Here comes International Picnic Day, a time when lying in the grass and eating sandwiches is considered a meaningful cultural activity. With temperatures just perfect, now’s your chance to throw on some linen, grab your friends, and visit the city's best gardens. Whether you're into birds, boats, or just really good benches, we've got you covered. From parks with secret ruins to places where pelicans rule the land, here’s your essential guide to London’s picnic royalty.
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Star Attractions: Boating, ice cream trucks, and a very swan-heavy lake.
Hire a paddle boat on the Serpentine, wave awkwardly at ducks, then spread your picnic blanket near the water and eat like you’ve earned it. For food, hit up the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen or grab a flaky croissant from nearby cafes in Knightsbridge. Extra points if someone brings a Bluetooth speaker and a questionable Spotify playlist.
Star Attractions: Surprise pelicans!
If you thought pigeons ran London, think again. St. James’s Park is where the real birds hang out, namely, a family of pelicans who casually live their best lives by the lake. This park feels like the set of a Bridgerton picnic scene: think ornate bridges, flower beds that belong on postcards, and uninterrupted views of Buckingham Palace.
Star Attractions: Rose gardens, rowing boats, and the secret entrance to the zoo.
Regent’s Park is a classy picnic spot. You’ve got the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden if you want full floral immersion, and rowing boats on the lake if your picnic needs a Titanic reenactment. It’s also dangerously close to Primrose Hill, so once you're full of crisps and sunshine, wander over for one of London’s best skyline views.
Star Attractions: Peacocks. Actual, strutting peacocks!
Small but mighty, Holland Park is where minimalists picnic in style. The Kyoto Garden is pure serenity (do not feed the koi carp), and the rest of the park is full of tucked-away corners perfect for a quiet hang. Bring a book, a chilled drink, and someone who won’t mind sharing a bench with a peacock.
Star Attractions: Wild deer that will definitely ignore you but still make you feel majestic.
Richmond Park is basically a nature documentary come to life. It’s huge, it’s hilly, and it’s home to herds of deer who are completely unfazed by your picnic. Take the scenic route to King Henry’s Mound for a panoramic view all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral. For food, stock up in Richmond town before entering the park; this isn’t the place to realise you forgot your snacks.
Star Attractions: Wild swimming, skyline views, and chaotic energy.
Hampstead Heath is where you go when you don’t want a curated picnic, you want a quest. Find your own little clearing, or climb up to Parliament Hill and picnic with a view. You can also take a dip in the swimming ponds. Bonus tip: get snacks from the Hampstead High Street before heading in.
Star Attractions: Time travel jokes and observatory visits!
Bring your picnic to the Prime Meridian Line and tell your friends their sandwich is technically in the future. Greenwich Park gives you rolling hills, observatory domes, and views that make you forget you’re still in London. After your picnic, stroll down to the riverside or explore the Royal Naval College.
Star Attractions: Giant greenhouses, treetop walks, and serious foliage.
This is the picnic you plan in advance. You’ll need a ticket to get in, but once you’re inside, it’s a plant paradise. There are over 50,000 species of plants here. Set up camp under the palm trees or near the Japanese Gateway, and don’t miss the on-site café if you want tea and cake among orchids.
Star Attractions: Gothic and beautiful ruins.
Not technically a park, but we couldn’t leave it out. St Dunstan in the East is what happens when a medieval church gets turned into a secret garden. It’s small, surreal, and absolutely magical. No big lawns, just ivy-covered walls, stone archways, and hidden benches perfect for quiet lunches or whispered poetry. A great spot for solo picnics or intimate conversations.
London is full of green pockets and hidden treasures; you just need the right sandwich and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re in it for the pelicans, the deer, or the peacocks, there’s a picnic spot calling your name!