London is one of the greenest capital cities in the world, offering hundreds
of open spaces perfect for relaxing outdoor meals. Whether you’re searching for
quiet parks in London for a picnic in
summer, family-friendly parks with
play areas, or dog-friendly picnic
parks near tube stations, the city has something for everyone.
This detailed guide covers the Top 10 Best Parks in London for Picnics,
focusing on:
·
Picnic facilities and benches
·
Playgrounds for kids
·
Accessibility from central London
·
Scenic and riverside picnic spots
·
Hidden parks with fewer tourists
·
Free picnic spots ideal for families and groups
If you’re planning a weekend outing, birthday
picnic, or relaxed afternoon with friends, this list will help you choose the best parks in London for picnics.
Why London Is Perfect for Picnics
London’s parks are more than just green
spaces. Many include:
·
Free entry year-round
·
Dedicated picnic areas
·
Clean toilets and cafés
·
Children’s play areas
·
Dog-friendly lawns
·
Sports zones for outdoor games
From royal parks near Buckingham Palace to
peaceful neighborhood gardens, London
parks for picnics suit all budgets and preferences.
Top 10 Parks in London for Picnics (Quick Overview)
1. Hyde Park – Best Central London
Park for Picnics
Hyde Park is one of the best parks close to central London for picnics,
attracting locals, families, and tourists alike. Spread over 350 acres, it
offers vast lawns, shaded trees, and lakeside picnic areas.
Why Hyde Park Is Ideal for Picnics
·
Large grassy areas for blankets
·
Picnic benches near Serpentine Lake
·
Food stalls and cafés nearby
·
Clean public toilets
·
Cycle-friendly paths
Family & Kids Facilities
·
Diana Memorial Playground nearby
·
Space for outdoor games like frisbee and football
·
Flat terrain suitable for strollers
Best Picnic Experience
Choose a spot near the Serpentine for a scenic lakeside picnic
or move closer to quieter corners near Hyde Park Corner.
2. Regent’s Park – Most Scenic
Picnic Park in London
Regent’s Park is known for its formal gardens,
open lawns, and stunning views of London’s skyline. It is one of the most scenic picnic parks in London.
Picnic Highlights
·
Rose Garden picnic spots
·
Well-maintained picnic lawns
·
Picnic benches with shade
·
Café facilities and toilets
Family-Friendly Features
·
Large playgrounds for children
·
Boating lake nearby
·
Safe walking paths
Ideal For
·
Romantic picnics
·
Family gatherings
·
Photography lovers
Regent’s Park feels peaceful despite being
close to the city center, making it a top choice for quiet parks in London for picnic in summer.
3. Greenwich Park – Riverside Picnic
Spot with Views
Greenwich Park offers panoramic views over the
River Thames and Canary Wharf. It is one of the best London parks for picnics with riverside scenery.
Why Picnic Here?
·
Hillside picnic areas with skyline views
·
Riverside walks after lunch
·
Open grassy spaces
·
Free entry
Facilities
·
Toilets and cafés
·
Wide open lawns
·
Nearby museums and attractions
Best For
·
Couples
·
History lovers
·
Family picnics combined with sightseeing
This park is ideal if you want London parks with riverside picnic spots
and iconic photo opportunities.
4. Richmond Park – Best Large Park
for Family Picnics
Richmond Park is the largest royal park in
London and perfect for those seeking large
parks in London ideal for picnics.
Picnic Advantages
·
Massive open spaces
·
Quiet picnic zones away from crowds
·
Natural scenery with deer roaming freely
Family & Kids Friendly
·
Safe picnic lawns
·
Ideal for outdoor games
·
Cycling paths
Dog Friendly
·
One of the best dog-friendly picnic parks in London
·
Dogs allowed (on leads in certain areas)
Richmond Park is perfect for long summer
picnics and relaxed day trips.
5. Hampstead Heath – Hidden Picnic
Park with Views
Hampstead Heath is loved by locals for its
wild landscape and panoramic city views. It’s among the hidden picnic parks in London with fewer tourists.
Why It’s Special
·
Natural meadows and woodland
·
Peaceful picnic spots
·
Views from Parliament Hill
Picnic Experience
·
Bring your own blanket
·
Minimal commercial stalls
·
Ideal for quiet, relaxed picnics
This is one of the quiet parks in London for picnic in summer if you want
to avoid busy crowds.
6. Battersea Park – Best Family
Picnic Park in South London
Battersea Park is beautifully landscaped and
well-maintained, making it one of the best
parks for family picnic in London.
Picnic Facilities
·
Designated picnic benches
·
Riverside picnic paths
·
Cafés and ice-cream stalls
Kids & Family Features
·
Children’s Zoo
·
Play areas
·
Safe walking routes
Best For
·
Families with kids
·
Riverside picnics
·
Weekend outings
7. Victoria Park – Best Picnic Park
in East London
Victoria Park is one of the most popular free picnic spots in London parks,
especially for families and local residents.
Why Picnic Here?
·
Large picnic lawns
·
Shaded trees
·
Sports areas
Family-Friendly Features
·
Multiple play areas
·
Splash park (summer)
·
Food kiosks
This park is ideal for best parks for picnic and outdoor games in London.
8. Holland Park – Quiet &
Elegant Picnic Spot
Holland Park is smaller but elegant, offering
peaceful picnic corners.
Picnic Highlights
·
Japanese Kyoto Garden nearby
·
Quiet lawns
·
Shaded benches
Ideal For
·
Couples
·
Calm afternoon picnics
·
Visitors seeking less crowded parks
It’s one of the hidden picnic parks in London no tourists often know about.
9. Kensington Gardens – Picnic Park
Near Museums
Kensington Gardens is perfect for tourists and
families wanting a picnic near attractions.
Why It’s Great
·
Close to Natural History Museum
·
Flat picnic lawns
·
Clean facilities
Family Benefits
·
Diana Memorial Playground
·
Open spaces for kids
One of the best parks close to central London for picnics.
10. Crystal Palace Park – Best
Picnic Park with Play Areas
Crystal Palace Park is a top choice for
families looking for London parks with
play areas and picnic areas.
Picnic Facilities
·
Large picnic zones
·
Dinosaur Park attraction
·
Sports areas
Best For
·
Kids’ birthday picnics
·
Family day outings
·
Long summer picnics
Best Picnic Tips for London Parks
·
Visit early on weekends to secure benches
·
Carry reusable picnic mats
·
Check park rules for BBQs
·
Keep parks clean and dog-friendly
| Park Name | Location | Picnic Facilities | Play Area for Kids | Nearest Tube / Station | Dog-Friendly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park | Central London | Large lawns, picnic benches, cafés, toilets | Yes (Diana Memorial Playground) | Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch | Yes (on leads) | Central picnic, families, tourists |
| Regent’s Park | North Central London | Manicured lawns, benches, gardens, cafés | Yes | Regent’s Park, Baker Street | Yes (on leads) | Scenic picnics, families, couples |
| Greenwich Park | South East London | Open lawns, hillside picnic spots, toilets | Yes | Cutty Sark (DLR) | Yes (on leads) | Riverside & scenic picnics |
| Richmond Park | South West London | Large open spaces, natural picnic areas | Limited | Richmond Station | Yes (lead required in deer areas) | Large family picnics, outdoor games |
| Hampstead Heath | North London | Wild meadows, picnic lawns, ponds | Limited | Hampstead Heath Overground | Yes | Quiet, hidden picnic spots |
| Battersea Park | South London | Picnic benches, riverside paths, cafés | Yes | Battersea Power Station | Yes (on leads) | Family picnics, riverside views |
| Victoria Park | East London | Large lawns, shaded areas, food kiosks | Yes | Mile End, Cambridge Heath | Yes | Family picnics & outdoor games |
| Holland Park | Kensington | Quiet lawns, benches, gardens | Yes | Holland Park | Yes (on leads) | Peaceful & romantic picnics |
| Kensington Gardens | Central London | Flat picnic lawns, cafés, toilets | Yes | High Street Kensington | Yes (on leads) | Family picnics near museums |
| Crystal Palace Park | South London | Large picnic zones, sports areas | Yes (Dinosaur Park) | Crystal Palace Station | Yes | Kids’ picnics & group outings |
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Parks in London for Picnics
1. Which are the top 10 parks in London for picnics?
The top 10 parks in London for picnics include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, Battersea Park, Victoria Park, Holland Park, Kensington Gardens, and Crystal Palace Park.
2. Are there free picnic spots in London parks?
Yes, most London parks offer free picnic spots. Royal Parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park allow picnics at no cost.
3. Which London parks are best for family picnics?
The best parks for family picnics in London include Battersea Park, Victoria Park, Crystal Palace Park, and Kensington Gardens due to play areas, toilets, and picnic benches.
4. What are the best London parks for picnics with kids?
London parks ideal for picnics with kids include Hyde Park (Diana Playground), Regent’s Park, Battersea Park, Victoria Park, and Crystal Palace Park.
5. Are London parks dog-friendly for picnics?
Many London parks are dog-friendly for picnics, including Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, and Victoria Park. Dogs may need to be kept on leads in certain areas.
6. Which are the quiet parks in London for a picnic in summer?
Quiet parks in London for summer picnics include Hampstead Heath, Holland Park, Richmond Park, and lesser-known areas of Greenwich Park.
7. What are the best parks close to central London for picnics?
The best parks close to central London for picnics include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, and Green Park.
8. Are there London parks with picnic benches and facilities?
Yes, parks like Hyde Park, Battersea Park, Regent’s Park, Victoria Park, and Kensington Gardens have picnic benches, cafés, and toilet facilities.
9. Which London parks have play areas and picnic areas?
London parks with both play areas and picnic zones include Battersea Park, Crystal Palace Park, Victoria Park, Regent’s Park, and Kensington Gardens.
10. What are the most scenic picnic parks in London?
The most scenic picnic parks in London include Greenwich Park (river views), Regent’s Park (gardens), Hampstead Heath (city skyline), and Richmond Park (natural landscapes).
11. Are there picnic parks near London tube stations?
Yes, many parks are near tube stations, such as Hyde Park (Hyde Park Corner), Regent’s Park (Baker Street), Holland Park (Holland Park Station), and Victoria Park (Mile End).
12. Which London parks are best for picnic and outdoor games?
Richmond Park, Victoria Park, Hyde Park, and Crystal Palace Park are best for picnics combined with outdoor games like football, frisbee, and badminton.
13. Are there riverside picnic parks in London?
Yes, popular riverside picnic parks in London include Greenwich Park, Battersea Park, and areas near Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake.
14. Which parks are ideal for large group picnics in London?
Large parks such as Richmond Park, Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Hampstead Heath are ideal for group picnics.
15. Are there hidden picnic parks in London with fewer tourists?
Yes, Hampstead Heath, Holland Park, and quieter sections of Richmond Park are considered hidden picnic parks with fewer tourists.
16. Can you picnic anywhere in London parks?
Most London parks allow picnics, but BBQs and alcohol may be restricted. Always check local park rules before planning.
17. What is the best time for a picnic in London parks?
The best time for a picnic in London parks is late spring to early autumn, especially during mornings and early evenings in summer.
18. Which parks are best for romantic picnics in London?
Holland Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, and Greenwich Park are perfect for romantic picnics due to their scenic beauty.
19. Are London parks suitable for winter picnics?
Yes, many London parks remain open year-round, but winter picnics are best on dry days with warm clothing.
20. What should I bring for a picnic in London parks?
Bring a picnic blanket, reusable cutlery, sunscreen, drinking water, and trash bags to keep London parks clean.
Which Is the Best Park
for a Picnic in London?
The best parks in London for picnics
depend on your needs:
·
Central
London: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens
·
Families
& Kids: Battersea Park, Victoria Park, Crystal Palace Park
·
Quiet
& Scenic: Hampstead Heath, Holland Park
·
Large Open
Spaces: Richmond Park, Greenwich Park
No matter where you are, there are plenty of top picnic spots in London parks near you,
all offering free entry, fresh air, and beautiful surroundings.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
