11 Beautiful Picnic Spots in London
London is a city full of enchanting parks and scenic spots perfect for tea and biscuits and whatever else you might wish to bring for a cute picnic. The city is perfect for it really. It’s got breathtaking views, relaxed settings, and of course the bustling city aesthetic with areas great for people-watching and just seeing the world go by. London has it all. Discover these 11 beautiful picnic spots in London this summer. So pack your picnic basket, grab your favorite blanket and some flowers, and let’s explore!
Picnic And See the Best City Views From Above
Let’s start with locations where you get the best views of the city and the city skyline.
1. Greenwich Park: The Best View of London's Skyline
Greenwich Park is a very popular park in London and for a good reason. This is probably the best location for seeing the skyline of London. It’s a gorgeous park where you can truly see everything and enjoy the most perfect picnic in the most ideal kind of atmosphere in London. What makes this park unique is both the historical charm and the breathtaking views. The park is home to the Royal Observatory, where you can see the Prime Meridian line.
Why It's Perfect for Picnicking
The expansive green spaces are perfect for spreading out a blanket, and the park’s elevated position provides the best panoramic views of London’s skyline. With the amount of greenspaces for a picnic, it’s easy to find a cozy spot to just relax and enjoy the scenery. You can watch the world go by and enjoy the trees and buildings below you at the One Tree Hill Vista Point. Greenwich Park is the best place for a picturesque and memorable picnic outing.
Nearby Attractions
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- National Maritime Museum
2. Hampstead Heath: Tranquility in the Heart of London
Hampstead Heath is one of the most ideal picnic spots in London, offering a beautiful escape from the city center. This park is an elevated area a bit away from the busier parts of London. Every corner becomes more enchanting than the last throughout the park. For a particularly romantic and picturesque picnic, you will want to see the Parliament Hill Viewpoint. This section of the park is a great big open green space perfect for a little picnic, with views of London’s skyline below.
Best Picnic Spot: Parliament Hill Viewpoint
Hampstead Heath is the best place for a peaceful escape from the busier and noisier parts of the city. The expansive green spaces and wooded areas give you the best sense of seclusion and peace you’ll ever find in London. Parliament Hill Viewpoint, in particular, provides breathtaking views of the London skyline, creating a perfect backdrop for your picnic. The relaxed open environment gives you the chance to unwind and enjoy nature, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back picnic with friends or family.
Nearby Attractions
- Kenwood House
- Hampstead Ponds
3. Primrose Hill: Close to the City Center
Similar to Parliament Hill viewpoint, Primrose Hill is a section of Regents Park which has a stunning look out of the skyline. It’s a large open space, leaving you plenty of room for a laid out picnic. Primrose Hill is also a closer distance to the city center. So depending on where you’re staying, take a walk around the area on your way to Regents Park, it’s a really beautiful area of the city.
Why It's Ideal for a Picnic
Primrose Hill is perfect for those who want to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline while not straying too far from central London. The hill’s large open space provides ample room for picnickers to spread out and relax among the trees. The gentle slope of the hill makes it an ideal spot for taking in the loveliest city views. Its proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible, a perfect combination of an urban and natural atmosphere. Enjoying a picnic here feels like having the best of both worlds.
Nearby Attractions
- London Zoo
- Camden Market
Beautiful Picnic Spots For Those Who Love to Watch The World Go By
Here are some of the most beautiful picnic spots that offer the best atmosphere for watching the world go by or just for people watching. See all the little wonders of the world from your picnic table.
4. St James's Park: Perfect for People Watching
One of the things I personally love about parks and picnics is the opportunity to watch the world go by and just people watch. Sometimes, a good picnic is perfect simply by picking a spot that’s great for people-watching. St James’s Park is definitely one of those places. It’s always bustling with visitors exploring one of London’s most popular areas, but in a lovely park setting that makes it ideal for soaking in the atmosphere. Plus, you get to enjoy views of the beautiful buildings of Whitehall, making it an aesthetic picnic experience as well.
Why It's Great for a Picnic
St James’s Park is always full of activity, making it a prime spot for people-watching and watching the world go by. Located in the heart of London, it’s frequented by tourists and locals alike, giving the park a vibrant backdrop for a picnic. The park’s beautifully landscaped gardens and a picturesque lake, offer plenty of opportunity to find a scenic spot to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The view of iconic buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Whitehall, adds a royal feel to your picnic experience, which makes it a truly memorable outing.
Nearby Attractions
- Buckingham Palace
- The Mall
- Big Ben
5. Hyde Park: Expansive and Iconic Landmark in London
Hyde Park is one of the largest and most famous parks in London. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic with its many open spaces, beautiful gardens, and ponds. You could easily spend the entire day exploring and relaxing just in this park.
Beautiful Picnic Spots within the Park
Hyde Park has plenty of open spaces to choose from that are perfect for picnicking. The many fields provide ample space for finding a quiet spot away from the crowds. You can relax by the Serpentine Lake, just a picnic setting under the trees by a lake. The park is home to various sculptures, fountains, and monuments, which would be another great place to settle near. Hyde Park’s central location and many pathways make it easy to explore. Which makes your picnic experience both relaxing and adventurous.
Nearby Attractions
- Kensington Palace
- Victoria and Albert Museum
6. Southbank Riverwalk: Urban Picnic with a View
This is less of an open field, and more of a bench with a spectacular view of the Thames river and all London’s best sights surrounding. It’s an ideal place for a walk, but it’s also great for picnics, as it’s just around the corner from Borough Market. Here you can grab anything you’d like from breads, to fruits, to a wide range of different already made meals. Then you can head over to the river walk, where there are plenty of benches to relax near any of the best sights of London, such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral. There’s also plenty of action by the river, with street performers and a really vibrant atmosphere.
Why It's Unique for Picnicking
The Southbank Riverwalk is perfect for a unique urban picnic experience with stunning views of the Thames and surrounding landmarks. It’s the best picnic place for those who enjoy being near the city life while relaxing by the river. The proximity to Borough Market is a major perk, allowing you to pick up fresh and delicious picnic supplies. It’s of course a vibrant atmosphere, with street performers and lively crowds, which adds a bit of an energetic vibe to your picnic. Enjoying a meal with iconic sights like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the background makes for an unforgettable experience.
Nearby Attractions
- Tower Bridge
- The Globe Theatre
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
Picnic Spots For the Beauty and the Scenery
7. Reflection Garden by St Paul's Cathedral: An Iconic Historic Setting
I can’t mention St. Paul’s as just an additional nearby attraction, as St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic spot of London. It’s known for its history and for having one of the biggest domes in the world, which is absolutely stunning to look at. For such a perfect view, go to the Reflection Garden across the street. There you’ll find plenty of benches with plenty of greenery framing St Paul’s. If you want another view, you could also walk around to the other side of the cathedral and find Paternoster Square.
Why It's Perfect for a Picnic
The Reflection Garden by St Paul’s Cathedral has one of the most picturesque settings for a picnic. The garden’s greenery and cute benches provide a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy a little meal. The view of St Paul’s Cathedral, with its stunning dome, creates a beautiful old, historic atmosphere that is hard to beat. The secluded environment of the garden makes it an ideal spot for those seeking an aesthetic picnic experience amidst the busier side of London.
Nearby Attractions
- Millennium Bridge
- Tate Modern
8. Regents Park: A Very Royal Garden Atmosphere
Regents Parks is in my opinion the loveliest park in London, and really one of the most ideal spots for a picnic. As mentioned earlier, Primrose Hill is a great overlook of the city from above, but the rest of the park is also perfect for a picnic as well. The Queen Mary’s Rose Garden section is the most ideal spot, with a cute lake, plenty of trees and flowers, and seclusion.
Best Picnic Spot: Queen Mary’s Rose Garden
Regents Park is one of the best spots in London if you’re seeking natural beauty and tranquility in the heart of the city. The Queen Mary’s Rose Garden is particularly enchanting, with its flower beds, quiet lake, and beautiful greenery. This part of the park creates the most peaceful setting for a picnic, making it perfect for those in favor of nature and floral beauty. The park’s extensive paths and multitude of secluded spots provide a sense of seclusion and calm, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the park as if it were your own.
Nearby Attractions
- Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Madame Tussauds London
9. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden: A Hidden Gem
St Dunstan in the East is a historic and enchanting garden that is truly a hidden gem in London. As it’s a small park, it may go unnoticed, but it is definitely one of the best picnic spots in London. The garden is built around the ruins of a church that was destroyed during WWII, creating a very unique and atmospheric picnic spot in the city. The beautiful greenery and quiet corners make it the perfect place to escape the city aesthetic without having to leave it.
Why It's Ideal for a Picnic
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a unique spot for a picnic, as the garden’s lush greenery intertwines with the ruins of the old church, which really creates a lovely atmosphere that is both quiet and beautiful. It’s a perfect hideaway for those looking to escape the city’s noise as well.
Nearby Attractions
- The Shard
- Sky Garden
10. Victoria Tower Gardens South: Riverside Picnic
Just along the banks of the River Thames and behind the iconic Big Ben, Victoria Tower Gardens South is yet another perfect escape in the heart of London. This charming park, as it is just beyond Big Ben and Westminster, is the most picturesque setting for a relaxed picnic by the river. The well maintained lawns, shady trees, and beautiful buildings surrounding, create an atmosphere perfect for the ideal picnic.
Why It's Perfect for Picnicking
Victoria Tower Gardens South is an ideal picnic spot for its amazing views and peaceful environment. From the park, you can see the London Eye, boats going by along the Thames, and the Palace of Westminster. The park’s riverside location is not only perfect for the stunning views but also for the refreshing breeze coming from the Thames and the peaceful trees for shade and a cool spot for a picnic. The proximity to all these wonderful tourist spots and charms of London makes your picnic experience both peaceful and enriching.
Nearby Attractions
- Westminster Abbey
- Tate Britain
11. Any Public Square in London: Relax in Every Corner of London
If you’re seeking a quaint and cozy spot for a picnic, look no further than the cute little public squares scattered throughout London. These small parks are the best spots to relax amidst the urban landscape. With numerous options to choose from, such as Grosvenor Square, Russell Square, Gordon Square, and Tavistock Square Gardens, you’ll find a picturesque spot no matter where you are in the city really. Each square has its own unique ambiance to it. So there’s really a variety of picnic settings to explore and enjoy.
Top Squares for Picnicking
- Grosvenor Square
- Russell Square
- Gordon Square
- Tavistock Square Gardens
Why They’re Perfect Picnic Spots
Public squares in London are perfect for picnicking with their quaint feel in the middle of the busy city. These squares are often surrounded by local cafes and shops, making it easy to grab something quick to enjoy your picnic. This kind of setting is ideal for a relaxed day in the city. Additionally, many of these squares are located near notable attractions, such as the British Museum near Russell Square and the University of London near Gordon Square, which can add a touch of culture or history to your picnic experience. You can relax in the grass or set up a picnic on a bench. Either way, these charming little squares are the most convenient picnic experience all the while keeping it aesthetic and enjoyable.
Nearby Attractions
- British Museum (near Russell Square)
- University of London (near Gordon Square)
Ultimate Bucket List For Your First Visit To London
This is your guide for planning a trip to London with a complete bucket list of places to see and experience on your trip.
Read MoreThis concludes the best picnic spots in London! If you want inspiration for the best day trips outside of the city, check out this post.
If you have any more picnic locations you want to mention, please share in the comments! I’d love to know what everyone thinks are the most beautiful places in London.
Maeve
Maeve
Welcome to our little corner of the internet!
Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
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Our Long Distance Story
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To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
Get a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and take in the advice from those who have successfully created a strong cross-cultural relationship from a distance.
