A glorious picnic by the Thames

Making the most of the sunshine

With the summer about to arrive (fingers crossed!), you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying the sunshine. And if you’re planning a trip to London, there’s nothing better than spending time on the South Bank soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the tourist attractions and relaxing.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money by bringing your own picnic, there are plenty of parks and green spaces on the banks of the Thames where you can stop and eat.

Potters Fields Park – a small park with great views of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and City Hall. Potters Fields (nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay) is run by a trust for the benefit of the local community and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year.

The Tate –

Outside the main entrance to the Tate Modern (nearest pier: Blackfriars whilst Bankside pier is closed for refurbishment), you’ll find a small park where you can sit on the grass to enjoy the sunshine before or after exploring the gallery. If that’s a bit full, why not pop over the Millennium Bridge to bask in the gardens around St Paul’s Cathedral instead.

Bernie Spain Gardens – 

further west, between the Oxo Tower and Gabriel’s Wharf, is Bernie Spain Gardens (nearest pier: Festival), where you can sit in the sun, seek shade under the trees or grab a park bench with a view of the river.

Jubilee Gardens – 

overlooked by the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens (nearest pier: Festival) is another popular park in which to have a rest and a picnic. If you’re people-watching, you’ll have plenty of time to wave at people using the Eye – it takes half an hour to go round!

Victoria Embankment Gardens –

if you’d prefer a view of the South Bank rather than a view from it, try Victoria Embankment Gardens (nearest pier: Embankment) on the north of the river. After lunch, why not stretch your legs by walking around the park to explore the monuments and statues.

Messing about on the river – 

if you have your sea legs, you’d be welcome to bring your picnic on board one of our Circular Cruises boats. You can sit outside on deck or inside in the lounge and watch the world go by as you eat and learn more about the history of London. What’s more, you can treat yourself to a hot or cold drink from the bar at the same time. What could be nicer!