London in summer is a city of picnic blankets. When the sun finally appears, Londoners drop everything and head for the grass. Hyde Park spreads out from the Serpentine with royal deer grazing near the Long Water. Regent’s Park bursts with roses in the Queen Mary Gardens. Greenwich Park offers a view of the entire city from the hilltop observatory. Hampstead Heath feels like the countryside, with wild ponds and ancient woodlands. Victoria Park in the East End buzzes with families and football games. Each park has its own character, its own regulars, and its own perfect spot for spreading out a blanket with bread, cheese, and a bottle of something cold.
The parks in London are some of the best outdoor spaces in the world, and each has its own unique identity. London’s parks feature grassy grounds, winding paths for leisurely strolls and cycle rides, vistas of the city and beautiful flora. Here are some of the best parks in London you might not know about.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London and spans almost 2,500 acres. It is approximately 30 minutes from central London and resembles English countryside pictures from the fabled story of Robin Hood. There are many gates for entry to the park, and the Richmond Gate is the best entry. This park features panoramic vistas of the capital, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and King Henry VIII’s Mound. There are many paths throughout the park, and visitors can trek around the ponds and through Deer Park. One of the best areas to visit in the park is the Isabella Plantation. It is a visual wonder of magnolias, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. The Isabella Plantation is part of the Richmond Park Site of Special Scientific Interest and is great for birdwatchers. Redstarts, Whitethroats and Green Sandpipers are often spotted.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vince O’Sullivan
Richmond Park is also a great venue for sports. An area of the grassland that is north of Roehampton Gate is equipped for rugby and accommodates four adult pitches. Visitors can also rent horses from the local stables to go horseback riding through the park. For golfers, the park has two 18-hole golf courses with a clubroom and pro shop. The park is home to over 600 red and fallow deer that roam freely across the grasslands, making it one of the most wildlife-rich urban parks in Europe. The best times for deer spotting are early morning and late afternoon.
Hampstead Heath Park
Inspiring the writings of C.S. Lewis, the Hampstead Heath Park has long grasslands to picnic in, woods to stroll in and ponds to swim in. The park is perfectly juxtaposed and provides scenic views of the Canary Wharf Tower, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In addition to swimming in the ponds, the park is set up for a number of fun activities. There are tennis courts, golf practice nets, croquet lawns, the Butterfly House and a zoo. The free zoo has exhibits of exotic mammals and birds, including kookaburras, ring-tailed coatis and ring-tailed lemurs. The Butterfly House has enclosed spaces for close-up views of stunning tropical species and areas where visitors can study the life cycle of these beautiful insects.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cristian Bortes
St. James’s Park
St. James’s Park is a lush retreat from the city and is bordered by Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace and Kensington Palace. In addition to scenic views of the palaces, the graceful arc of the London Eye can be admired from the Blue Bridge. Rolling lawns stretch around the sparkling lake, which is home to many pelicans, geese and ducks. During the warmer months, visitors can take in a concert, relax in the deck chairs, dine in the terrace at the park’s restaurant or alfresco with a picnic. There are also many ceremonial parades and national events that take place at the adjoining avenue of The Mall, which can be viewed from the park.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by – Simon –
Tips for the Perfect London Picnic
To make the most of your London park picnic, a little preparation goes a long way. Bring a waterproof blanket or groundsheet, as London grass can remain damp even in summer. Pack simple foods that travel well: crusty bread, hard cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit, and pastries. A bottle of chilled wine or sparkling water completes the experience. Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot, especially in popular parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Many parks have cafes and kiosks for top-ups, but the best picnics are self-contained. Remember to take all rubbish home with you, as the parks are carefully maintained for everyone to enjoy. Check the park’s rules regarding alcohol and barbecues before you go, as these vary between different Royal Parks and local authority parks.
This post was provided by the lovely people at hostelbookers.com. If you are heading to London to enjoy its beautiful parks and sites book a hostel in London with HostelBookers.com
View Best Parks in London for a Picnic United Kingdom in a larger map
Which London park would you choose for a perfect afternoon? 🧺
Explore more United Kingdom travel guides.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like: