10 Best Picnic Spots in London [Tips & Recommends]

For Londoners, the rare and glorious sunshine means it's time to grab a picnic basket and head outdoors. Imagine sitting on soft green grass, enjoying the view, and savouring your favourite food. How can you not dream of such a moment of leisure and good food?

Whether you are planning a family gathering or just enjoying the outdoors alone, London has a variety of picnic spots to suit people's needs.

This blog will provide information about best picnic spots in London and how to prepare for a wonderful picnic trip. We also highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations, which are famous for their portability and capacity. They are the best companions for picnicking in London.

Why Do People Like Picnics in London? 

Whether in a park, beach or backyard, you must spread your picnic blanket and enjoy the food and sunshine. Although London's weather makes it challenging to plan a picnic, most people can always have a few impromptu picnics in the warmer months. In London, the reasons why people are keen on picnics can be analysed from the following aspects:

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Picnics have a long history in Europe and originated from social activities of the upper class in the 18th century. In addition, the middle class in London, who the Romantic Movement profoundly influenced, believed that picnics were an elegant lifestyle. Picnics gradually became a popular leisure activity and a fixed option for family and social activities.

Climate Adaptability

London has a temperate maritime climate, usually mild and humid, with little sunshine. Its mild weather and relatively abundant spring and summer sunshine make it suitable for outdoor activities such as picnics. Londoners can't give up the warm sun, so they use weekends or holidays to enjoy outdoor time in parks and green spaces.

Rich Picnic Sites

From lush large parks to vast lawns and green spaces, there is no shortage of good places for picnics in London. For example, London's Hyde Park, Greenwich Park and St. James's Park are great places for a picnic. Some London parks even have dedicated picnic areas and facilities.

How to Choose the Best Spot for a Picnic in London? 

Whether planning a romantic date or a fun family outing, choosing the right picnic spot can significantly impact your experience. To select the best picnic spot in London, consider scenery, facilities and privacy.

Supporting Facilities

Please prioritise picnic spots with convenient facilities such as clean water, flat lawns, and public toilets. Hyde Park, which has a children's play area, will be more popular with families as a picnic spot. In addition, nearby high-quality food stores or markets (such as La Fromagerie on Marylebone High Street) can reduce the pressure of bringing your food.

Season and Weather Adaptability

If it is spring, you can choose flowering parks such as Greenwich Park (Cherry Blossom Avenue) or the Japanese Kyoto Garden in Holland Park (Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing). If you want to enjoy a picnic in the summer, you can choose open-air venues such as Hampstead Heath or Morden Hall Park.

Privacy

In London, popular parks (such as Hyde Park) may be crowded on weekends, making having a good picnic experience challenging. The private corners by the lake in St. James's Park or St. John's Cottage in Regent's Park are more suitable for groups seeking quietness.

In short, you can consider the above factors and accurately match the best picnic spots in London according to group needs (family, couples, friends gathering) and preferences (nature, convenience, culture).

10 Best Picnic Spots in London 

London's picnic spots can meet almost everyone's picnic requirements. Some are suitable for family outings, while others are romantic places ideal for couples. Here are ten carefully selected best picnic spots in London:

Brockwell Park

Closest Stations: Herne Hill (overground)

In South London, Brockwell Park has rolling grass, beautiful ponds, and extensive lawns, making it an excellent place for a family picnic. You can also play basketball, tennis, cricket, mountain biking, and enjoy the outdoor swimming pools here. The hills of Brockwell Park are also perfect for comfortable sunbathing after a picnic.

Hyde Park

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

You can enjoy a picnic by the 40-acre Serpentine Lake while watching the pedal boats glide on the lake. You can also sit in the shade or walk freely in the park. Several kiosks around the park offer a variety of snacks and treats.

Kew Gardens

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

In the 300-acre Kew Gardens, you can choose woods, lawns, gardens and lakeside as your picnic site. There is also a picnic site dedicated to people near its Brentford Gate. Between picnics, you can visit the temperate botanical gardens with the rarest and most endangered plant species on the planet. Another obvious benefit of Kew Gardens is that you don't have to worry about rain. You can permanently hide in the greenhouses that cultivate exotic plants from all over the world.

Primrose Hill

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

Primrose Hill is located in the north of London and offers stunning city skyline views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. You can visit nearby cafes and bakeries to add delicious snacks to your picnic. It is close to the London Zoo, so you can take your children there to see after your picnic.

Victoria Park

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

Victoria Park is an old English park beside a lake, attracting thousands of picnickers yearly. You can sit on the benches or picnic by the lake while enjoying the water view. If you are lucky, you can also encounter music events during your picnic here on a weekend. Among them, the Pavilion Cafe and The Hub in the park are wheelchair accessible.

Richmond Park

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

You will find a quiet, secluded picnic spot in Richmond Park, which covers over 2,500 acres. Picnicking in Richmond Park will make you feel like you are in a wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to the shade of ancient trees, you can enjoy the wild scenery of rolling hills and forests. When picnicking, please avoid wildlife such as deer (about 650), birds, beetles, bumblebees, etc.

Holland Park

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

The highlight is undoubtedly the Kyoto Gardens, which feature colourful plants and shrubs, a koi pond, and a waterfall. Holland Park has facilities for a few tennis, golf, and cricket rounds, but cycling is not allowed.

Greenwich Park

Closest Stations: Cutty Sark (DLR)

Located in southeast London, Greenwich Park combines vast lawns with stunning views, making it one of the best picnic spots in London. If you choose to picnic on Greenwich Park's high ground, you can also enjoy the magnificent views of the Thames. After your picnic, stroll to the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum or the Deer Park to get up close and personal with nature.

Hampstead Heath

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

The park's meadows, ponds, and woods offer picnicking opportunities in the summer sun. It is also known for its magnificent city views, rolling meadows, lush plants, and bathing pools. On the Parliament Hill Observation Deck, you can also see many of London's iconic landmarks and have a superb panoramic view of the city.

Horniman Museum

Closest Stations: Forest Hill (Overground)

Located in southeast London, the Horniman Museum has large green meadows, diverse nature trails and amazing wildlife. If it rains, you can take shelter and picnic under the covered Dutch Barn. After your picnic, you can visit the free museum with a rich collection of taxidermy and Grade II-listed greenhouses.

How Do You Pack for a Picnic in London?

You must prepare essential picnic supplies before packing your picnic basket with delicious food. From large picnic blankets to reusable cutlery, napkins and sunscreen, many extras can enhance your picnic experience.

Picnic Packing Checklist

Here is a practical and British-style London picnic packing checklist for you:

How to Pack Picnic Items and Equipment?

Here are some practical tips for packing picnic items and equipment in London:

Store in Layers: Place heavier items (such as food baskets, insulated boxes, and water bottles) at the bottom of your backpack or picnic basket. Then, use dividers or storage bags to sort and place tableware, fruits, and snacks. Finally, place items ready for use (sunscreen and hats) on top.

Use Space Flexible: To avoid clutter, place small items such as tableware and seasoning bottles in the gaps of the picnic basket. Also, place food upright to prevent it from being squeezed and deformed.

Pack and Seal: If drinks (such as red wine and juice) are easy to spill (such as red wine and juice) in the picnic basket, pack them in silicone-sealing and insulated bags to prevent leakage and contamination of other items.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Picnic in London

London's beautiful parks are perfect for long picnics, but charging devices can be challenging. A portable power station allows you to power speakers for music, projectors for outdoor movies, or tablets for games, extending the enjoyment well into the evening.

On colder days, it can power electric blankets or small heaters, adding a layer of comfort to your outdoor experience.

Keeping food and drinks cool is essential, especially during London's summer. A portable power station can power portable refrigerators or coolers, ensuring your picnic stays fresh and safe and preventing food spoilage.

Like Jackery Portable Power Station, a good power station quickly provides enough power to keep almost any gadget running. It can power several electronics simultaneously and has a long-lasting battery.

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, perfect for picnicking.

l Enough Power for Picnic: The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity of 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering the camera, earphones, or tablet.

l Various Recharging Methods: MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging methods, as well as during power cuts.          

l Durability & Reliability: The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. After 2,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with daily charging.   

Review from Our User:

This mini Jackery is fantastic! I've been using it for a couple of months now. Regarding charging, it's swift in ideal conditions and performs well overall; I don't anticipate hitting the 100W max. I briefly reached 93W, but the average is around 35W. It does tend to slow down in colder temperatures, dropping to about 15W.  

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

Compared to the Explorer 100 Plus, the Explorer 300 Plus also has a LiFePO4 battery cell, which can stand more in harsh weather conditions and last longer in a small size. Besides, it is smaller and lighter than Explorer 500, weighing only 3.75 kg, enabling easy portability anywhere you picnic. Learn more features of Explorer 300 Plus:

•  Charge 4 Devices at Once: The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and 288Wh capacity. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling rapid and effortless charging of several appliances.

•  Multiple Recharging Ways: The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W panel necessitates 4 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.

•  ChargeShield Protection: Jackery's ChargeShield fast charge technology pioneers the market by employing a stepped variable-speed charging algorithm, thereby improving safety and extending battery pack lifespan by 50%. At a temperature of 45℃, the power station can achieve full charge in around 2 hours.

Review from Our User:

Before giving this product a stellar rating, I need to point out that I acquired it at a competitive price. The product arrived in a beautifully presented box with a high-quality carrying case. I initially purchased the Jackery Explorer 300 for general use but quickly discovered it is underrated. This product exceeds expectations with a maximum rating of 300 watts and a peak of 600 watts.

Creative Recipes for a Picnic in London

Combining British traditions with seasonal features (spring and summer), you can usually consider bringing the following picnic foods:

Sandwiches and wraps

Sandwiches are easy to carry and eat and come in various flavours, making them perfect for a picnic. You can choose mozzarella cheese, pesto, and roasted vegetables for sandwich fillings.

Here are some sandwich options:

Ham sandwich

Cheese Sandwich

Pesto chicken sandwich

Roasted vegetable sandwich

Sausage rolls

Sausage rolls are a delicious and convenient cold snack for a picnic. You can also pair them with some sour mustard or spicy dip.

Here are some sausage options:

Cheese sausage rolls

Marmite sausage rolls

Chestnut sausage rolls

Cranberry sausage rolls

Salads

Iceberg lettuce salads tend to get soggy more easily than salads made with romaine or baby spinach. If you're adding toppings like nuts, seeds, or croutons, place them in separate containers and add them just before serving.

Here are some salad options:

Prosciutto di Parma with rocket salad

Smoked salmon salad

Desserts

From brownies and blondies to pancakes and rice crackers, these treats hold up well outdoors and are easy to cut and share, making them a great dessert option for a picnic. Mini muffins or macarons are also great options, as they're small and easily fit in a container.

Here are some dessert options:

Scones with clotted cream and jam

Brownies

Mini muffins

Macarons

Drinks

You can usually make a batch of drinks at home and keep them fresh in a thermos and a freezer bag. Then, bring some cups to enjoy on your picnic.

Here are some drink options:

Lemonade

Fruity sparkling water

Iced coffee

Earl Grey or mint tea

Tips for a Picnic in London

If you plan to spend an afternoon on a picnic with friends and family in London, there are a few little-known tips you want to know.

Tip 1: Pack Light

Many of London's great picnic spots require walking to get to, and it's not convenient to bring many things. No one wants to struggle to carry a heavy basket or cooler before enjoying a nice picnic.

Tip 2: Prepare Food in Advance

Preparing food for a picnic is not just about taking everything you need. Usually, most picnic sites are not open for cooking, so you should prepare your picnic food in advance. If you prepare it in advance, you can just put the food on the picnic mat and enjoy it when you arrive at your destination.

Tip 3: Use Reusable Cutlery

Plastic knives and forks are the smartest choice for most people on a picnic because they can be easily disposed of. However, they are not environmentally friendly, so bring washable, reusable cutlery from home. Then, wrap them in reusable cloth for added protection.

Tip 4: Number Limit

According to relevant regulations, there is a limit on the number of people participating in picnics in each park in London. If you want to hold a large picnic in a park in London and exceed the maximum number of guests, you must contact the office of the relevant park in advance. You may need to check and understand the following content about the number limit of picnics in parks in advance:   

(Data Source: Barratt Homes)

Best Picnic Spots in London FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best picnic spots in London:

1. What is the prettiest park in London?

Here are the 10 best parks in London in 2025, selected based on TripAdvisor data:

Hyde Park

St. James's Park

Regent's Park

Kensington Gardens

Primrose Hill

Holland Park

Hampstead Heath

Greenwich Park

Diana Memorial Playground

Battersea Park

2. Where to go for a picnic in London?

Here are the 13 best picnic spots in London, selected based on VisitLondon:

Richmond Park

Brockwell Park

Hyde Park

Regent's Park and Primrose Hill

Hampstead Heath

Alexandra Palace Park

Greenwich Park

Chelsea Physic Garden

Kew Gardens

Phoenix Garden

St Dunstan-in-the-East

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Thames Barrier Park

3. Is Hyde Park suitable for picnics?

Hyde Park is a great place to picnic in London. It has beautiful scenery and various areas to explore and relax. Alternatively, you can try strolling through the rose gardens, visiting the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, bowling, or renting a rowing boat for an adventure.

The Hyde Park cafe and kiosk also offer a variety of freshly cut sandwiches, handmade baguettes and drinks.

4. Are you allowed to have picnics in Central Park?

Of course, you can have a picnic in Central Park. Visitors can relax and enjoy a good meal in the natural beauty.

However, following specific guidelines when picnicking in Central Park is essential.

Dispose of rubbish properly

Do not damage the landscape

Do not feed wild animals

Do not leave food unattended

Final Thoughts

In short, nothing is better than packing a food basket and going on a picnic to enjoy the sunshine in London. When London is bathed in warm sunshine, it is crucial to go out and enjoy every moment. Although a moment of heat will discourage most people from going out, many hearty picnic snacks and cool drinks will help you regain confidence in enjoying a picnic. What are you waiting for? Please pack your picnic basket, bring your plaid, and go to the greenest grass in London for a picnic.