Best London picnic spots

London’s vibrant streets and iconic landmarks are loved worldwide, yet the city is just as defined by its green spaces. These parks offer peaceful corners, wide lawns and surprising views that elevate even the simplest picnic into a memorable moment. Whether you are discovering London for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, these are some of the most charming picnic spots, along with easy directions from The Athenaeum to guide your way.

Hyde Park: A Classic London Picnic

Hyde Park is one of London’s most famous green spaces, stretching across 350 acres. Its central location makes it perfect for slow afternoons, whether you choose to picnic by the Serpentine or explore its quiet tree lined avenues. Families love its open lawns and the chance to hire a paddle boat after a leisurely meal.

How to get there: From The Athenaeum, walk west along Piccadilly. Within around five minutes you will reach Hyde Park Corner and the park entrance.

Greenwich Park: A Picnic with a View

Greenwich Park is known for its sweeping views over the River Thames and the London skyline. As one of the capital’s oldest Royal Parks, it combines history, open meadows and beautifully landscaped gardens. Spread out your blanket on the slopes and enjoy a picnic with a spectacular backdrop, then wander to the Royal Observatory or the National Maritime Museum.

How to get there: Walk to Green Park Station and take the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf. Change to the DLR and travel to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. The park is a short walk from there.

Regent’s Park: An Elegant Escape

Regent’s Park offers a more refined picnic setting. Its manicured gardens, elegant pathways and the famous Queen Mary’s Gardens create a beautifully serene atmosphere. With over twelve thousand roses in bloom during summer, it is a favourite among guests seeking a romantic or picturesque picnic spot. Families can also enjoy boating on the lake or visiting the ZSL London Zoo nearby.

How to get there: From Green Park Station, take the Jubilee Line to Baker Street. Regent’s Park is a ten minute walk from the station.

Richmond Park: A Wild London Landscape

Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and feels wonderfully removed from the city. With ancient woodlands, wide open grasslands and roaming deer, it offers a truly natural backdrop for a peaceful picnic. Those looking for calm, space and fresh air will find Richmond an unforgettable escape.

How to get there: Walk to Green Park Station and take the Jubilee Line to Waterloo. Change for a South Western Railway service to Richmond. From there, either take a short bus ride or enjoy a twenty minute walk to the park.

Perfectly Placed for London’s Green Spaces

The Athenaeum’s Mayfair location places guests at the very edge of London’s most beautiful green spaces. The quiet lawns of Green Park are directly opposite, with St James’s Park and the wide landscapes of Hyde Park just a short stroll away. Green Park Underground Station sits moments from the hotel and opens up the rest of London’s parks and gardens, making it easy to explore the city’s most scenic picnic spots.

Guests can set out with a tailor made picnic basket filled with delicious treats, thoughtfully prepared to elevate any afternoon outdoors. For those who enjoy the charm of a city picnic paired with the comfort and ease of a five star base, The Athenaeum is the perfect place to begin every adventure into London’s greenest corners.