10 Best Parks in London for a Picnic
So you’re on the hunt for the best parks in London for a Picnic? Well, it’s no secret that everyone jokes about the British weather. However, with the summer months approaching, the weather does tend to be more reliable. So pack away your umbrellas and grab your picnic blankets!
Here is a list of my top 10 best parks in London for a picnic.
Best parks for kids in London
- Richmond Park
Starting off with a banger for one reason and one reason only: The deer park! I mean, how many cities can you visit where you can walk through the park and spot all the deer. Without going to a zoo, or an enclosure of some kind. Although you might not necessarily want to picnic on their stomping ground, Richmond Park is a beautiful park to picnic in. There’s also a children’s playground, making it very family-friendly. Plus, the grounds are so huge you can guarantee you’ll be able to find your own private space. PS… It’s also the biggest London Royal Park!
Location: Richmond, Richmond Upon Thames, Postcode: TW10 5HS
Nearest Station: Richmond, then get on a bus. There are loads to best to check your route.
Facilities: There are cafes and many toilets dotted around the edge of the park.
- Hyde Park
Hyde Park is much more of a central park in London. (It’s also one of my fave picnic spots in London) Hyde Park has many different garden areas and benches to sit around. There is also live music and concerts that take place here!
There’s a great children’s playground here, too. Probably most known for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain that you can splash around in, there is also the Serpentine. That you can SWIM in! If you’re brave enough. (Open to the public June – Mid September)
Location: Hyde Park, London
Nearest Station: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate or Knightsbridge.
Facilities: Cafés and toilets, two drinking fountains, as well as tennis courts and horseback riding. Find out more here.
- Regent’s Park
Hey, you! Shop my style
Just around the corner from Hyde Park, you’ll find Regent’s Park. Regent’s Park has so many large open grassy areas that are perfect for picnics. You’ll often see people playing a variety of games, visiting the various gardens and even boating. Regent’s Park also has an open-air theatre. A great activity in the summer months! You’ll also find ZSL London zoo here, which makes for a great family day out. Plus, there are four playgrounds. Now you can see why Regent’s Park is one of the best parks in London for a picnic, there’s so much to do!
Location: Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR
Nearest Station: Regent’s Park, Great Portland Street, Baker Street.
Facilities: Cafés and restaurants, toilets, drinking fountain
- Kew Gardens
Located in Richmond (but not Richmond Park) you’ll find Kew Gardens. An absolutely must-see spot! Although you do have to pay to enter the gardens, it is worth it. Well, in my opinion. There is so much to see and the gardens are massive.
Oh! What makes Kew Gardens extra unique is the treetop-lined walkway. You can literally walk in between the trees in the sky. There are plenty of spaces to have a picnic here. So, definitely add this one to your list!
MHM Tip: You’ll get the best price if you book ahead online!
We used Get Your Guide, my fave way to book attractions. It was quick and easy to get tickets.
Location: Richmond, TW9 3AF
Nearest Station: Kew Gardens
Facilities: Temperate house, restaurants, shops, toilets.
- Battersea Park
Thanks to Paul Grady, this park is now high on my radar! I’ve put it at number 5 because if you’ve read this far, I’d be cheeky to say that this is one of the best parks in London for a picnic. There is so much to do. And, Once you’re done at the park, why not stop by the Battersea animal shelter and leave a donation!
In Battersea Park, you can hire boats, and bikes of all shapes and sizes, often listen to live music, play sports, take your dog to the water feature, walk down the blossom trees when they’re in bloom, and there’s even a running track! You’ll also spot the peace pagoda (there are only 80 around the world!) Oh, I can’t forget about the children’s play areas and the zoo as well. This park has it all and it’s a true gem in London.
Location: Battersea Park, Wandsworth, SW11 4NJ
Nearest Station: Battersea Power Station
Facilities: Car parking, toilets, cafés, zoo, Go Ape, water feature, lake, sports centre.
5 Great Parks in London for a Picnic with Friends
- Primrose Hill
Quite literally next to Regent’s Park, you’ll find Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill offers a fantastic skyline view of London. Surprisingly, if you look close enough, you’ll even be able to spot the London Eye and other iconic London landmarks. Primrose Hill is more of a picnic spot in London that you’d probably go with friends, rather than a family.
Have yourself a picnic in this London park at the bottom of the hill, or even on the hill. There are also nearby shops so you can stock up on picnic supplies!
Location: Primrose Hill, Camden Borough, NW3 3NA
Nearest Station: Chalk Farm, and many other underground stations and a short bus ride.
Facilities: There is a playground at the bottom of the hill. No public toilets.
- Greenwich Park
Such a stunning park and I only visited it for the first time last year! There are beautiful flower gardens here. A lovely and large rose garden, even a herb garden! There’s also a children’s park.
During the springtime Greenwich Park get’s crazy busy with photographers because there are pathways that are lined with beautiful blossom trees. It is a huge park to walk around and makes for a great picnic in a London spot.
Location: Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY, London
Nearest Station: There are overground stations but the quickest way to get to Greenwich Park is to hop on the Uber taxi boat or take the river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. If not, the Jubilee line takes you to North Greenwich and then you can hop on a bus!
Facilities: Café, drinking fountain, wilderness deer park, toilets, car park, tennis court.
- Holland Park (Another one of the best parks in London for a picnic and SO much more)
Fun fact about Holland Park: A large portion of Holland House was damaged in WW2. One part of it is now used as a youth hostel while a part of the terrace is used as an open-air theatre in the summer. Holland Park itself is quite large and there is plenty of green space to have a picnic. It is also home to the beautiful Kyoto Garden. A truly beautiful Japanese garden.
Location: Holland Park, Kensington & Chelsea, W8 6LU
Nearest Station: Holland Park (Central Line)
Facilities: Playground, Café, Spots facilities (book ahead)
- The Green Park
Situated right in the middle of busy London, and right next to Buckingham Palace. Possibly one of the most shaded parks due to the beautifully tall trees, this is a great park to picnic in on a hot sunny day. Plus, you can sightsee if you love the Palace, and walk down Princess Diana’s walk.
Fun fact: The only flowers you’ll find in bloom are daffodils.
Location: Green Park, W1J 7NF
Nearest Station: Green Park and Hyde Park Corner
Facilities: There are cafés at both corners of the park, toilets near Green park station and water fountains.
- St. James’ Park
Very close by to Green Park you will find St. James’s Park. In this park, you’ll most likely spot a pelican or two as they’ve been living in the park for 400 years. You might also spot people hand-feeding the squirrels. Watch out! These squirrels are friendly and might just try to run off with a bit of your picnic.
Location: St. James’s Park, Westminster, SW1A 2BJ
Nearest Station: Westminster & St. James’s Underground.
Facilities: Walk down ‘the mall’ and see the Horse Guards Parade, the famous St. James’s Café, toilets, drinking fountain, and other small cafés.
So now you know about the best parks in London for a picnic. Which one will you visit first?
PS… Looking for markets to visit? Why not check out Borough Market or Camden Market.
Best Parks in London for a Picnic FAQs
Are there parks for kids in London?
Of course! There are loads! Above is a small list of some of my fave London parks for kids.
What is the best park in Central London?
There are too many parks for me to say which is the best. However, the London parks listed in this article are in my opinion, top of the list.
Do you have to pay to visit Hyde Park?
Hyde Park itself is free! To access the facilities within the park, such as the toilets or boat hire, you will need to be prepared to pay.
