32 perfect picnic spots for a blissful weekend in London, as chosen by you

Curve Garden is such a unique spot where you can sit among the diverse plants and flowers. You are encouraged to bring your own food but drinks and snacks are sold at the entrance too. Nancy Xu

We all want to picnic in classical garden squares on days like today. Haggerston offers the epic beauty that is De Beauvoir Square, so picturesque that it’s protected under the London Square Preservation Act of 1931. Indulge in gourmet treats from the De Beauvoir deli where you can preorder a picnic hamper, and dine among the huge rosebeds and lush green grass as high as your ankles. L-J

When I’ve got my picnic hamper in tow, there’s only one place in Hackney Central to go: no, not everybody’s favourite hang-out London Fields, but good old Hackney Downs. A more dependable and reliable spot than its trendier older brother, the Downs offers more peace and quiet, some much-needed extra space and, most importantly, no clouds of barbecue smoke lingering in the air to provoke a coughing fit while you attempt to chow down on your spread. As for alfresco delights, where better to stop off post-picnic than The Star by Hackney Downs? Watching the sun go down from the terrace with a drink in hand is an ideal end to a dreamy afternoon. Tom Sweetman

I’ve had some beautiful picnics with my young son in the wilds of the Hackney Marshes. I just love the way it feels like wilderness, even though you are in London! I get there by walking up the canal on the Lea River: it is part of a nature reserve there. The whole experience is so nice and you get to have a little hike as well. Lisa Devaney

Ooooh I have a firm favourite! For a summer afternoon in the prettiest of spaces, don a tea dress and take your vintage hamper to the Geffrye Museum gardens, a lesser-known secluded spot for bookworms and local picnickers. Eppie Shepherd

On a summer’s day I head to Lloyd Park and the beautiful walled gardens behind the former house of William Morris. If I haven’t planned ahead and brought a picnic, Yard Sale is only a short walk away on Hoe Street for take-out pizza in the sunshine. Melissa Tatko

Filled with sporting history (and West Ham) it makes for a beautiful setting to unwind and relax. Away from the busyness of Westfield, you can find amazing spots adjacent to the velodrome, on grassy slopes banking the River Lea. Sam Stringer

I really enjoy going for picnics in Victoria Park, in particular the western part of the park, which has a  large pond and Japanese pagoda. There is also the Pavilion Café located in this section of the park with great coffees and fresh pastries. Bonnie Willson

I love Victoria Park.  A spot near the Chinese pagoda near the lake is just perfect and takes you miles away from urban , chaotic London. Pavilion Café is also nearby if you need to pop in for some fresh, sourdough bread, a tea or coffee or something sweet to finish off the picnic with. Julie Goffredo

I like Bridgehouse Meadows, a bit of grass just south of Millwall FC which apparently used to be the site of New Cross Greyhound Stadium. It’s not visible from the road, just from the Overground line running past it, so other than the odd train passing every now and again, it’s pretty quiet and as it’s not that well known, perfect if you want to have a more secluded picnic. Jo Van Den Driessche

I love to picnic in Brockwell Park, high up on the hill in the centre. Nestled not far from the hubbub of Brixton, the park boasts a gorgeous view of central London, while being host to plenty of leafy trees and undulating landscape. If it’s really hot, I might even venture to Brockwell Lido for a quick dip beforehand (queues permitting) and a coffee in the Lido Cafe. Hannah Webb

My default picnic spot has to the Clapham Common as it’s in spitting distance of my flat. Plant yourself somewhere near The Windmill so you have easy access to a toilet and a place to run for cover if it starts to rain! On your way, grab some pizza from Joe Public or a toastie from Brickwood. If you want to go full-on picnic, grab some food at Tart and use their hire-a-hamper service. Jess Safir

If you’re after a secluded picnic spot with a view, then Dawson’s Hill in East Dulwich is quite possibly one of the best. The hill is perfect to enjoy the nibbles you’ve packed, while taking in the breathtaking views of the London skyline in front of you. Shapa Begum

Sandwiched between Dulwich and Forest Hill, Dawson’s Hill is a quiet hillside spot with some of the best views of the city that you can find south of the river. On a hot summer's day, with your choice of tasty treats from the nearby Badger Bakery and a cold beer or glass of something bubbly to hand, Dawson’s Hill absolutely shines. Tom Davidson

Greenwich Park offers magnificent views over London with the Queen’s House, Royal Naval College and Maritime Museum in the foreground and the towers of Canary Wharf looming in the background. There’s no better place to relax in the sun with a large picnic hamper. Laura Hartley 

It has to be the Horniman Museum Gardens, sitting at the top of the hill looking down on London amongst the greenery. Alpacas to one side and the chimes of small children on the outdoor percussion on the other create a magical and mesmerising place for a picnic. Nina Kenton

It has to be Ladywell Fields, right in Catford. Wide open green fields with plenty of space. Love to pick up a hamper from Good Food in Catford and lay back in the sun! Tom Christmas

In Hither Green, my favourite picnic spot would have to be Manor House Gardens. It’s got beautiful flower beds, a big pond and its own little café. For a picnic treat I’d head there via Good Hope Café for one of their amazing sandwiches or a cheeky slice of cake. Jess Lawrence

Morden Hall Park is a great spot for a picnic. We always choose to be next to the river, so the kids can go for a paddle too! Megan Morgan

Telegraph Hill Park is the ONE. Despite being pretty well known and super-residential (those houses are the dream), it’s never too rammed – nothing like London Fields! – and the vibe is super-civilised. There are also tennis courts in case you get restless, and the view of London from the upper park is unreal! Alice Tate

Sling a recycled organic cotton carry bag over your shoulder and saunter jauntily down to Wholefoods on Kensington High Street wearing your favourite coral espadrilles and oversized Gucci sunglasses to stock up on chia seed-infused guacamole and matcha acai coconut water. Head to a quiet corner of the Japanese Garden in Holland Park, lay down your handwoven yoga mat and find your inner peace (#blessed). Katherine Eyres

The best picnics in Kew Gardens start on a Sunday at our once-a-month local market. Fresh falafel, artisan olives and breads, crêpes and cakes, and local beer courtesy of Kew Brewery are just a few of the treats on offer. Take them to Kew Green and do some historic headstone hunting at St Anne’s Church, where between May and September there are classical music recitals and homemade tea and cake to enjoy in aid of this beautiful building. Or if you are feeling flush, preorder a picnic hamper form Maids of Honour on Kew Road. The sausage rolls are a must! On a normal weekday, the bread stall outside the station and Pethers butcher are perfect sources of take-away temptation. Caitlin Mackesy Davies

Richmond Park! It’s easily accessible on foot from East Sheen, meaning you can enjoy a drink when you’re there and there’s no danger of being locked in when the park closes to traffic if you linger late. The trick is to get well away from the car parks and pick the right time: aim for late afternoon or early evening when the weekend crowds are thinning. Choose a spot alongside Beverly Brook if you like to dip your toes on a warm day or not too far from Pembroke Lodge for amazing views over the Surrey countryside. Pick up your picnic at Waitrose in East Sheen or Valentina, and a cake treat from Madeleine's Cake Boutique. Jacquie Duncan

When it comes to picnic spots, Bermondsey is blessed with tiny spaces of green where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the blissful summer weather with your favourite people and food! Make sure to take advantage of the riverside greenery next to Tower Bridge, with hands down the best view in town. Kimberly Kurrel

TGIF! :) My (now not so) secret spot would be St Mary Magdalen Churchyard which is a very quiet and peaceful garden – you wouldn’t believe it’s right next to the bustling Tower Bridge Road! And it’s just off Bermondsey St, so you can pick up a pizza, pastries, some coffee, and other picnic essentials from the many eateries there before having a nice sit down. Zen Zhou 

Beddington Park has got to be a go-to for summer picnics. Overlooking St Mary's Church whilst you doze in the sun and being able to meander down the River Wandle, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the middle of the countryside and not a stone’s throw away from the big Ikea! Some much-needed respite in the heart of Croydon. Jo Irwin, www.theladylondon.com

Wandle Park is a lovely little local gem, not too far from the tram stop. You can feed the ducks and it’s well maintained, so good for sunbathing – in fact, fun for all the family! Charlotte Gale

If I'm staying local for a picnic then I tend to head for Haynes Park, it's often empty and rather peaceful! If we're feeling a little sporty we also take our tennis racquets and use the free courts there. If I don't mind a drive then South Weald Park in Brentwood is stunning, complete with deer! Haydn Squibb

Keep clear of the crowds and away from car horns with our pick of gardens that you won't find growing in the guidebooks.