There’s something about eating and drinking outdoors that immediately snaps you into the summer spirit, and better still if you’re sprawled out on a picnic blanket with the grass between your toes.

Granted, the choice of snacks for a picnic spread can be divisive – are you a sausage roll and scotch egg purist or are fresh salads and sourdough sandwiches more your thing? – but we can all agree on the fundamentals of what makes the perfect picnic spot.

We want to be surrounded by beautiful views and vibrant nature. Proximity to water and a toilet is a bonus, and a great coffee shop or well-stocked bakery nearby is always useful should the need arise. Basically, a city-based oasis that feels far from the hustle and bustle but is still easy to reach by public transport.

From showstopping royal parks to lesser-known gems where you’re likely to be able to find a quiet patch all day, these are the best spots for a summer picnic in London – scotch eggs optional.

Immortalised in paint by Romantic-era artist JMW Turner, the sweep of beautiful landscape you can see from the top of Richmond Hill is the only view in England to be protected by an act of parliament. Set up your spread under one of the ancient oaks and look out onto the snaking Thames and grassy meadows below for a dose of serenity.

Nearest station: Richmond (Underground, Overground, Rail) 

A community garden nestled between Soho and Covent Garden, this is a lesser-known haven for Londoners and urban wildlife alike with tropical plants that thrive in the warmth of central London. Open from dawn until dusk seven days a week, it’s a tranquil place to meet with friends when the streets of Soho get too crowded.

Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road (Underground), Covent Garden (Underground) 

As far as green spaces go, Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most iconic thanks to its beloved swimming ponds and spectacular views of the city. One of its more secret corners, though, is the Hill Garden and Pergola, a tranquil tangle of columns and arches where you can sit under tumbling wisteria and while the day away with a good book.

Nearest station: Hampstead (Underground), Golders Green (Underground) 

After you’ve worked up an appetite in the nearby lido, the hills and ponds of Brockwell Park offer up plenty of shady spots for an afternoon snack. The south London oasis is close enough to the delis of Herne Hill and overflowing Brixton Market, where you can stock up on treats before you go.

Nearest station: Herne Hill (Rail), Brixton (Underground) 

Halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London, St Dunstan-in-the-East is a grand church that was largely destroyed by bombing in the Second World War. Today, its vine-covered ruins are a public park, host to benches, fountains and patches of grass surrounded by wildflowers. If you fancy picnicking on what feels like a film set, this is a space to inspire.

Nearest station: Monument (Underground), Tower Hill (Underground) 

Holland Park is Kensington and Chelsea’s largest green space, with 22 hectares of gardens and woodland. The jewel in its crown is the immaculately kept Kyoto Garden, donated by Japan in 1991 complete with waterfalls, koi carp ponds and Japanese maples. It makes for a very photogenic picnic backdrop – just keep your crisps away from the resident peacocks.

Nearest station: Holland Park (Underground), Kensington Olympia (Overground) 

The treasures of the V&A museum are always worth a visit, but may we suggest making a special trip to the sun trap at its heart: the beautifully landscaped John Madejski Garden. You can bring in your own food or get sandwiches and salads to go from the corner cafe. Find a perch by the elliptical water feature to dip in your toes while you eat.

Nearest station: South Kensington (Underground) 

Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park is a firm north London favourite for summer evenings and weekends and its quiet and peaceful surrounding streets and quaint pubs make it the perfect spot for an al fresco picnic. The walk to the top of Primrose Hill can be a little tricky on the old lungs, but the view from the top is worth it, with panoramic views of London’s skyline. So, grab your picnic baskets, gingham blankets and summer romance novels and head out to grab a spot.

Nearest station: Chalk Farm (Underground)

If you prefer a picnic that holds promise of a pub garden later, this sweet spot has the famous events and music venue sat at the top of the park, complete with a beautiful pub garden overlooking the park below. With views across London, it’s picturesque and pretty hilly – but the skyline and peaceful atmosphere are worth the climb to the top.

Nearest station: Wood Green (Underground)

The Rookery is a garden located between Streatham, Norbury and West Norwood. It’s one of Lambeth’s largest open spaces and a Grade II listed historic garden, containing ornamental ponds, wildflower beds and a community garden – making it an ideal quiet spot for a picnic. There’s also a cafe and public toilets in case you’ve forgotten any snacks at home or fancy an afternoon ice cream.

Nearest station: Streatham (Thameslink)

If you fancy a visit to one of London’s oldest public parks, Victoria Park in east Londoon is the one for you. Bordered by Regent’s Canal, the park is one of the city’s largest and greenest spaces and regularly hosts events and festivals throughout the summer. But it also makes for a beautiful picnic spot to enjoy a summer’s afternoon with friends.

Nearest station: Mile End (Underground)

Images: Getty