Central
Lincoln's Inn Fields is often called London's largest public square, with three tennis courts and two netball courts booked through Camden. It fills with...
Holborn · Walk-in
Walk-in
Cover story
Parks with grass for a kickabout
Parks with open grass for a casual kickabout - no booking, no bibs, just show up with a ball. Rank so the park is an easy ride from every flat.
The little black book
Parks with grass for a kickabout
Parks with open grass for a casual kickabout - no booking, no bibs, just show up with a ball. Rank so the park is an easy ride from every flat.
Central London
Chapter 1 · 1 park
North London
Chapter 2 · 4 parks
North
Finsbury Park opened in 1869, with a boating lake that is older than the park itself. It is right by Finsbury Park station on the Victoria and Piccadilly...
Finsbury Park · Walk-in
Walk-in
East
Hackney Downs is a large, flat park with playing fields, play areas and sports facilities. It is quieter than London Fields. Barbecues are not allowed in...
Hackney Downs · Walk-in
Walk-in
Central
Regent's Park has bookable sports pitches, for groups of up to 22, plus boating and the Open Air Theatre. Winter pitch bookings run from September to March. It...
Regent's Park / Baker Street · Walk-in
Walk-in
East
Shoreditch Park is flat open grass near Old Street, with a beach volleyball court and two free table tennis tables. Bring your own bats and balls. For an...
Hoxton / Old Street · Walk-in
Walk-in
East London
Chapter 3 · 1 park
East
Victoria Park has cafés, a boating lake with rowing and pedal boats, and plenty of open space for a game. It is the default for a large east London gathering....
Hackney Wick / Bethnal Green · Walk-in
Walk-in
South London
Chapter 4 · 2 parks
South
Clapham Common has around 220 acres of flat open grass and three main ponds, Eagle, Mount and Long. It is the default for a large south London group. It is...
Clapham Common · Walk-in
Walk-in
South
Peckham Rye has open common for a game on one side and formal gardens on the other, including the Victorian-style Sexby Garden with pergolas, roses and a...
Peckham Rye · Walk-in
Walk-in
West London
Chapter 5 · 1 park
West
Wormwood Scrubs is 80 hectares (200 acres) of rough grassland, the largest open space in Hammersmith and Fulham. It has pitches and endless room for dogs....
East Acton / White City · Walk-in
Walk-in
Frequently asked questions
Which London parks have open grass for a kickabout?
London parks for group picnics and kickabouts filtered for kickabout keeps parks with playable open grass - places like Clapham Common or Hackney Downs where you can turn up with a ball. No pitch booking. Add starting points and rank before kick-off.
Is this the same as booking a five-a-side pitch?
No. This is a casual grass kickabout - turn up, use the open space, no ref or bibs. If you need a hired Astro pitch with goals, you'll need to book that directly with an operator.
What if the weather turns?
These parks are outdoor only. If it tips down, switch to Free Museums rainy day or South Bank indoor for a dry backup.
How do I pick a London park that works for the whole group?
London parks for group picnics and kickabouts is curated for group plans. Filter by picnic, barbecue, kickabout, swimming and more, then rank the shortlist so the journey works for everyone coming, not who shouted loudest in the chat.
Can we barbecue in Royal Parks?
All eight Royal Parks ban barbecues. Filter this Placelist for barbecue to see borough parks with designated areas, then rank those parks for your group.
Can we use this list for a fireworks-weekend park meet?
Yes, as a park meet before the gates, not as a fireworks list. Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace Park have ticketed displays on 7 and 8 November 2026. Blackheath is Saturday 7 November only. Book official tickets, meet on this list, then walk to the gates together.
Where next
South Bank Meeting PointsWhen ‘the park’ is too vague: use a landmark pin.
Hampstead Heath Meeting PointsExact gates and viewpoints on the Heath.
Free Museums: LondonIndoor plan when the grass is soggy.
More from FairWhere
- Quiet pubs, bars and cafés in LondonA calm indoor room when the park is too windy to talk.