In the words of Bob Marley, “The sun is shining, the weather is sweet”. So what better way to enjoy the warm glow of the sun than by spending the weekend outdoors? We’ll be riding out the heatwave – cold beverage in hand – in one of London’s many green spaces. Chances are we’re on the same wavelength – so here’s a handy list of our favourite London parks for your pleasure.
1. Sun and a swim: Hampstead Heath
Finding a private spot in the sun is no easy task when the weather’s this darn good… But for the best chance of doing so, head to Hampstead Heath. Not only is it one of the highest points of London that spans a total of 790 acres, it also boasts various outdoor swimming opportunities at Hampstead Ponds.
![Pa 117304021](https://floom.imgix.net/general/PA-117304021.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=f5df1cc6a154a8a0a220d3c37bae28cb 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/PA-117304021.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=c7add55e4667c5bf344f85689005080e 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/PA-117304021.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=c1072210c233ea269c1f6761c13707a8 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/PA-117304021.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=0e9fcce021accacffbfbd30e247efadb 400w)
![Parliament Hill 320757935](https://floom.imgix.net/general/Parliament-Hill-320757935.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=8ae80ad990f79386d01388e805402dc0 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Parliament-Hill-320757935.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=56c30df630a2a8d61332dd30f1b116b2 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Parliament-Hill-320757935.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=2442d5921a5564d0556661874d4179d6 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Parliament-Hill-320757935.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=326ecd83faafe98bd7f4e7330fbbf966 400w)
![6130273890 Ddc1F0Bd27 O](https://floom.imgix.net/general/6130273890_ddc1f0bd27_o.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=73fdaaa192f2b783b4a87c9bf9b75ec5 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/6130273890_ddc1f0bd27_o.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=70e0a2ff394090decd20649cac30a8d2 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/6130273890_ddc1f0bd27_o.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=7174f8c772b32f561ee961730e0dd9fa 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/6130273890_ddc1f0bd27_o.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=a4da353105a95c1e1a6ef9d6114db4fd 400w)
2. A boozy BBQ: London Fields
The green equivalent to Marmite – chances are you either love or hate London Fields. If you’re looking for a quiet sunshine retreat skip to park number three now. And if you’re still reading, consider London Fields your go to for a lively day of drinking and BBQing with friends in the sun. Handy tip, no disposable BBQs allowed so make sure to bring a small reusable one.
![Image](https://floom.imgix.net/general/image.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=147ceacd80e42f1459d1cd9448d3bb48 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/image.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=9e65cf2d78eb61da05b5a3cd5fb74ff3 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/image.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=d8c3085fcf641627a813cbc9f92ff1ae 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/image.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=3d390fa7787682a5e13abd84e2b1afc1 400w)
![Cvde Wo Km Sfccg Oix Iyv V Dsc 1394](https://floom.imgix.net/general/CvdeWoKmSFCCgOIxIyvV_DSC_1394.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=3ad1ebf6163104b5068d224930f9bf6e 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/CvdeWoKmSFCCgOIxIyvV_DSC_1394.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=cb4b1fbbf40a9ee5e20a7904fa3f14ff 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/CvdeWoKmSFCCgOIxIyvV_DSC_1394.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=e95b5f61071a2707aa150c3f03da16cc 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/CvdeWoKmSFCCgOIxIyvV_DSC_1394.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=20dae11e6803f3e35be184e50ed41418 400w)
3. Picnic spot: Brockwell Park
Looking for a stellar picnic spot south of the river? Head to Brockwell Park, located south of Brixton in Herne Hill where you’ll find picturesque ponds, a 19th century clock tower, a walled ‘Old English’ herbaceous flower garden and picnic spots aplenty. And if you (inevitably) get too hot? Head over to Brockwell Lido, an Olympic-size 50 metre open air pool.
![93020290](https://floom.imgix.net/general/93020290.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=4f8879cfbe7d3d51d0fb346c4b898f51 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/93020290.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=1a872ff4f3b04c88f324b18564c88c65 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/93020290.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=45a403faf6e84b2a7cc439c0e489b821 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/93020290.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=39354d5dd894530351d01bc0ba6ace64 400w)
![Brockwell Park Lido 01 1024X788](https://floom.imgix.net/general/Brockwell-Park-Lido_01-1024x788.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=22a236fd2739aea5b059ec24926fc192 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Brockwell-Park-Lido_01-1024x788.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=5a956d354135854e4d8f998c30fc4348 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Brockwell-Park-Lido_01-1024x788.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=f87c4bcb0381b98182a8f8438706ff3d 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/Brockwell-Park-Lido_01-1024x788.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=bc870a87b001b929f2841db32220e58c 400w)
4. For the shade seeker: Regents Park
Admittedly we’re not all sun babies, and there are only so many hours one can spent in the sun (even when you’ve laid the Spf 50 on thick). If you’re in search of shade this weekend, head to Regents Park – one of London’s eight Royal Parks – to explore the myriad of tree-lined pathways. There’s also a large wetland area that’s home to a number of wild birds and a boating lake. Our top tip? Stroll up to Primrose Hill for views of London’s skyline at sunset.
![W 1200](https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=763cd8f3fa897243faf87f4ed345797e 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=94ee589c66abdbe30c497a97fe1843cc 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=08bdffba960e65cedaa5a6ec51f3ecb6 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=7ff3a9223e4cba169d4001bf63534bad 400w)
![District Regents Park 5A21738Dde1E25 86419352](https://floom.imgix.net/general/DISTRICT-RegentsPark_5a21738dde1e25_86419352.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=10b4d6cee146165dbc41a815011d48a1 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/DISTRICT-RegentsPark_5a21738dde1e25_86419352.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=8159deb79f34c14d266c9284d8bdea17 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/DISTRICT-RegentsPark_5a21738dde1e25_86419352.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=989bbb70356db7ad975a6a0d41e034f6 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/DISTRICT-RegentsPark_5a21738dde1e25_86419352.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=b7394361d134f7021d4a8ab225caa994 400w)
5. All about that view: Greenwich Park
Another of London’s Royal Parks, Greenwich Park is renowned for its stunning views. Spanning 183 acres, Greenwich Park overlooks the River Thames and from the top you’re able to see Canary Wharf, St Pauls Cathedral and beyond. And once you’re done sunbathing there are plenty of things to do whether you choose to stand on the Prime Meridian, or visit the flower herb and orchard garden, followed by a cup of herbal tea at the Pavilion Café.
![38 A4548B Greenwichslider2](https://floom.imgix.net/general/38A4548b_Greenwichslider2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=c3d526a420eef9403ca68f234d94b137 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/38A4548b_Greenwichslider2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=81c2fe3053b7c4bfe2362a143210dfa7 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/38A4548b_Greenwichslider2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=af8869d8197e3e3c6a04fc6fce48981b 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/38A4548b_Greenwichslider2.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=5d16592053c49b8e21344f7483c6d982 400w)
![W 1200 1](https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1440&s=32eb3a5d2cd1fe3073185cc6d49907ae 1440w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=1000&s=4adfb63ffe18ce47c8f6a8ca66d92db4 1000w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=600&s=f94f58383d7605af2867922637986516 600w, https://floom.imgix.net/general/w_1200-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=pjpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&ixlib=php-1.1.0&q=65&w=400&s=ed15974a1a31f36a8088a81482099e99 400w)