There are very few traditions that evoke the grace and charm of summertime in England quite like a picnic. Since the 18th Century, this humble meal shared with friends in an outdoor setting has found its way into the fabric of English springs and summers, with examples sewn across classic literature from Jane Austen’s Emma and Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited to the delightful riverside antics of The Wind in the Willows.
In the 21st century, picnics remain a cherished activity for residents and visitors to the city of London with its wonderful wealth of vistas, backdrops and locations to choose from.
In this guide, we explore some of London’s most picturesque picnic spots that range from famous royal parks to somewhat lesser-known postcodes.
Hyde Park - The Quintessential Picnic
Hyde Park has been recognised among the city’s most treasured green spaces for centuries. The central London location is definitely a key to its enduring popularity with a 350-acre haven of beautiful greenery and wildlife just moments away from the heaving transport hubs of the Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate, and Knightsbridge underground stations.
The northern banks of its Serpentine Lake represent the finest choice to make your base for an alfresco lunch, although it pays to get there early, especially on weekends or at peak summer times. You will not be without choices for additional activities to augment your day here too. Beginning with a boat trip on the lake itself is always a great way to while away an hour and work up that all-important appetite, of course. It’s also a great opportunity to take a closer look at the local fauna that have made this place their home.
It will undoubtedly be busy in Hyde Park so the perfect spot is at a premium, but if you venture towards the more peaceful pathways towards Kensington Gardens then you should find more than enough blanket real estate to claim as your own. A little stop along the way to experience the vibrant oratory of Speakers Corner while you are on the move is always a worthwhile experience too.
Hampstead Heath – The Wild Card
If you are looking for a somewhat less manicured and wilder natural experience, then Hampstead Heath has to be a consideration. The wild rolling meadows, countryside ambience and wooded areas that invite you to get lost in them can make you forget that you are in one of the world’s most popular capital cities. This North London location is most conveniently accessed from Hampstead Heath Underground Station on the Northern Line with links right across the city and beyond.
The views here are absolutely breathtaking and it is little wonder that artists, writers and poets such as the Romantic luminary, John Keats, would use them as a muse.
Settling down with a hamper on Parliament Hill, the summit of Hampstead Heath, will afford you the most incredible panoramic view of the London skyline, sweeping across landmarks from The Shard to St Paul’s Cathedral.
There is such a wide variety of landscapes here that mean you can choose a waterside spot to soak up the sun in style or retreat to a more secluded woodland area in almost 800 acres of natural beauty. Alongside the wealth of scenic trails, there are designated ponds for open swimming that offer a more bracing activity if desired too. The historic Kenwood House is open to visitors and includes a café should you forget any picnic essentials en route. It is important to note that due to uneven ground in some parts, walking shoes may be advised if you want to wander on Hampstead Heath.
Greenwich Park – An All-Time Great
There is a unique confluence of ancient natural history and modern scientific significance that accompanies Greenwich Park to make it a picnic location unlike any other in the city. It is a jewel in the crown of south east London, just a stone’s throw away from the Cutty Sark DLR station and the Greenwich railway.
Although much smaller than the previous mentions in this guide, it certainly manages to pack a remarkable amount to see and experience within its 183 acres. The expansive lawns and verdant parkland underfoot create a fantastic foundation for views along the River Thames, where one can see the Cutty Sark itself surrounded by the bankside bustle of bars and markets.
The thrill of claiming a dining spot near the world famous Royal Observatory at the top of the hill makes this a difficult picnic to beat. This was essential in creating the Prime Meridian used to locate us all in space and time for centuries since. With mature trees creating an enclosed deer sanctuary and a vibrant collection of accompanying British wildlife to study, it is easy to spend the whole day here. You may also want to factor in a post-picnic stroll to the nearby grand Queen’s House museum.
Richmond Park – Open Skies & Natural Wonder
Richmond Park is the largest suggestion in our guide by a long way at an expansive 2,500 acres. This huge South West London park is well served by the National Rail, Overground and District Line Underground, all from Richmond station.
Pembroke Lodge Gardens offer the most impressive picnic spot for you to settle in amongst the perfect lawns lined with azaleas and rhododendrons, opening up picture perfect views of the nearby Thames Valley. As a protected nature reserve, it is requested that you respect the wildlife guidelines set out if you do want to venture further for some bird spotting or to catch a glimpse of the famous deer. And there is so much to see, with free roaming red and fallow deer beneath the canopied trees that are home to woodpeckers, kestrels and owls.
This is London’s biggest Royal Park and it offers a tranquil and calming atmosphere that demands your attention wherever the eye falls. It is therefore well worth considering one of the many trails or cycle paths to explore it with the time it deserves.
Wherever you choose from our guide, take a moment to appreciate the view as much as the food as London really does provide the perfect pairing for any picnic. With centuries of history, development and heritage blending with awe-inspiring natural landscapes it is guaranteed to be a feast for all the senses.
