During the warmer months, London becomes a perfect place to spend a weekend or even an entire vacation. Therefore, many travellers pick up a car hire Stansted and have an unforgettable trip to the capital of the United Kingdom.
Indeed, it’s a great idea to hire a car in London and travel at your own pace. However, at some point during your trip, you will probably want to relax a bit and have a snack. A picnic would be a great solution.
We’ve prepared for you an overview of the best atmospheric picnic spots in London. They are a great place to eat outdoors while enjoying the beautiful views and wildlife around.
Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
The oldest garden on the banks of the River Thames was founded in 1673 by a society of London pharmacists specifically for the cultivation of medicinal plants and herbs in the British capital. Today, it’s hidden from prying eyes behind high walls that protect plants from the wind and keep warm.
The garden is home to the largest olive tree in Great Britain, as well as the world’s northernmost grapefruit tree, growing outdoors. In addition, Chelsea Physic Garden is full of rainbow tulips and scented daffodils, pharmaceutical herbs, and beehives. All this makes it a great picnic spot.
It’s open to visitors every day, except Saturday, from 11 am till 5 pm. By the way, you can buy homemade cakes, salads, and tea right in the cafe, which is located in the park.
Fulham Palace Gardens, Fulham
Fulham Palace was once the seat of the London bishops, but today it houses a history museum with a magnificent park. It will be a great idea to go there in a hire car to take a break from the bustle of the city.
The local botanical garden is surrounded by an 18th-century wall and is the second oldest in London after Chelsea Physic Garden. The park is full of aromatic apple trees as well as magnolia and wisteria, which create a unique atmosphere.
In order to fully admire the beauty of this place, you can order afternoon tea to go right in the palace and sit with desserts and tea on the green lawn of the park.
Turner’s View, Richmond
With panoramic views of the winding River Thames, Richmond Park is one of the best spots for a summer picnic. They are best viewed from the famous marble hill known as Turner’s View. Since the end of the 17th century, many artists began to depict the picturesque surroundings of the forest and river surrounded by green meadows in their canvases.
Now you can look at the park through the eyes of painters at any time of the year, but it’s a special pleasure to hire a car and go there for a picnic. A warm summer evening is the best time to enjoy the delicate colors of nature in pleasant company.
Hampstead Heath Pergola, Hampstead
The huge Hampstead Heath Park is full of people every weekend, so finding an empty picnic area is not an easy task. To enjoy the landscape in peace, head to the lesser-known Pergola, located at the entrance to Golders Green Park.
This magnificent structure is a reminder of the glory days when the former resident of the park’s estate, Lord Leverhulme, organized parties for aristocrats here. Decades later, Pergola remains a secret meeting place for Londoners and an ideal spot to stop in the park for a picnic.
Japanese Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
If you’re looking for a cozy place to unwind in central London, pick up your hire car and drive to Holland Park. Once in the park, find the famous Japanese Kyoto Garden, which is a gift for Londoners to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Japan and the UK.
Inside, you can see multi-storey waterfalls, ponds teeming with carp, colorful Japanese maples, and even peacocks strolling through the park’s alleys. This will be a great background for a leisurely picnic.
St Dunstan in the East, London Bridge
One of the most romantic picnic spots in London is the ruins of St. Dunstan’s Church, which was bombed by Germans during World War II. Today its ruins have become a veritable urban oasis away from the high hills of Tower Hill.
Behind the stone walls, you will find many trees and palms, as well as fountains and benches. There are many quiet and secluded places where it will be great to spend even a whole day. However, we recommend enjoying a picnic here on weekdays, as it’s a popular weekend getaway among locals.
Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon
Cannizaro Park is a stone’s throw from Wimbledon Common. If you are traveling in a hire car, you can easily get there even though it’s some distance from the centre of London.
The park is surrounded by ornamental landscaped gardens and ponds. This makes it the perfect place to spend a full day away from the busy city. You can admire a magnificent rose garden, rare trees and plants, and an aviary with canaries. On weekends, head to the van parked outside the Hotel Du Vin for drinks and snacks.
