Visit
STOKE NEWINGTON FARMERS' MARKET
Stoke Newington Farmers’ Market, which is on every Saturday, is one of the best in town. Everything sold is 100% organic and you’ll be able to pick up all your groceries with fruit, veg, meat, bread, cheese, raw milk, chocolate and more on sale. All the produce is also sourced from sustainable farms within 60 miles of London, so you’ll be supporting local in every way possible too.
Whether you’re looking for a slap-up meal, a relaxing brunch, cocktails or a room to rest your head Dean Street Townhouse does it all. The 4-storey Georgian townhouse is every bit British and a little bit swish, but perfect for those special occasions.
Lights of Soho literally lights up Brewer Street in the best way possible. The art gallery come members club is filled with neon goodness and shakes up some damn fine cocktails too. Whether you’re up for checking out the art, taking a few snaps or having a bloody good drink, Lights of Soho is a must visit.
PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
The Prince Charles Cinema might technically be in Leicester Square, but that’s basically Soho and it’s one of the best places in town. Classy it’s not – let’s face it, the place started out life as a porn cinema – but the cinema screens an excellent mix of blockbusters, arthouse films and cult classics with lots of all-nighters and double bills. Get their £15 yearly membership to catch regular £1 screenings and at least £2.50 off every ticket.
BROCKWELL PARK
Not only does Brockwell Park have a bangin’ lido that’s the ideal place to cool off come summer but it’s also got a BMX track, basketball court, cricket nets, bowling greens and a ton of other sports facilities. Or you could just kick back and enjoy the views from the top of the park.
VICTORIA PARK
Oh Vicky Park how we do love you. Not only does it play host to some of the best festivals in the capital but it’s home to the Pavilion Cafe (great for a top notch breakfast), a model boating lake and a new weekly farmer’s market on top of all the green space. It may always be full of joggers and sunbathers but the place is so big you’ll never feel crowded.
HIGHBURY FIELDS
You can BBQ in Highbury Fields so it’s always a popular spot with North Londoners come summertime but the park also has plenty to offer all year round. It’s got plenty of sports facilities and a playground for the kiddies, and is a great place to escape to when Upper Street gets a bit too much.
SPRINGFIELD PARK
Springfield Park may not be well known but that’s exactly why we love it. Nestled in between Clapton and Walthamstow, the park was originally a combination of grounds from three private houses (only the White House is still standing). Now it’s got cricket, tennis and athletics facilities and is right on the edge of the River Lea.
PRIMROSE HILL
Primrose Hill is the poshest park in London and it’s the one that everyone goes to for THAT Instagram shot. You can’t blame them though as the hill boasts seriously impressive views over the city – the trees have even been kept low enough so as not to get in the way. And it’s just a short walk across the park to London Zoo.
POSTMAN'S PARK
More of a yard than a proper park, Postman’s Park is still one of the largest green spaces in the City of London yet it remains a hidden gem. It’s also full of plaques dedicated to everyday heroes – these stories of self-sacrifice were collected by artist George Frederic Watts and turned into a memorial in 1900 – making it a very peaceful spot.
WATERLOW PARK
Waterlow Park makes for a great alternative to Hampstead Heath and is still a bit of a hidden gem thanks to its more famous neighbour. As well as three ponds, the lawns are all well maintained and Lauderdale House on the edge of the park is worth a look too. Plus it’s near to Highgate Cemetery, which houses Karl Marx, Douglas Adams and more.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH
So everyone knows about Hampstead Heath but it’s still the place to go for a picnic. Not only is it massive, so plenty of room for everyone, but you get mega views from the top of Parliament Hill, you’ve got the ponds and a lido for when you wanna take a dip and it’s a lovely walk up to Kenwood House.
HAGGERSTON PARK
Sandwiched between Columbia Road Flower Market and Broadway Market, there’s lots going on at Haggerston Park thanks to the tennis courts football grounds and Hackney City Farm. It’s far less crowded than nearby London Fields so if you need a bit more calm, then head here.
LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
The largest public square in London and is hidden away in Holborn round the back of the Hoxton Hotel. Admire the architecture and BBQ away people. It’s nice and clean and very green…let’s keep it that way.
FINSBURY SQUARE
So here’s something you might not know…you can actually BBQ on Finsbury Square, yep…it’s allowed. Right in the city, strike up that barbie and kick back with a beer. Obviously, you don’t want to destroy the bowling green lawn…that would be silly.
BURGESS PARK
It may be surrounded by some of South London’s busiest roads, but damn it is beautiful. With BBQ areas, an outdoor gym and quiet hidden away leafy corners as well as an awesome lake you could almost forget you are in London when in Burgess Park.
HOLLAND PARK
The best thing about Holland Park is the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. A perfect, tranquil and romantic spot for a picnic we feel. Inside the park are all sorts of summer activities from football, golf, cricket and netball…should keep you going way after the sun goes down.
TELEGRAPH HILL
It’s worth the trek up the hill, just look at those views. Everything from Battersea Power Station to the Gherkin. The park is split into to parts, separated by a pathway. It also houses a skate park and tennis court, a good way to work up an appetite for that picnic.