10 Perfect Picnic Spots In The City
London has no shortage of picturesque picnic spots that cater to all tastes. Whether you prefer a bustling park or a tranquil hideaway, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So pack your basket and head out to one of these fantastic locations for an unforgettable day out!
Blackheath Park
Blackheath is a great picnic spot with its peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature. The park has several designated picnic areas where you can lay out your blankets and enjoy a meal with family and friends.
It is easily accessible by public transport, making it an ideal location for people from all over London to come together for a picnic. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat if you don't want to bring your own food!
Blackheath also hosts several events throughout the year, including music festivals, fairs, and fireworks displays. These events provide additional entertainment for visitors who are looking for more than just a picnic.
Streatham Rookery
The Rookery is surrounded by picturesque nature and historical charm is a public park located in the Streatham area of London. It covers an area of approximately 2.5 hectares and is surrounded by trees, flowers, and wildlife.
One of the main reasons why Streatham Rookery is a great picnic spot in London is its beautiful surroundings. The park is filled with trees, flowers, and wildlife that provide a serene and peaceful environment for visitors. There are also several walking paths that wind through the park, providingan opportunity to explore the different areas of the Rookery.
In addition to its natural beauty, Streatham Rookery also offers several amenities that make it a great picnic spot. The park has several picnic tables and benches that are scattered throughout the grounds, providing visitors with plenty of options for where to set up their picnics. There are also several open spaces where visitors can spread out a blanket and enjoy their meal.
St James's Park
St James's Park is 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. It’s here that 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. Keep an eye out for park’s resident pelicans – you can catch them being fed beside the park’s charming Duck Island Cottage between 2-3pm every day.
In addition, St James's Park has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was acquired by Henry VIII. Over the centuries, it has been used for various purposes including hunting grounds, military parades, and public celebrations. Today, it is one of the most popular parks in London and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering over 2,500 acres of land, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as picnics. With a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when King Charles I enclosed the land for hunting purposes. The park has since been opened to the public and has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. You can explore historic landmarks such as Pembroke Lodge and the Isabella Plantation while enjoying their picnic.
The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds, which provides a unique and exciting atmosphere for picnicking. It also offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline and the River Thames.
In addition to picnicking, Richmond Park offers a range of other outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding, and walking trails. It also has several playgrounds for children to enjoy.
The V&A’s John Madejski Garden
The John Madejski Garden is a beautiful and tranquil oasis located within the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Its design incorporates both traditional and modern elements, with lush greenery and contemporary sculptures complementing each other perfectly. It was designed by Kim Wilkie and opened in 2005. It is named after the philanthropist John Madejski who donated £2 million towards its creation.
The garden features a large rectangular pool with fountains, surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns, lemon trees, and flowers. The garden is situated in the heart of South Kensington, just a short walk from some of London's most popular museums and attractions, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
Kyoto Garden
Escape the city chaos and indulge in a peaceful picnic surrounded by serene waterfalls and vibrant flora at the stunning Kyoto Garden. The garden was designed by Japanese landscape architect, Yasuo Kitayama, and features traditional Japanese elements such as a pond, waterfall, stone lanterns, and a bridge. These elements create a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for picnicking.
It can be found in the heart of Holland Park, which is one of the most beautiful parks in London. Holland Park is home to several other attractions such as the Belvedere Restaurant, the Holland Park Ecology Centre, and the Opera Holland Park. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in Kyoto Garden and then explore the rest of the park.
Granary Square
Located in the heart of King's Cross, which is a bustling and vibrant area of the city, Granary Square is surrounded by some of London's most iconic landmarks, including the British Library and St Pancras International Station.
The square features over 1,000 choreographed fountains that create a stunning water display, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a picnic with friends or family. Additionally, there are plenty of benches and grassy areas where visitors can sit and enjoy their food.
Visitors also have the luxury food options from street food stalls, cafes, and restaurants serving everything from burgers and pizza to sushi and tapas. This means that even if you don't bring their own food, you can still enjoy a delicious meal in the square!
St Dunstan in the East
St Dunstan in Towerhill is a beautiful and unique picnic spot located in the heart of London.
The site was originally a church built in the 12th century, but it was severely damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The church was rebuilt, but it was again badly damaged during the Blitz in World War II. Instead of rebuilding it once again, the decision was made to turn the ruins into a public garden.
The garden is filled with lush greenery, including climbing vines and trees that have grown up around the ruins of the church. Visitors can sit on benches or spread out a blanket on the grass to enjoy a picnic surrounded by history and nature.
On board a boat in Paddington
Over in West London, you can sail around pretty Paddington. Start off at Merchant Square, then head east on the vibrant Regent’s Canal through Little Venice and feel like you're in Italy in the sun. Then, pass through the 249 metre Maida Hill Tunnel, sail through Regent’s Park and see if you can spot any of the animals at London Zoo before reaching Camden Lock.
Many boats are available for hire, and you can choose from a range of options depending on your preferences and group size. Some boats come equipped with tables and chairs, while others provide blankets and cushions for a more relaxed experience.
Additionally, many boats offer catering services, so visitors can enjoy delicious food without having to worry about bringing their own supplies.
London Fields
London Fields is located in the heart of Hackney, one of the most vibrant and diverse areas of London. The park offers a beautiful green space with plenty of room for picnics, games and relaxation.
It has several barbecue areas, a lido, a playground for children, tennis courts, and a cricket pitch. Visitors can also rent bikes or hire boats to take on the canal that runs alongside the park. The park also features an old bandstand that hosts regular concerts during the summer months.
London's Field is surrounded by some of the best food markets in London. Visitors can pick up fresh produce from Broadway Market!
