It’s picnic season in Londontown.
There’s nothing more civilized or British than a posh picnic, and when the sun’s shining, Londoners love to live it up with some al fresco dining and drinking in one of the city’s many green spaces. There are eight official Royal Parks in this leafy capital city, but these are the best places to picnic in London within walking distance of our London Perfect apartments.
Best Places to Picnic in London
Holland Park is close to many of our apartments and one of the best places to picnic in London.
Holland Park: A local favorite
This Royal Park is hidden away in the elegant eponymous Holland Park neighborhood, between Kensington and Notting Hill. Holland Park is one of London’s best-kept local secrets. Yet, since you’re living like a local with your own digs, you’re invited to picnic in this pristine park filled with peacocks, a Japanese garden, woodland trails and an old manor house.
For the perfect summer evening, go to Jeroboams, a gourmet grocer on the north side of the park. There, you can pick up some amazing English cheeses and maybe even a bottle of English sparkling wine—they’re good, we promise! Then, head into the park and find a nice green spot in front of the ruins of Cope Castle, a Jacobean mansion, part of which is used as an open-air opera venue in the summer. Don’t miss the Kyoto Garden, resplendent with golden koi fish, waterfalls and manicured trees. The peacocks—which are technically wild—tend to hang out in this area as well.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Kensington Gardens: Royal charm and historic appeal
Is there anything more English than Kensington Gardens? (Answer: no.) Once part of Hyde Park (and still connected with it), Kensington Gardens is steps away from many of our lovely apartment rentals. The park contains Kensington Palace, where many of the young royals live. There’s even a statue dedicated to Peter Pan. In 1912, the statue was erected in secret in the middle of the night to infuse a sense of childhood magic.
Other magical spots to check out? The fountain-filled Italian Gardens on the north side of the park and the ornate Victorian-styled Albert Memorial. Near to the park on the charming Kensington Church Street, you can find the artisan Greek food store, Menoo. Stock up on picnic-ready goodies like homemade spinach pies and tangy olives.
The Sunken Garden in Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park: With 350 acres, this is one of the best places to picnic in London
Hyde Park is attached to Kensington Gardens, and it’s easy to confuse the two as one big park. If you’re staying at one of our apartments, then this is your picnic-perfect park. (Another reason why it’s one of the best places to picnic in London? Because it’s also a favorite hangout of Harry and Meghan!) One of the prime spots to spread your picnic blanket is by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, which is along the Serpentine, the park’s large pond. But at 350 acres, there are plenty of other grassy knolls to call your own. Keep an eye out for the bright green parakeets—they love to hang out around the east bank of the Serpentine.
The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park
Green Park: A quiet hideaway spot for a romantic picnic
Sitting adjacent to Buckingham Palace and just a short stroll from the fashionable three-bed and three-bath Belgravia, you’ll find the smaller, but well-appointed Green Park. Though the Belgravia boasts a tiny balcony, there’s more fresh air to be had in the great outdoors. For a private picnic, Green Park is an idyllic option. It’s a simple, grassy park. There are no massive statues or ponds. But it does have a genuine feeling of serenity, making it one of the best places to picnic in London—especially if you’re after a peaceful afternoon. Try a romantic picnic for two among the daffodils, followed by a short walk to the nearby St James’s Park. (And don’t forget the champagne.)
The Belgravia’s sunny living room opening up onto a rare balcony
Battersea Park: Family-friendly picnicking
Perfect for the Chelsea set, there’s the 200-acre Battersea Park, which is certainly one of the best places to picnic in London. Sitting on the south bank of the River Thames, this green space is a favorite of locals—especially those with families. There’s a small zoo, a picturesque Peace Pagoda, a boating lake and even an English garden hidden behind brick walls. For something extra special, pick the palm-bedecked Subtropical Garden as your picnicking location.
For your next stay in London, our knowledgeable reservations team is on hand to help you select one of our stunning family vacation rentals. We can also help with shopping, itineraries, tours, dining reservations, and customized private experiences. Contact us today for more information.
