London is home to some glorious green spaces including leafy squares, urban gardens, and eight royal parks. And when the sun is shining, there is no better place to eat than outdoors. We’ve got information on where to find the best picnic spots in London, and tips on where to buy quality ingredients for your own outdoor feast.
Regent’s park
Where to Picnic: There are plenty of nibbles in Regent’s Park, a 410-acre former Henry VIII hunting ground. Shoot for the breeze by the lake by boat, choose a fragrant orchard next to the Queen Mary Gardens, home to 30,000 roses, or find a secluded spot at St John’s Lodge, a private residence with a small public garden only accessible through a hidden door.
Where to buy food: Head to nearby Marylebone High Street to shop for artisan cheese from La Fromagerie, Scottish eggs and meat pies from Ginger Pig and tasty pies from Patisserie Des Reves. If you’re on a Sunday picnic, head to the Marylebone Farmer’s Market for fresh juices from the Chegworth Valley and freshly baked bread from the Old Post Office Bakery.
Primrose Hill
Where to Picnic: On the north side of Regent’s Park, leafy Primrose Hill offers fantastic views of the London skyline from its summit, which is more than 200 feet above sea level. Head to the sheltered viewpoint and see London’s iconic landmarks including the London Eye, the Shard, and the BT Tower. The park is a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and celebrity watching (famous local residents include Jamie Oliver and Cara Delevingne).
Where to buy food: If you’re heading to Primrose Hill from the Camden / Chalk Farm area, stop by Shepherd Foods on Regent’s Park Road, an independent family-owned store. This elegant deli stores all your key picnic items like fresh bread, cheese, meats, and alcoholic beverages. There’s also an impressive American snack section where you can stock up on things like graham crackers and Snyders pretzels.
You might also consider grabbing a plate from one of the many food stalls at Camden Market, however it would be wise to buy something cold as you will be walking for at least 15 minutes. For inexpensive shopping, head to the large Morrisons supermarket on Chalk Farm Road.
Hyde Park
Where to Picnic: Surrounded by Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Notting Hill, it’s no surprise that Hyde Park is one of London’s busiest parks. When the sun is shining, you’ll see Londoners taking part in all kinds of summer activities, including inline skating and swimming at the Serpentine Lido.
The park is spread over 350 acres, making it easy to find a patch of grass for a picnic, though you can expect large crowds on warm, sunny days. Some of the prettiest spots include the rose garden in the southeast corner of the park, the Italian garden near Bayswater, and the Diana Memorial Fountain by the Serpentine Lake, a great option if you’re on a picnic with young children.
Where to buy food: Your food options will likely be determined by the gate you use to enter Hyde Park. On the Knightsbridge side, you can buy gourmet goodies at Harrods food hall or some Lebanese deli dishes at Noura. In Kensington, the Whole Foods store on Kensington High Street covers all picnic bases and in Bayswater, you can buy sandwiches, cakes, and cheese and meat dishes at Bathurst Deli.
St James Park
Where to have a picnic: It may be small, but St James’s Park is perfectly formed. Nestled between Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, this majestic garden is home to a beautiful lake where pelicans roam free. Throw a blanket on both sides of the lake or rent a lounger for a few hours.
Where to buy food: For a treat, Dukes Hotel can arrange a butler to deliver a bottle of champagne and a picnic basket full of British goods like Loch Duart salmon, cheeses and chutney, straight to your blanket in the park.
Or you could put together your own Supply Market spread on Buckingham Palace Road. The grocery store is modeled after a farmers market and stocks seasonal foods (bread, cheese, meats, beer) from independent producers in Great Britain.
Greenwich Park
Where to Picnic: Work up an appetite with a pre-picnic stroll to the top of the park for breathtaking views of the London skyline. From the Royal Observatory, you can look out over Canary Wharf, the River Thames, and the iconic O2 hub. Go down the edge of the grass a bit and throw down a blanket to make the most of the views of London.
On your way back, walk past the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, both part of Greenwich’s Maritime World Heritage. For a quieter spot, consider heading to the beautiful Rose Garden on the east side of the park. The roses are in full bloom in June and July.
Where to buy food: Greenwich Market has an impressive variety of food stalls where you can stock up on picnic items. Highlights include homemade dim sum from La-Mian, vegan pastries from Ruby’s of London, and southern sandwiches from Pig Dogs and Brisket.
For traditional sandwiches and drinks, there is an M&S Simply Food store at Cutty Sark station. After having a picnic and taking in the views, end the day with a pint at the Old Brewery, a craft beer pub with a large outdoor terrace.
