RICHMOND PARK, LONDON

WHERE: Richmond

WHY: Created by Charles I in the

17th century as a deer park, the largest of London’s Royal Parks, at 2,500 acres, has been providing refuge – and an uninterrupted view of St Paul’s Cathedral – for concrete-weary Londoners since 1758. Encountering the 600 red and fallow deer that still roam the park freely is always a joy – seen also huddling around on the banks of any of the 30 Wind in the Willowsesque ponds – but, with a dreamy al fresco lunch in mind, make a beeline for the Isabella Plantation. Set in the heart of the park, it boasts overflowing jewel box-like flower beds, streams, secret paths and sprawling lawns just begging for a pretty picnic blanket.

PERFECT PICNIC: Bolster your home-packed provisions with treats from Richmond Hill’s slew of indie shops – perhaps olives, cheeses and breads from Luca’s Deli, apricot Danishes from Richmond Hill Bakery, and a bottle of chilled rosé from The Good Wine Shop.