Picnics in London’s parks!

It's park time, and London is full of good places to go. Photo: Kathrine Anker

Now that Londoners can proudly brag that they have survived the gloomy months of winter, it’s easy enough to decide on a break from meals in front of the TV or computer screen. Sandwiches packed in aluminium foil, pasta salad in plastic containers, a basket of apples and muffins: all are snacks that can be ready for a picnic. However, the decision is not about what to eat but where to take your packed lunch.

The plethora of green spaces in London is unlike that of any big city in the world. Perhaps this has to do with the need to provide open areas to people who otherwise spend their days in crammed flats, narrow streets, and overcrowded restaurants. If you are looking to go beyond your local courtyard and are willing to make the trip to find the ultimate place for a picnic in London, here are some of the best parks to do it in:

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Regents Park

Bring out the twine basket and the red and white picnic blanket for the most idyllic space in the city to have a picnic. From the elegant fountains to the neatly-kept paths, bridges and ponds, this Royal park evokes all the glory of an esoteric affair. Among its attractions are Queen Mary’s Gardens, which are planted with rose bushes that should bloom any minute now, any minute… Until they do, you can always take a stroll around the Zoo, located at the northern tip of the 166-acre park.

Hyde Park

Londoners enjoying spring with a picnic in Regents Park. Photo credit: Lorena Fernández

It’s ice cream time! Event though this park is not really the place one goes to with a packed lunch, it’s the place where most people who have been on a shopping frenzy in Oxford Street can take a break and enjoy wide areas of green carpet that are not for sale. The noisy traffic circulating around the park is hard to ignore, but if you walk west past the Serpentine, you’ll find Kensington Gardens, which is much more tranquil space. On both of these adjacent parks you’ll find plenty of people playing sports. Don’t feel bad if a ball falls on your picnic- join the game!

Victoria Park

Feeling it’s about time to gather up the group, get some booze, and head to the park? Located in East London, these 86 acres of public land is a great place to chill on a Saturday afternoon. There is a small picnic area with tables and benches and if you’re just looking for a space to spread out, there are plenty of shady spots under big trees. Expect a lot of dogs, a lot of balls flying around, and a lot of people.

Alexandra Park

Alexandra Palace, or Ally Pally as it is fondly nicknamed in North London. Photo credit: Duncan Harris

Grab food at the farmer’s market and hike up for a good view. This may not be the easiest place to get to in the city, but if you manage the hike – or the W7 bus from Finsbury Park Station, easier – the view and calm atmosphere of this park can be a good place for a date. Also, you could take a look at Alexandra Palace and decide for yourself if it’s cool or weird.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is huge, and you can spend an entire day walking through it, discovering the bygone grand times of the Kenwood House or taking in the stunning view of the city centre from Parliament Hill. Hampstead Heath also has a lido and three ponds, one for men, one for women and a mixed one, for those times when it’s just too hot to be anywhere else but in the water. You can enter the park from many different points on the Northern Line, such as Hampstead, Belsize Park, Kentish Town and Highgate.

Osterley Park

Osterley Palace is pleasing to the eye, and there is a terrific view of it from the park. Photo: Kathrine Anker

Hidden in the South West corner of the Picadilly Line, Osterley Park doesn’t get as much attention as its more centrally located competitors. This makes it all the more pleasing to discover how rural it feels once you get there. Cows are grazing on a field that surrounds the park, and there is a little shop with farm products near the pretty palace and the manicured ponds in the park. In the spring, Osterley Park is known for its many bluebells.

Do you have any other pictures or ideas for picnics in parks? Please let us know at street.talk@thefirstpint.co.uk!