Best picnic spots in south west London and Surrey
7 idyllic picnic spots in south west London and Surrey
Pack up a picnic and soak up the sunshine in one of London’s best picnic spots
From parks with trickling streams for cooling off in to prime spots with hill-top views, we’ve pulled together our favourite picnic spots in south west London. For those with kids in tow there’s even a picnic spot with playground, pedalo boats, a cafe and a zoo closeby. And if you need to stock up on some goodies for your picnic hamper, here’s the top spots.
1 Morden Hall Park, Merton
With trickling streams, pretty bridges and little waterfalls, Morden Hall Park is a lovely place to cool off with a waterside picnic. The park is perfect for exploring as the scenery ranges from manicured areas to open areas for ball games as well as wilder routes, plus there’s a garden centre and cafe too.
Getting there: Morden (Northern Line), then a 500-yard walk along Aberconway Road, or Wimbledon (District Line) then bus to Kenley Road.
2 Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon
A Grade II listed park due to some of the beautiful and rare plants around it, Cannizaro is a lovely spot for a sunny afternoon. Kids can check out the aviary, with the likes of cockatiels and canaries, and you can walk off that picnic with a stroll around the sunken garden, water garden, and Mediterranean garden. Read up on the wildlife courtesy of Friends of Cannizaro Park.
Getting there: The 93 bus stops close to the Wimbledon War Memorial with with Cannizaro Park a 15-minute walk away.
3 Battersea Park
While it may be crammed with attractions – there is a zoo, a Go Ape treetop walkway and a mini golf course – you can find a peaceful spot in Battersea Park for a picnic. Pick up food and drink from the Pear Tree Cafe head towards the pagoda near the river for an idyllic place to eat – or find a pretty spot under the cherry blossoms that surround the playing fields (a prime spot for people watching).
Getting there: Take the train to Battersea Park or the new Tube line to Battersea Power Station.
4 Canbury Gardens, Kingston
With the river running alongside it, Canbury Gardens is a great place to pitch up for the afternoon. The gorgeous spot has been made even better in recent years with a fabulous outdoor cafe, Canbury Secret, so save space after your picnic for its delicious gelato. Kids can burn off steam in the nearby playground, and, thanks to the initiative of the Canbury Community Trust, there is a sports pitch for all with footy goals and basketball hoops.
Getting there: Kingston station is around a 10-minute walk away.
5 Box Hill, Tadworth
Part of the North Downs, Box Hill has views stretching for miles, and is a lovely location for a picnic and a walk, from a gentle stroll to an eight-mile hike. The area is rich in butterflies so go on a nature trail and bring your camera.
Getting there: Box Hill & Westhumble is the closest station.
(pictured, top, (c) Box Hill – National Trust Images / John Miller
6 Terrace Gardens, Richmond
This steep terrace is a lovely location with formal planting and a good stopping off point on longer walks between Richmond Park and the river. There are also river views, and areas designed to attract wildlife.
Getting there: A 65 bus will get you close to the gardens between Richmond Hill and Petersham Road.
7 Painshill
With its gorgeous bridges, glittering serpentine lake, wildflower fields and grotto, there is plenty to admire about Painshill, and lots of quiet corners to lay out a picnic blanket. Walk between its beautiful buildings, and spot locations used in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton. For those looking for a refreshing drink to accompany their picnic, try Painshill’s award-winning sparkling wine produced from the grapes in their vineyard, available to purchase from the Painshill Garden Shop.
Getting there: The closest station is Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon with a short ride on the 408 or C3 bus to the entrance.
For fantastic picnic recipes – read more.
