Ellie Horvath
Guess what? It’s summer. Guess what else? There’s a high chance that if you look outside during the daytime, you’ll see the actual sun beaming down from the sky.
There are two things to capitalise on this. First: go outside. Secondly: have a big old picnic. London has parks and grand green spaces perfect for al fresco.
From a blanket in the park to the side of the canal, the 13 fantastic picnic spots in London are here.
Amy Pritchett, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com, said:
“Many imagine a typical picnic as a delicious portable meal on a blanket on a green lawn. However, our study found that the best picnic spots in London have more than that to offer. Panoramic views, world-class art installations, botanical gardens, museums, and fun paddle boats.
We compiled the best picnic spots from every corner of London, with input from locals who love to eat en plein air. Now, if you only decide which wine to decant into your HydroFlask.”
13 Amazing Picnic Spots in London:
- Hyde Park
Sit by the scenic Serpentine at Hyde Park to watch pedalos and birds float by, or find a secluded bench in the pretty rose garden. There are plenty of kiosks selling sandwiches and ice creams if you don’t fancy packing your own basket.
- St James’s Park
Perhaps the most exalted of all the Royal Parks with an enviable position bordering Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park is well worth a visit. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Buckingham Palace flower beds, The Queen Victoria Memorial, and The Blue Bridge, which boasts impressive views of the palace across St James’s Park Lake.
- Kew Gardens
Choose between woodlands, lawns, formal gardens and the banks of lakes for your picnic place at Kew Gardens. Don’t worry if it rains – you can duck into a greenhouse and admire exotic plants worldwide.
- Regent’s Park
Given its proximity to Camden and Marylebone, Regent’s Park is one of the best picnic spots in London. You can pick up fresh bread and cheese from the shops and markets on and around Marylebone High Street before grazing your way through it in Queen Mary’s Garden, the stunning rose garden in Regent’s Park.
- Richmond Park
Sit under the shade of ancient trees and enjoy a wild landscape of hills and woodlands at Richmond Park. Be sure to lay out your spread far away from the 650 deer roaming the land.
- Kensington Gardens
It’s hard not to enjoy an outdoor meal with a view of Kensington Palace, right? With lots of nearby shops, there’s no shortage of good food to enjoy on a picnic in Kensington Gardens (even if it costs a fortune). It also makes it strange that there aren’t as many picnickers in the gardens as in places like Green Park.
- Greenwich Park
Climb towards the Royal Observatory, perched on top of the hill at Greenwich Park and enjoy the fantastic views of the Thames and central London. One of the best picnic areas in London.
- The Natural History Museum
One of the most majestic buildings in London, The Natural History Museum in South Kensington makes for the perfect picnic backdrop, followed by a visit to the museum. Visitors are welcome to bring their picnics and dine al fresco on the front lawn.
- Hampstead Heath
Renowned for its remarkable city views and bathing ponds, London’s 790-acre Hampstead Heath makes for the perfect picnic. Perch upon Parliament Hill Viewpoint for the park’s best panorama of the city, where you’ll be able to spot several iconic London landmarks, from The Shard to the Houses of Parliament.
- Holland Park
Nearby is Kensington Palace Gardens, which overshadows Holland Park, but it’s an undeniably picturesque picnic spot. There’s a lot to see, from woodland and wildlife to sculpture and the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens, plus there are tennis courts, football pitches and spots to play golf, cricket and netball.
- Green Park
Enjoying a picnic in Green Park is guaranteed to be lively. Visitors and locals flock to the park thanks to the Queen’s gaff. Green Park has its spectacular vista, with statues, fountains, and daffodils.
- Battersea Park
With pedalos, a landscaped boating lake and walled gardens, this South London haunt is the perfect patch for stuffing yourself silly. Once you eat all the mini pork pies, there are plenty of things to do, like visiting Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
- Parliament Hill
Located in the southeast corner of Hampstead Heath, a park in north London, Parliament Hill is an excellent picnic spot. The park is a bit elevated relative to the surrounding areas, meaning sweeping views over the London skyline.
Credit: https://mydatingadviser.com/best-london-picnic-spots/
