The best places to picnic in London

Picnicking is one of the summertime activities that we all love to partake in. Homemade sandwiches, fresh fruit, summer cordials and the chance to relax and catch up with friends and family. Plus, throw in an essential game of rounders for good measure and you are in for a really fantastic day!

There are plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic in London, from well-known major parks to little gems hidden off the usual tourist track. So, whether you are a resident of our fine capital city or are just heading to London King’s Cross Station for a weekend of summer fun, there is sure to be a perfect London picnic destination for you. 

Quick round-up of the best picnic spots in London 
 

• Postman's Park
• Primrose Hill
• Kyoto Garden
• Phoenix Garden
• Thames Barrier Park
• Victoria Park
• London Fields
• Haggerston Park 
  
  
   

Picnic places in Central London 

Postman's Park
 

A peaceful and shaded garden just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city, Postman’s Park offers the perfect place to chill and enjoy a secluded London picnic lunch.
 

A short stroll from St Paul’s Cathedral and home to The Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice by George Frederick Watts, this is a spot where you can escape the hustle and enjoy the relaxing trickling fountain and the beautiful sundial and flower beds around you in the gardens.
 

Nearest tube station: St Paul's (Exit 1 for Aldersgate Street)

 

Primrose Hill
 

Perfect for sleepy Sunday afternoons or early evening picnic dinners, Primrose Hill offers a delightful setting to munch on your scotch eggs and sip your cloudy lemonade. 

The views of the city from the top are unbelievable on a clear day or evening, and you will find yourself among a lively crowd of regulars who spend much of their summer up here on the hill.

Plus, there are plenty of delicious delis and cafés in Primrose Hill selling a wide range of picture-perfect cupcakes and juicy fresh fruit, so you can stock up on extras on your way up to the top from any of the following spots:

• Primrose Hill Cafe
• Greenberry Cafe
• Arvo Cafe
• Jole Corner
• Alma
• The Little One Coffee Shop
• The Coffee Jar 

Nearest tube station: Chalk Farm
 

Kyoto Garden
 

Opened in 1991 as a gift from the city of Kyoto to celebrate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain, the Kyoto Garden is a breathtakingly beautiful area within Holland Park.
 

Here you will find traditional Japanese garden features, including tranquil tiered waterfalls, stone lanterns and ponds full of mesmerising koi carp fish.
 

Surround yourself in the calming atmosphere as you enjoy a tranquil picnic with close friends or a loved one, and why not complete the experience with a traditional Japanese lunch of sushi or sashimi from one of the local Japanese restaurants in the area? There are plenty to choose from: 

• Eat Tokyo
• Tombo
• Mikawa Sushi
• Bone Daddies High Street, Kensington
• Oka Restaurant
• Dozo Restaurant  

Nearest tube station: Holland Park

Phoenix Garden
 

Nestled in the middle of London’s West End, Phoenix Garden is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets… Until now!
 

Located behind the Phoenix Theatre, the garden has been in place since 1984 and has an amazing community feel, with regular events held there. From yoga sessions and Petanque, to crafts and pottery making, there are all sorts of post-picnic activities to get involved in.
 

If it’s a chilled vibe you are looking for, head here on your lunch break to sit on a garden bench and take in all the wild flowers, butterflies and birds around you.

Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square

Best picnic spots in East London 
 

Thames Barrier Park
 

Another of the capital’s lesser-known park spaces, Thames Barrier Park is a vast area of green space, located in the Royal Docks area.
 

This modern park features 32 fountains in a stone courtyard and a 130-foot-long sunken garden that runs diagonally through the space as a reminder of its dockland heritage. You will find a variety of plants and wildlife here, as well as extensive lawns for picnics and scented gardens to roam among.
 

Children’s play areas, a basketball court, and a lovely coffee shop make this the ideal destination for a midsummer family picnic spot.
 

Nearest tube station: Pontoon Dock (on the DLR)

Victoria Park 
 

Arguably, one of the best parks in London for a picnic on a warm summer's day. Victoria Park features large open green spaces, sparkling lakes and stunning canal views. 

With an abundance of space, you can choose between a quiet corner or a lively atmosphere depending on how you’re feeling on the day! 

If you’re looking for a perfect, picturesque setting, be sure to explore the Chinese Pagoda and the West Boating Lake. Here you’ll be able to hire a pedalo for a relaxing cruise along the lake and pop into the Pavilion Cafe for a bite to eat if you didn’t pack enough picnic food. 

Nearest tube station: Mile End Station or Hackney Wick Station

London Fields 

London Fields is an atmospheric 31-acre park in Hackney, perfect for a picnic on a summer's day. The park holds a Green Flag Award, which is awarded annually to the best green spaces in the country. The space is home to an array of amenities, including: 
 

• Swimming Lido for summertime outdoor swims 

• Lido Cafe 

• Toilets & Accessible Toilets 

• 2 children's play areas 

• An outdoor gym 

• Tennis courts 

• Cricket pitch 

• A stunning wildflower meadow for the perfect picnic spot 

Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green or London Fields Overground Rail Station

Haggerston Park 

Looking for a hidden gem for your London picnic? Haggerston Park is a quaint, quiet spot ideal for summer picnics, located in the southwest corner of Hackney. Like London Fields, the park holds a Green Flag Award for being one of the best green spaces in the country. 

Within the park, you’ll find: 

• Accessible toilets 

• A children’s play area

• BMX cycle track 

• Gym apparatus

• A seasonal athletics track 

• Conservation and pond area 

• A refreshment kiosk to grab a snack and a drink if you haven’t packed enough in your picnic! 

Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green 

Direct to the best places to picnic in London

Hop on one of our trains to King’s Cross and visit some of the amazing picnic spots in London. We operate regular daily trains to the capital city from the North East and West Yorkshire, and we offer a range of on-board facilities to ensure the best possible journey.

Head to our journey planner or our mobile app to plan your trip today.