The Complete Guide to the BEST Parks in London (for Picnics, Dates + Dogs!)

Now that the weather is (finally!) a bit nicer and we’re (also finally!) allowed to meet friends outdoors, it’s park time! This article lists the best parks in London, which are perfect for picnics, dates, and dogs!

Table of Contents

This article is all about the best parks in London for picnics, the best parks in London for dates, and the best parks in London to walk (+ spot!) dogs!

So, without further ado, let’s get into my guide to the best parks in London for picnics, dates, and dogs!

1. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is perhaps my favourite park in London and I used to live just down the street. It has a great mix of forest, hills and fields with great views, and ponds. And there’s a running track as well!

Nearby stations: Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak Overground 

Highlights and things to do: Go swimming in the Ponds!

2. Regent’s Park/Primrose Hill

Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are lovely! In particular, Regent’s Park has loads of beautiful flowers, gardens, and swans. And Primrose Hill has amazing views.

Nearby stations: Baker Street (closest, at the bottom), Swiss Cottage, Chalk Farm

Highlights and things to do: Check out the fantastic views of London from the top of Primrose Hill.

3. Holland Park

Holland Park is rather under-appreciated in my opinion. It’s beautiful! This is my official reminder to myself to go back as it’s been ages!

Nearby stations: Holland Park, Notting Hill Gate, or High Street Kensington

Highlights and things to do: Visit the Japanese gardens and waterfall and try to spot a Peacock!

4. Kensington Gardens

I used to live right by Kensington Gardens and I loved it. There are lots of attractions and cafes and it’s great for a picnic.

Nearby stations: South Kensington

Highlights and things to do: Visit Kensington Palace, or the Albert Memorial. There’s also the Serpentine Gallery which has contemporary art. 

5. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is perhaps the most famous park in London and is quite a classic.

Nearby stations: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner

Highlights and things to do: Visit the Diana Memorial Fountain.

6. Crystal Palace

I’ve only been to Crystal Palace park once but it was super fun! There’s tonnes of open space and, as a bonus, dinosaur statues! 🦕 

Nearest stations: Crystal Palace 

Highlights and things to do: Check out the dinosaur statues and the farm!

7. Victoria Park

Victoria Park is another solid park in Northeast London. I wouldn’t say there’s that much that’s super special about it but it’s a nice place to visit.

Nearby stations: Hackney Wick, Cambridge Heath

Highlights and things to do: Check out the canal. 

8. Battersea Park

I might sound a bit like a broken record here, but I also used to live near here so it was my favorite picnic spot for a couple of years. Plus, Battersea bridge is one of the prettiest in London in my opinion. 

Nearby stations: Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, Sloane Square

Highlights and things to do: Walk by the river!

9. London Fields

London fields is a pretty basic park but is great for a picnic. It’s a great place to go if you’re anywhere near the Hackney area.

Nearby stations: London Fields

Highlights and things to do: Grab a bite to eat from Broadway Market and have a picnic.

10. Greenwich Park

Greenwich park offers beautiful views of Canary Wharf from the hill and is right next to the Cutty Sark ship and some lovely pubs!

Nearby stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark, Maze Hill

Highlights and things to do: Stand on the Prime Meridian, the basis for GMT.

11. Clapham Common

I also used to live right by Clapham Common and have had many a picnic there! Plus, now they have public toilets.

Nearby stations: Clapham Common

Highlights and things to do: Clapham Common has lots of festivals and live music performances. 

12. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is huge and feels like you’re not even in London anymore. My friends are getting married there soon.

Nearby stations: Richmond

Highlights and things to do: Look for the deer who live there!

Some of the (Alleged!) Best Parks in London for Picnics, Dates, and Dogs I Haven’t Visited Yet

I’ve heard that the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Gunnersbury Park are amazing, but I still haven’t gone! I’ll report back when I do!

Bonus: Another one of the Best Parks in London for Picnics and Dates (But That Costs Money)

Now, it’s not exactly a park (and costs to get in), but Kew Gardens is amazing and also definitely worth visiting! 

I hope this article helped you find some of the best parks in London for picnics, dates, and dogs! What are your favourite parks in London? Let me know in the comments below!

And, if you’re interested, check out my other articles about London here.

Photo Credits for the Best Parks in London for Picnics, Dates + Dogs

• Hampstead Heath: Peter S
• Regent’s Park: Richard
• Holland Park: edwardX
• Kensington Gardens: Iridescenti
• Hyde Park: Panos Asproulis
• Crystal Palace: Ian Wright
• Victoria Park: Sumit Surai
• Battersea Park: Malc McDonald
• London Fields: Nick
• Greenwich Park: Dietmar Rabich
• Clapham Common: Ewan Munro