The 7 Best Spots To Pitch A Picnic In London
It is no secret that London does green space better than almost any other city on earth, and with a heatwave set to strike the capital this week, there is no better time to take advantage of it. From grand, historic estates to soaring hillsides that boast panoramic views of the skyline, here is our definitive guide to the absolute best spots to pitch a picnic in London this summer:
1. Chiswick House and Gardens
There is no better place to kick off this list than Chiswick House and Gardens, a personal favourite summer hangout that truly has it all. Tucked away in West London, this sprawling 65-acre estate boasts vibrant flower beds, a meandering river, and, of course, a grand house at its heart, leaving you with endless idyllic spots to pitch a picnic blanket.
For the ultimate setup, unpack your hamper near the classical ionic temple, or seek out a secluded, shaded sanctuary beneath the ancient cedar trees that have stood watch over the grounds for centuries. If you want to feel as if you have escaped the city and stepped into a period drama set, this destination perfectly fits the bill. Once you’ve finished eating, spend the afternoon exploring the beautifully restored 19th-century conservatory and walled garden, or take a short stroll over to Chiswick High Street to browse its fabulous selection of boutique shops and cafes.
Where: Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP
2. Greenwich Park
As a South West London resident, I must confess that Greenwich Park has only recently landed on my radar, but I can officially confirm it is well worth the trek across town. As the oldest enclosed Royal Park, it spans 180 acres and features a split-level landscape that caters to both casual loungers and serious view-seekers.
The ultimate spot to pitch your blanket is at the top of the steep central hill, right beside the Royal Observatory and the General Wolfe statue. From this vantage point, you can enjoy your spread while soaking up breathtaking, panoramic views that sweep across the River Thames to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Where: Shooters Hill Road, Greenwich SE10 8QY
3. Primrose Hill
Now, Primrose Hill is no hidden gem, in fact, it is likely the most popular spot to soak up the city skyline in the whole of London, however, it has absolutely earned its reputation. When the warm weather hits, few things top pitching a picnic on these slopes and staying put until the sun dips below the horizon. To put it in other words, if you are looking to romanticise London life, this is definitely the place to start.
When the warm weather hits, few things top pitching a picnic on these slopes and staying put until the sun dips below the horizon. To put it in other words, if you are looking to romanticise London life, this is definitely the place to start.
Situated just north of Regent’s Park, this iconic grassy summit rises 63 meters above sea level, offering one of the capital’s six protected, unobstructed viewpoints of the city skyline. Before you make the scenic trek up, stop by the upmarket Italian delis and artisan bakeries along Regent’s Park Road to stock up on fresh pastries and gourmet sandwiches for the ultimate open-air feast.
Where: Primrose Hill, London NW1 4NR, England
4. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is renowned for its sprawling floral displays and exhibitions, but did you know it also welcomes picnickers? This UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West London spans a staggering 300 acres, offering an endlessly grand and manicured canvas for an upscale afternoon feast.
While it does require a paid entry ticket, the investment rewards you with a distinctly peaceful, refined atmosphere far removed from the capital’s more hectic public spaces. For the ultimate setup, pitch your blanket along the grand Cedar Vista to soak in the scale of the estate, then round out your afternoon with a stroll through the soaring, Victorian-era Temperate House. It is also currently hosting a landmark exhibition of Henry Moore’s work, which is well worth exploring while you’re there.
Where: Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
5. Battersea Park
Stretching along the south bank of the River Thames, Battersea Park is arguably the most versatile and visually diverse green space in London. This 200-acre Victorian park manages to strike a flawless balance between lively waterfront energy and quiet, hidden sanctuaries. You can lay your blanket beneath the shade of the park’s iconic cherry blossom trees or right beside the towering Peace Pagoda, before wandering inland to explore the central boating lake and picturesque gardens.
For the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, pop into the park’s famous lakeside cafe, Pear Tree, for a coffee and a pastry, or stay a little later into the evening to enjoy a crisp pint and a side of live music. To top it all off, the park sits right next door to the newly revitalised Battersea Power Station, meaning you are just a stone’s throw away from an endless array of shops, bustling food markets, and weekend craft fairs.
Where: Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4NJ
6. Hampstead Heath
If you prefer your picnic with a side of untamed, countryside charm, the wild expanses of Hampstead Heath offer the ultimate London escape. Spanning nearly 800 acres of ancient woodland and rolling meadows, this North West London oasis feels entirely removed from the sleek, manicured lawns found elsewhere in the capital.
For a quintessential summer afternoon, you can pitch your rug on the slopes of Parliament Hill and enjoy an iconic, unobstructed view of the city skyline. Afterwards, beat the heat by packing up your hamper and heading over for a refreshing, wild dip in one of the Heath’s famous, historic swimming ponds.
Afterwards, beat the heat by packing up your hamper and heading over for a refreshing, wild dip in one of the Heath’s famous, historic swimming ponds.
Where: Parliament Hill, NW5 1QR
7. Richmond Park
For an escape that feels entirely divorced from the capital’s urban chaos, Richmond Park offers thousands of acres of wild, untouched countryside in South West London. As the largest of the capital’s Royal Parks, it has ancient oak woodlands and sprawling grasslands that provide an idyllic backdrop for an afternoon feast.
To find the ultimate picnic setup, head toward the serene Pen Ponds, where you can unpack your hamper along the water’s edge and watch the swans glide past. Just be sure to keep a respectful distance from the park’s most famous residents, the hundreds of wild red and fallow deer that have roamed freely across these historic grounds since the 17th century.
Where: Richmond, TW10 5HS
