening in 1845. Once you’ve tucked into your hamper, we suggest a leisurely trip on a row boat, which can be hired from 11am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Nearest station: Hackney Wick (Overground)

Known as "the People’s Park", this East End spot is an old favourite – in fact, it’s the oldest public park in London, opening in 1845. Once you’ve tucked into your hamper, we suggest a leisurely trip on a row boat, which can be hired from 11am to 5pm, seven days a week.

Battersea Park

There are a number of picturesque gardens within Battersea Park, but perhaps the best for a picnic would be the Sub Tropical Garden, where can you relax under the palm trees and admire the other exotic plants.

Nearest stations: Battersea Park (Overground)

There are a number of picturesque gardens within Battersea Park, but perhaps the best for a picnic would be the Sub Tropical Garden, where can you relax under the palm trees and admire the other exotic plants.

Clapham Common

It's always chock full of joggers, footballers, yogis, cyclists and all other manners of people, but Clapham Common is big enough to mean it's never impossible to find a quiet, pleasant place for a picnic. A spot by Mount Pound is always a winner.

Nearest stations: Clapham Common, Clapham South (Underground)

It's always chock full of joggers, footballers, yogis, cyclists and all other manners of people, but Clapham Common is big enough to mean it's never impossible to find a quiet, pleasant place for a picnic. A spot by Mount Pound is always a winner.

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