Five Beautiful and Buzzing Picnic Spots in London
If you’re stuck on where to find somewhere lovely and green to get cosy and enjoy a cold bubbly and some picnic grub, London is lucky enough to have some seriously beautiful parks for a lazy afternoon under the sky.
London is spoilt for choice when it comes to its array of fantastic green spaces for picnics. Whether you’re after a lush, serene space surrounded by quiet lakes and woodlands or something a little more jam-packed, urban and buzzy, here is a list of five beautiful and buzzing picnic spots in London, plus a few local attractions thrown in!
Alexandra Park
Nestled between Wood Green tube station and Muswell Hill in North London, Alexandra Park’s 80 hectares of beautiful green space attracts millions of visitors each year.
Its rolling hills opposite the iconic grade-ll listed building and buzzing music venue, Alexandra Palace, are an ideal place to settle with picnic blankets and enjoy impeccable panoramic views of the city. Join the myriad of Londoners that flock here with a cold pint and sit on the grassy slopes to watch a goosebump-worthy sunset.
Looking for cool activities to finish up a lush and delicious day in the grass? Alexandra Park is full of wicked activities to keep the day blossoming! Zipline through tall trees at Go Ape, paddle in a swan-shaped boat at the lake, have a laugh at pitch and putt, or head to Alexandra Palace’s spacious ice-skating rink!
Hampstead Heath Pergola
A hidden gem in London’s famous Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Pergola is a magical space with pretty walks through enclosed gardens, winding vines and stunning views of London beneath you. The area is so romantic and beautiful, you’re likely to see many photoshoots taking place behind the luscious backdrop!
Make your way to the Hill gardens where you’ll find a large lily pond and fluffy grass to sit on; a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. A great option for couples. The closest stations are Hampstead underground and Hampstead Heath Overground station.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park sits in trendy East London, about a fifteen-minute walk from Mile End and Bethnal Green tube station. It is known as the “people’s park”, likely because of the spectacularly long list of things to see and do here.
Take your pick: There’s the ornate Chinese pagoda island overlooking the large boating lake, the elegant Burdette-Coutts fountain, or kids can wander and have a play in the park’s two impressive playgrounds (the main playground has one of the longest slides in London).
Don’t forget the vegan-friendly café, The Pavilion which is kitted out with deckchairs overlooking the lake. They serve up fresh organic produce, including Sri Lankan fusion, lip-smacking pastries and ice cream.
If you fancy exploring after your picnic, you can take a walk outside the park to the nearby quaint Victoria Park village where you’ll find uber-cool indie shops, a delicious dumpling restaurant and hipsterish pubs with impressive gardens.
Wanstead Park
Described in the Telegraph as “London’s lost Versailles”, Wanstead Park (about a 12-minute walk from Wanstead overground station) is a great option for nature-lovers looking for a peaceful pause from city life. A leafy oasis comprised of beautiful woodlands, gracious lakes (the Perch Pond is particularly striking), and countless plants and wildlife to explore.
Don’t skip the magical Wanstead Grotto, an 18th century ruin built in the 1760’s and a “survival of one of the grandest houses ever built in England”. There are benches and picnic tables at Heronry Pond near the Park Café, a lovely space to settle for a picnic and enjoy majestic views of the park.
Clissold Park
The fun-filled and family-friendly Clissold Park is located a short walk from Stoke Newington Overground Station. It earned the green flag award (an award given annually to the best green spaces in the country) and remains a local gem in East London.
Another thing worth mentioning is its fantastic generosity in activities for families. Children can get super-soaked at the epic new splash pad with a huge tilting bucket and playful showers, or they can ogle and feed the animals at the charming little farm where they’ll find goats, birds and deer.
There’s a good-sized playground that both the little ones and older kids can enjoy. Bring your blankets, tasty snacks and take in the leisurely atmosphere.
Relax and enjoy a chilled picnic in one of London’s many fabulous green spaces!
A relaxing picnic with loved ones is cheap, cheerful and always makes you feel good. Enjoy one of these fantastic options in the capital and share them with your friends and family!