Picnic in the parks
WHERE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SUNNY WEATHER IN WEST LONDON
THE sun is out, so grab your picnic basket and get yourself to a scenic spot before the good weather disappears for another year.
Picnics and sunshine go together like strawberries and cream and lucky for west Londoners there are plenty of places to enjoy it this summer.
Here are the best locations:
■Syon Park
The 40 acres of parks and gardens that surround the historic family home of the Duke of Northumberland, Syon House, is a stately setting for a picnic.
You can stroll through the centuriesold orchards, meadows and magnificent glasshouse before settling down with your spread.
You cannot picnic everywhere in these historic Brentford gardens though – the front lawn and area around the Great Conservatory are strictly out of bounds. Syon Park, Brentford TW8 8JF
■Osterley Park and House
This 1570s Isleworth mansion has grounds fit for a king as well as for a picnic of regal proportions.
National Trust-run Osterley Park is perfect for families and even has a children’s nature trail. You can wander round its many lakes and enjoy stunning views of the stately house before cracking out the scotch eggs. Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4R
■Ravenscourt Park
Hammersmith and Fulham’s most popular green spot has a basketball court, so you can work up your appetite shooting hoops before sitting down to a well-earned picnic.
The 13-hectare park also has tennis
courts, a children’s paddling pool and kid’s beach in the summer, making it perfect for family days out in the sun. Paddenswick Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0UA
■Kew Gardens
Richmond’s Royal Botanical Gardens are an absolute must-see but come at a cost; while children under four go for free at Kew, adults and older children must pay.
Adults are charged £16 for entry and children older than are charged £4.
Visitors can roam around Kew’s famous glass houses, including its newly opened Temperate House, and enjoy acres of landscaped gardens and even a treetop walk. Richmond TW9 3AB
■Chiswick House and Gardens
Chiswick’s 18th century stately home has 65 acres of stunning landscaped gardens.
It welcomes picnics and even has a dog-free zone for those wanting to lounge and lunch without the risk of sneaky canines pinching their spread.
You can picnic anywhere in the grounds except near the cricket ground on match days. Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick W4 2RP
■Gunnersbury Park
Gunnersbury park is joint owned by Ealing and Hounslow councils and is currently at the centre of a huge regeneration project.
You do not have to wait until 2026 to enjoy its stunning grounds. According to its website the park boasts some of the “prettiest spots for your picnic blanket”.
There is a children’s playground, a wildflower meadow and a splashing fountain in the Horseshoe Pond. Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ
■Richmond Park
This royal park is perhaps most famous for its 750-odd resident deer but is also a top place to eat alfresco.
Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of London’s skyline while picking a picnic spot from the park’s 2,500 acres.
In Richmond Park you can have up to 40 guests at any one picnic.
Visitors are asked to respect the surrounding wildlife and take all rubbish with them when they leave. Richmond TW10 5HS
■Hyde Park
Hyde Park is another royal park and nestled in the heart of London it is more than 900 years old.
It was historically a royal hunting ground but nowadays visitors can enjoy its rose garden, fountains and gorgeous stretches of greenery.
You can have up to 40 guests to a picnic at Hyde Park. Food and drink are welcome but barbecues are banned. Central London
■Brent Lodge Park (Bunny Park)
Hanwell’s beloved Bunny Park is famous for its popular zoo which has exotic birds and reptiles as well as bunnies.
This family friendly green patch is also ideal for a day out in the sun. Before throwing down your picnic blanket down by the river you can get lost in the park’s maze or play a game of tennis on its courts.