Explore the city,
June 20 2024
On a coveted sunny day in the city as the sun sets late into the evening picnicking is the perfect activity to have on the cards. We’ve selected the best picnic spots in London, where you can soak up the sun and take in the views while enjoying a dinner full of picky bits and a bottle of something fancy. Read on for our top picks of the best places to have a picnic in London.
Primrose Hill is a little area of London near Chalk Farm or Camden Town tube stations. The charming, village-like area features residential streets with Victorian terraces and pastel townhouses and a host of gastropubs, tearooms, delis and upmarket fashion boutiques. It's one of the best places for a picnic in London and an ideal romantic picnic spot, not-to-mention a popular shoot location for tv and movies, including the Paddington movie and the iconic picnic scene in Netflix’s One Day.
Above all else Primrose Hill is famous for the hilltop park with incredible views of the city skyline, as a Grade II listed public park the summit is one of the six protected viewpoints in London. Stock up on treats at the local delis and cafés then enjoy the panoramic views of a stunning sunset.
Closest Tube: Chalk Farm, Camden Town
One of London’s most beautiful picnic places, St Dunstan in the East is burrowed in the ruins of The Great Fire of London. This quiet, tranquil spot was originally a church, after the fire in 1666 the ruins were transformed into a public garden, an oasis for bookworms and history buffs looking for a picturesque place to picnic. The perfectly manicured gardens are studded with benches, or you can spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a lazy evening nestled in nature, while listening to the nearby park fountain.
Closest Tube: Monument, Tower Hill
The John Madejski Garden is the legacy left from the previous huge green area that has now become the neighbourhood of South Kensington. This stunning garden sits within the Victoria and Albert Museum grounds, featuring lush greenery, trees, flowers and more modern sculptures – surely one of the most serene picnic places in London.
As part of the V&A Museum it’s a great option for an overcast day when you may need a covered picnic area or snacks at the café. It’s just a short walk from The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum, too.
Closest Tube: South Kensington
Commonly referred to as ‘The Heath’ by the locals, this incredible location in London is the perfect sunny day picnic area with tonnes to do for those looking to plan a fun-filled day. Well-known for the coveted wild pond and lido swimming spots, we’d recommend taking a dip early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds, then strolling to the top of Parliament Hill to enjoy breath-taking city views in one of the best Hampstead Heath picnic spots. Hampstead Heath is a connected location close to three popular tube stations.
Closest Tube: Hampstead, Belsize Park, Gospel Oak
Richmond Park is unquestionably one of the best London parks for picnics. It’s the largest Royal Park in London at 2,500 acres, offering huge grassy areas and incredible wildlife including rabbits, deer and birds. The perfect Richmond Park picnic spots can be found at Pembroke Lodge, Isabella Plantation and Pen Ponds, you’ll also find stunning city skyline views, playgrounds, horse riding, walking, and cycling trails – the perfect balance of entertainment and relaxation.
Closest Tube: Richmond
Book a special dinner after your day in the sun enjoying the best picnic parks across London - join us at one of our Thistle Hotels such as Marble Arch, The Tower or Piccadilly at one of our restaurants and bars.
