Best spot? Avon Valley Country Park, Bristol With 50 acres of beautiful countryside set alongside the River Avon, this wildlife and adventure park offers miles of quiet riverside trails bursting with scenic picnic opportunities. If you fancy a less busy night for a winter picnic in London, why not combine a trip to the Ice Rink available here during the Christmas season with a picnic in the park. If youre looking for a tranquil spot in London to have a picnic, then Holland Park is for you. Best spot? But the real sweet spot here is the Cherry Blossom boulevard that makes a perfect picnic spot that offers fantastic views on a warm spring day. Anything else I should know? 65 helpful votes. Best spot? We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Cheers! Of course, if you've forgotten your picnic you could always just eat here instead! The City of London has both covered and uncovered picnic sites available to rent at the following parks: Picnic sites are available for reservation between Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, weather permitting. If you fancy dusting off your picnic basket and heading here, expect to veg out alongside sun-worshipping locals and loads of ducks (the latter of whom would be more than interested in your leftover sandwich crusts). Lower Lydbrook Park. Anything else I should know? Shop for tasty delights in nearby Crouch End before walking up or, if you're visiting on a Sunday, peruse the treats on offer at the Ally Pally Farmers Market. Austria. You can pre-order ready-made picnic hampers from cute deli Melrose and Morganfilled with scotch eggs, wine, cheese and other treats if youre willing to splash a bit of cash its what Lord Leverhulme would have wanted. This macabre chapel was created by local woodcarver Frantiek Rint in the 1870s, using bones from the 40,000 human skeletons in the town crypt. Your email address will not be published. Surrey has countless picnic places for you to enjoy, from riverside retreats to hilltop heights, so take a look below at these special places to dine alfresco - and please remember to look after nature . Head to one of the Heaths many cafes: Parliament Hill Cafe, Parliament Hill Lido Cafe, Golders Hill Park Refreshment House, and Kenwood Brew House restaurant. My favourite part is the abundance of greenery surrounded by the peacefulness of the area that makes it the perfect picnic spot in London. Need food? Theres no need tolug a heavy picnic basket from home head there via Hampstead Village and load up on cakes and pastries at coffee shop, . Theres a high chance that if you look outside right now during the day time youll see. Picnics are a great way to make the most of the sunshine this summer. Anything else I should know? In summer you can also find a big screen hanging on the other side of the river, playing big sporting events like Wimbledon. Runnymede Pleasure Ground. Closed Saturdays of Statutory Holiday long weekends. Oah, and there are no toilets available in the park either. A few to check out include: 16. And as other picnickers gather a whiff of your delicious food, you may even become the envy of everyone. Although it is the smallest Royal Park in London, its is nonetheless one of the best picnic spots in London. Thees beautiful landscapes to enjoy including lowland, highlands, and woodlands. Thanks for subscribing! London hasloads of parks and grand green spaces, perfect for a bit of al fresco, blanket-based action. Fancy a midnight winter picnic? Ive listed all the best picnic spots in London. Cosied up next to the Thames, Furnival Gardens is a little slice of grassy heaven in Hammersmith, where you can wriggle your shoes off, bask in the sunshine and watch boats bobbing along in the water. Parking is behind Annie's cafe. If you didnt BYOP (thats 'bring your own picnic', FYI), theres a cafe at Holland Park Orangery. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 1.3 3. Cities might not lend themselves well to picnics, but there are actually lots of awesome picnic spots in London. New Hongqiao Centre Garden 2238 Yanan Xi Lu, near Loushanguan Lu. The riverside picnic spots are especially popular at the John Forrest National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The hill can get busy, especially on sunny days, so for a quieter spot, try the surrounding Parliament Hill Fields. Its a little further out from central London, meaning the crowds are usually marginally smaller than the central parks. Need To Bring Food: Bar, Restaurant and Cafs available on site. However, it's truly beautiful here and it's not difficult to see why it would be so popular. Anything else I should know? Read more. For an easy day trip from Prague, head an hour east to the historic town of Kutn Hora, famed as the setting for the Sedlec Ossuary - aka the 'Bone Church' - the creepiest sight in Central Europe. The Heath is huge and has plenty of stellar spots for picnics. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Halls Peak campground and picnic area, Riverside campground and picnic area, and Youdales Hut campground and picnic area. When visiting today youll be able to appreciate the gardens surrounded by the ruins of the church located in the hustle and bustle of Monument. The park has its own little cafe, but youre a minutes walk from buzzing Holbornwhere you'll find plenty of choices. And of course, avoid the lunch hour rush if you want a more exclusive feeling. Where to go to find information on the City of London's businessand development. Best spot: The Heath is huge and has plenty of stellar spots for picnics. Anything else I should know? Brockwell Park is most definitely a looker, and its perfect for keeping your mates who cant sit still entertained. With a grassy area, benches, and a barbeque, the sound of water rushing past . It has a large green area that centers around the ruins of Holland house thats perfect for a picnic spot. You can wander around the beautiful park and either find a picnic spot by the river, in the shade of a tree or at the top of the hill enjoying sweeping views of the London skyline. Theres a Waitrose, a Gails Bakeryand big Sainsburys near Clapham Common tube station. The picnic spot has tables/benches, is near a car park with public toilets and is on the banks of the Thames. Guess what else? Alexandra Palace Park is one of the most visited parks in London that gives Londoners a respite from the busy city life. Your email address will not be published. This garden is the prime location for those who enjoy viewing the boat races that take place on the River Thames. The whole place is lovely, so park your blanket wherever take your fancy. Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center is a tranquil oasis in the Riverdale neighborhood of The Bronx. As theres a couple of cafs dotted around the park. It is crafted. Toggle navigation . These cookies do not store any personal information. Youll be able to enjoy views of the large arch windows and the greenery that drapes the church walls. 1. 69 reviews. Need To Bring Food: Theres a Food Court, Bar & Kitchen, Food Trucks and numerous cafs on site. Swing by Pizza Pilgrims, Bun House or Herman ze German for a superior picnic. Stay: YHA London St Paul's is a 20 minute walk away from Somerset House. Its a 15-minute walk from Hampstead tube station to the Pergola, so stop by brilliant gelato spot, for a cone to keep you entertained on the walk. As one of the most prominent and visited green spaces in London, Hyde Park certainly isn't lacking in picnic spots. On a sunny day, its the perfect spot for a picnic. The word Battersea conjures up images of the famous dogs and cats home, but if you fancy yourself more of a pygmy goat-whisperer, visit Battersea Park Childrens Zoo to pet away the stresses of adult life and coo over all things small and fluffy. Good things come in small packages, or so this pocket-sized patch of grass in central would have you believe. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, this huge park has plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play. BBQs used to be popular here, although theyre currently suspended as a result of damage to the park. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Set up your picnic spot in a quiet grassy corner, or make use of their wrought iron tables and chairs. First the World Cup final - now France has the best city on the planet: Paris takes the No.1 spot in a ranking of the top 100 cities for 2022, with Dubai second, London sixth and NYC 10th Hoppy days! Green Park is one of the three parks surrounding Buckingham Palace, whichs filled with rolling green lawns and lots of memorials dotted around the park. Richmond Park is a 2500 acre park that was originally a hunting ground in the 17th century, and until today is still home to hundreds of deer. Additionally, theres a large wetland area, an Open Air Theatre, and over 100 species of wild birds to spot here. Theres no need tolug a heavy picnic basket from home head there via Hampstead Village and load up on cakes and pastries at coffee shop Ginger & Whiteor pick up a pizza from LAntica Pizzeria. The best picnic spot along Regents Canal is just behind Kings Cross Station, by Granary Square. Barbecues and campfires arent allowed, so leave your baps and frozenbangers at home. Theres even a little lawn thats perfect for a picnic on the ground, but be sure to bring your picnic hamper with you. Dj vu! Where to go to find information on living in London. The botanical gardens of Kew Gardens are the perfect backdrop for any summer picnic. As well as grassy spots perfect for picnics, you can turn your hand to a game of mini golf at putting course Putt in the Park. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Beside the Oxford canal, Thrupp Thrupp is a small canalside village a couple of miles from Kidlington. Additionally, there are lots of rare fungi, birds, beetles, bats, and wildflowers to view here. Jubilee Park and Gardens is the go-to place is you want to people watch against one of Londons famous landmarks, The London Eye. Whole Foods, Gails Bakery and Hummingbird Bakery are on the way if youre coming from Richmond station, so you can stock up on supplies. Greenwich Park is a brilliant picnic spot choice for anyone looking to get a bit out of central London, while at the same time exploring a beautiful and famous part of the city. Picnic Spots Near Oxford with Parking. Once you've had your fill of the lush London views, you can scale heights with Go Ape, try your hand at the Pitch & Putt or shop for plants at the garden centre. If you want to upgrade from a blanket or your jacket tossed on the ground, from April to October, you can hire a striped deckchair from 1.80 an hour. We already have this email. There are plenty of grassy nooks here for a secluded snack, and E17s industrial past gives a quirky aesthetic to the greenery with an old metalworks and gunpowder millsamong the reservoirs. In fact, it was declared the world's first National Park City in 2019, and it is estimated that 47% of the city is dedicated to natural habitats and green space. Whilst all thoughts and recommendations are strictly my own, Im a member of the Amazon EU Associates Program, and my posts may include affiliate links. Nearest station: Hammersmith/Ravenscourt Park tubes, From nature reserves to community plots, weve uncovered some of the citys best-kept secret gardens. Looking for a lunch spot for dates, lunches with friends or a cheeky snooze under a plane tree? Best spot: The Heath is huge and has plenty of stellar spots for picnics. A beautiful setting with designated picnic areas, this lush parkland has 3 gardens - a 17th century Italianate pleasure garden with ponds and fountains, an old kitchen garden and an arboretum. BBQs used to be popular here, although theyre currently suspended as a result of damage to the park. Meet The Coaling Jetty, a beautiful Thameside development boasting iconic views and a whole lot of history. Set beside the Thames, this park offers beautiful riverside walks as well as large green spaces to sunbathe. In fact, this park is so hidden that its on its own little island and besides the locals of Silvertown (yes this is a real place in London and not a Pokmon town) not many others may know of its existence. Visit on a Saturday morning (once things open up) and youll be a swift 15-minute stroll from. Just be sure to arrive early with lots of comfy blankets in tow just in case the other half of London has the same idea. 7. However, the onsite. You can either bring your own food or get take away from one of the many restaurants and food stalls in the area, then grab a seat in the sun and enjoy the atmosphere along the canal. When I first started working at EY the vast majority of my colleagues who hadnt gone to university in London were living in Clapham. When its not peppered with hipster picnics, Vicky Park is also the stomping ground for urban festivals last year it was home to All Points East, a music and community events fest. RECOMMENDED: The best picnic spots in London. Best spot:If you want to nibble au naturel, hunt down the picnic benches in Kews woodland areas - theyre lovely. When the grass is too damp, perch around the edges of the bandstand-like structure in the centre of the square instead. There is a good picnic spot at Wolvercote - a village on the outskirts of Oxford. Manage Settings Alexandra Palace itself is also home to a weekend market so if youre there on a weekend you can get fresh food at the market for your picnic. Denying consent may make related features unavailable. This sun-dappled stretch is only a short stomp away from other points of interest too, like the eclectic aesthetic extravaganza of Sir John Soanes Museum and some imposing Victorian architecture at the Royal Courts of Justice. Once you arrive, head for the Medieval bridge to secure a picnic spot on the grassy riverbank. Forget central London -- it's too crowded for a picnic, and most of the riverfront is taken up with buildings or concrete walkway. No problem. St Dunstan in The East was once a functioning Church until it was bombed during the Blitz of 1941 whereby a decision was then made to turn the grounds into a public garden. Bring a book and your picnic blanket for a quaint afternoon perfect for some R&R away from the city's madness as the quiet gardens even try to prohibit phone calls. There are plenty of delicious delis and caf. Best spot? Or find delicious coffee (and tea) from Rosie & Joe, two minutes away in the nearby courtyard of the St Giles-in-the-Fields church. Its a tranquil spot that doesnt even feel like being in the heart of London. Grab one of the benches along the Lower Mall for the best views over the Thames. I hope you find this guide useful in planning your own London picnic. Built in the early twentieth century by millionaire soap magnate Lord Leverhulme to hold Great Gatsby-style blowouts, today this gorgeous but faded pergola has swapped parties for picnics. Set up in the north of the park and you can picnic while watching a game of cricket at London Fields Cricket Club. Try another? There are two things you should do immediately to capitalise on this. Required fields are marked *. If youre planning a visit I would recommend arriving a few hours before sunset and settling down with a picnic in the warm afternoon heat. The wild green space is the apple of North London's eye, with spectacular city views, rolling meadows, ancient woodland and lush plant life. 107 posts. Hampstead High Street and South End Green have good delis and a few supermarkets where you can pick up food for a picnic, so it's easy to get provisions near the tube and train stations. Nestled in the Wye Valley, Lower Lydbrook is the perfect place for a spring picnic with friends. The spot: Dangle your feet from the bank with views of frothing weir, historic lock and tiny paddling beach. Supplement your picnic with a stop-off at the scenic Pavilion Cafe or The Hub. So if you really want to make a day out of it, why not time your picnic with a race. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. By checking this, you agree to our Privacy Policy. If youre planning your own little picnic but arent sure where to go, this is the guide for you! Samphire Hoe is one of dozens of great picnic spots in Kent (Image: Ian Capper) With the bank holiday just around the corner and the weather looking dry and bright, there is a fantastic . With the many zones located in this London garden, youll be spoilt for picnic spots but be sure to also check out the many memorials dotted around the gardens. Anything else I should know? Pick a spot on the top of the hill just before the tennis courts for a good view of the cityscape and easy access to the Pistachios in the Park caf it has a public loo as well as tasty cakes and coffee. In summer you can also find a big screen hanging on the other side of the river, playing big sporting events like Wimbledon. Wittenham Clumps, Long Wittenham This triangle of tranquility doesnt have much decoration, but that doesnt make it dull. If youre there to see a show, you can reserve a table near the venue and bring your own picnic beforehand. filled with scotch eggs, wine, cheese and other treats if youre willing to splash a bit of cash its what Lord Leverhulme would have wanted. East Sussex. And what best way to do it than have a picnic? Located on the north end of Regents Park, its one of the best viewpoints in London.