Fancy going for a picnic and enjoying your beers in the summer sun? Check out some of our favourite park spots below!
WALTHAM FOREST
Llyod Park
Lloyd Park opened in the Victorian era and was given a makeover in 2012. A well-rounded park, a range of facilities such as a large green pitch for any family games, or just sitting around in during summer. With a basketball court right next to it and an outdoor gym! It is at the rear of the William Morris Museum and at its heart is the moat of a former manor house on the site, now a water feature. Perfect for a picnic and a family day out.
Where: E17 4PP
Best for: Outdoor gym, skating, picnics, dog-friendly
Wanstead Park
Home to The Temple, here you can explore the history of Wanstead Park through the Roman, Regency and Victorian periods to the present day. Here you can find a beautiful field full of bluebells and can even stop by for a spot of fishing!
Where: E11 2LT
Best for: Ponds, fishing, picnics, dog-friendly
Leyton Flats
Explore the Flats on foot, by bike or with your dog. This park is perfect for a picnic on the water’s edge, in the grass or under the trees – or if you prefer, you could hire a rowing boat and enjoy some time on the water instead!
Where: E11 1NP
Best for: Calm away from the city, lake areas, dog-friendly, family day out
Leyton Jubilee Park
Named to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Leyton Jubilee Park is the perfect spot for a family picnic. Equipped with a play area, with a range of equipment for all ages, including a pirate ship as well as a multi-use games area and football pitches.
Where: E10 7BL
Best for: Children's play area, sports, dog-friendly
EAST LONDON
London Fields
The park is situated at the top of Broadway Market, making it the perfect lunch spot: pick up some delicious local goodies from one of the many stalls before heading to the park for a picnic. The park also hosts an outdoor gym, play area, basketball, cricket and tennis courts, green fields for relaxing, and of course the famous London Fields Lido!
Where: E8 3EU
Best for: Picnic, food market, lido, dog-friendly
Haggerston Park
Haggerston Park is a calming place, a breath of fresh air in an otherwise busy part of the borough, with most of the traffic noise being kept out by the walls surrounding the park. The top of the park is ideal for quiet strolls and picnics, while the bottom half of the park has football courts where matches take place regularly. The park’s amenities also include a BMX track, a community food growing area, a running trail and of course the Hackney City Farm!
Where: E2 8NH
Best for: Picnics, sports, Hackney City Farm, skating, dog-friendly
Victoria Park
Stretched along the south side of Hackney, Victoria Park is historically one of the most popular parks in London, and for good reason. This massive 86-hectare space boasts playgrounds, cafés, a skate park, sports facilities, and a wealth of history.
In Victoria Park you can curl up with a book in an alcove that was once part of the historic London Bridge, play a game of cricket on summer evenings, watch a Regatta held by the world’s oldest model boat club or go angling in a Victorian public bath. The park has historically been a site for political rallies and debate, earning it the nickname of “the People’s Park” – and it’s also the site of some less serious events, like the annual Where’s Wally charity fun run!
Where: E3 5TB
Best for: Sports, picnics, family day out, dog-friendly
NORTH LONDON
Finsbury Park
Opened in 1869, Finsbury Park hosts a skate park, American football field, tennis courts, basketball courts and a small boating pond on which you can rent a pedalo for an hour or two.
Where: N4 1EE
Best for: Events, barbecues, family day out, outdoor gym
Highbury Fields
Highbury Fields is a great park to check out if you find yourself in North London. With lots of open field space in the amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, this is great for picnics, barbecues, and the children too! The children's playground hosts a sand pit and water play feature.
Where: N5 1AR
Best for: Children’s play area, barbecues, fitness centre, dog-friendly
Alexandra Palace Park
Alexandra Palace is known as an iconic gig venue – from military bands to Gracie Fields who popularised the name “Ally Pally”. Alexandra Park is alive with activity. From high-octane zipwires and fitness classes to more sedate pedalos and pitch & putt – there’s something for everyone.
Where: N22 7AY
Best for: Family day out, ice rink, boating lake, dog-friendly, picnics
Clissold Park
A family-friendly picnic spot, Clissold Park is full of activities. Play areas, a multi-use games area, animal enclosures and a paddling pool in summer are just some of the many facilities here - along with the popular Clissold House café! Plus, this park is super dog friendly.
Where: N16 9HJ
Best for: Dog-friendly, animal enclosures, family day out