10 idyllic picnic spots in south west London and Surrey

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 lawns to open areas for ball games as well as wilder routes, plus there’s a garden centre and cafe too.

(c) National Trust Images / David Sellman

2 Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon

A Grade II listed park with some beautiful and rare plants, Cannizaro is a lovely spot for a sunny afternoon. Visit the pop-up art gallery where the work of local artists is regularly showcased, 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.

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).

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.

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.

(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.

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.

8 Wimbledon and Putney Commons

Grab a picnic basket and camp out in the famous Wimbledon and Putney Commons. The grounds are over 1,000 acres of lush forest, hills, and fields. They’ve recently reopened Queensmere Pond as well, with multiple sitting points along its edge to enjoy a scenic view during the picnic. Wimbledon and Putney Commons are the perfect place for a family outing.

9 South Park Gardens, Wimbledon

Known for its flowers and wandering paths, South Park Gardens is a scenic park to enjoy lunch al fresco The park was opened in 1901 and keeps up its floral beauty thanks to the volunteers who keep the park running. The park is a short stroll from the centre of Wimbledon.

10 Osterley Park and House, Hanwell

Osterley Park is not only home to serene grounds, but an accompanying mansion as well. The park is an open green space with trees to sit under, if you prefer shade. Feel free to enjoy a picnic in the field or next to the lake. Osterley Park is also home to an outdoor theatre that presents family-friendly shows throughout the summer. 

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