So, is this the Indian Summer we’ve all been promised? Well, whilst it may not be tropical at the moment, there’s certainly enough sunshine to head outside and enjoy the last of the summer with a romantic picnic date. London has acres and acres of gorgeous greenery on offer, and armed with a rug, a chilled bottle of Rose and some delicious treats (tupperware optional), you simply can’t fail to impress. Here’s a brief synopsis of my favourite London picnic spots.
1) Richmond Park
For its sheer size and proximity to central London, Richmond Park is always going to be at the top of the list. If you want to get away from it all and surround yourself by the closest thing you’ll get to the countryside in London, this is the place for you.
2) St John’s Lodge, Regent’s Park
Right in the heart of London lies the lovely Regents Park. Given its central location it does get pretty busy, so we suggest making your way to the oasis of peace and tranquility that are the gardens of St John’s Lodge.
3) Fulham Palace Gardens
Yes, there’s more to Fulham Palace Road than lines of queuing traffic, for tucked away behind it is the beautiful Fulham Palace, a little known west London gem. Nestled on the edge of the Thames, this wonderful palace also has beautiful gardens, which, open from dusk till dawn year round, make the perfect place for a romantic picnic.
4) Postman’s Park
Remember Natalie Portman and Jude Law in the film ‘Closer’? For a city style picnic lunch head to Postman’s Park and peruse the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice.
5) Primrose Hill
A short climb up Primrose Hill provides a picnic with a view – in fact one of the best views of London that we know.
6) Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park
Another central option for the city picnic, the Kyoto Gardens of Holland Park provide a peaceful escape complete with pond and waterfall – tranquility in the heart of London.
7) Hampstead Heath
Inspiring the likes of Constable, C S Lewis and Keats, you’ll be in good company if you take to Hampstead Heath for your picnic-ing needs. Head to Parliament Hill if it’s views you’re after, or perhaps to the wooded swimming ponds if you’re feeling adventurous…
8) Chiswick House Gardens
Inspired by the ‘Grand Tour’ of Italy, these grandiose gardens are blessed with stunning vistas, grand lawns, hidden architectural masterpieces and hundreds of meandering pathways to explore.
9) Victoria Park
One for all you Eastenders, ‘The People’s Park’ is London’s oldest public park and has provided a haven of greenery to East London for generations. Seek out The Old English Garden for a peaceful and lazy afternoon of picnic-ing.
10) Epping Forest
True, it’s a bit further out of town, but the 6000 acres of Epping Forest provides London’s largest public open space and is definitely worth a bit of extra effort.
Here’s to the last of the summer!
Miss Mary
