With everything you need right at your fingertips, London is a picnicker’s dream. If you’re feeling creative, options abound to build an outdoor feast from scratch – or, for the less-motivated types, you can buy yourself a pre-wickered treat, all wrapped up and ready to go. Borough Market is an obvious choice for basket fillers – this foodie heaven is chock-full of fresh, seasonal produce and provides everything from charcuterie to confectionary. If you’re looking for ingredients, make this your first stop.
Alternatively, you can grab a ready-to-go picnic at many delis, like Mount Street. You can choose from a selection of hampers, including the Afternoon Tea selection (delicious). Otherwise, get a little tipsy with a special someone by ordering champagne, strawberries and cream for two.
But where are you going to eat your spoils?
Richmond Park
Wildlife in parks can be a) idyllic or b) disastrous for your picnic. But at Richmond Park, you can nosh down while deer go about their business. Shire horses are also known to trot around, so you can imagine yourself as a lady or gentleman at luncheon in the royal park.
Victoria Park
On a hot day, Victoria Park should be your first point of call. Ringed by canals, the cool breeze off the water is perfect for languorous picnics in the sun. You can even take a pleasant walk along the waterside afterwards!
Kensington Gardens
Pull up some shade under a towering tree or find a hidden alcove for your picnic. There’s a lot of picturesque scenery and art in this royal park, including the Peter Pan statue and Italian Gardens.
For an exceptionally expensive – but scrumptiously romantic – experience, slyly wink at the nearby Milestone Hotel, and they’ll surprise your significant other with a bespoke afternoon tea or afternoon fest picnic, including champagne. Bonus: they’ll deliver to any spot you choose and cater to dietary requirements.
Hampstead Heath
The massive Hampstead Heath has a particularly interesting demand on your interest: you can have a swim in one of the ponds, before you open up your picnic basket. With 55 historical features, you’ll have a lot of fascinating things to see while you’re there. And it’s rumoured that Benedict Cumberbatch visits Giacobazzi nearby, so maybe you’ll bump into him!
Holland Park
For a quieter day out, head to Holland Park. It has a more intimate feel and has wonderful Japanese gardens. A visit to Holland Park wouldn’t be complete, however, without a trip to Gelato Mio, which serves ice cream that you just can’t pass-up.
Greenwich Park
You’ll have to stretch your legs a bit to reach Greenwich Park, but it’s all worth it when you look out at the stunning views. There are also Roman remains on site, as well as the Queen’s orchard. Other fantastic spots of interest include the Observatory and the Wolf Statue, which offers some of the best scenery in the whole park.
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