Summer in London is a special time, with dozens of beautiful parks offering pleasant oases of greenery amid the urban landscape. About 40 per cent of the public land in London is made up of green space, and 21 per cent of the land is covered with trees. In fact, the capital has a very respectable 8.4 million trees, which qualifies it as an urban forest.
A forest conjures up images of wild and dense woodlands in remote rural areas, but in fact it is classified as any area that is made up of at least 20 percent of trees. In London, a significant proportion of the trees are found in parks, providing shade, wildlife habitats, improved air quality, reduced flood risk, and visual interest.
Here’s a look at some of the best places in London to enjoy a summer picnic. You can make the occasion really special by picking up a tapas takeaway, or making your own tapas spread with some delicious Spanish deli ingredients.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic date with someone special, among beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds such as the Queen Mary Rose Garden. Take a walk around to the northern side of the park and up Primrose Hill for spectacular views over the London skyline as you eat your chorizo and Manchego cheese baguettes.
Hampstead Heath
Known for its ancient woodlands and plentiful open green spaces featuring meadows and ponds, the Heath is the perfect place for nature lovers. If you are looking for a great view while you enjoy your Spanish fare, trudge up to the top of Parliament Hill.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one the prime picnic spots in the capital, with stunning views over the Thames from the Royal Observatory. The historic Royal park was once a hunting ground for Henry VIII, but it was completely redesigned by Andre le Notre in the 17th century, a celebrated landscape artist who designed the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
Some of the original features of the Park have been sadly lost over the years, such as many of the avenues that were destroyed by Dutch Elm disease. However, work is ongoing to preserve the beautiful landscape and make it a wildlife friendly haven that is up to the rigours of withstanding its five million visitors each year.
Kew Gardens
The world famous Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew are well worth a visit at any time of the year, but during the summer they are particularly stunning. There’s a choice of formal gardens, woodlands and lakeside spots, which are all idyllic picnic locations.
Victoria Park
Known colloquially as Vicky Park, this is a favourite place for Londoners to enjoy a family day out, with lakes and wide open spaces that are ideal for games. Pack a picnic and enjoy a bottle of rosé or two with your tapas spread in the sun this summer!