Central
Hyde Park covers 350 acres, so a group of twenty never feels crowded. The Serpentine has boating, and the Serpentine Lido opens for public swimming in summer....
Hyde Park Corner / Marble Arch · Walk-in
Walk-in
Cover story
Parks and heaths you can swim at
Parks and heaths with a pond or lido you can actually swim in. Rank the pin, then check opening hours before anyone packs a towel.
The little black book
Parks and heaths you can swim at
Parks and heaths with a pond or lido you can actually swim in. Rank the pin, then check opening hours before anyone packs a towel.
Central London
Chapter 1 · 1 park
North London
Chapter 2 · 1 park
North
Hampstead Heath is more countryside than park, hilly and enormous. Parliament Hill Lido and the Kenwood Ladies' and Highgate Men's Ponds are open all year,...
Hampstead Heath / Gospel Oak · Walk-in
Walk-in
East London
Chapter 3 · 1 park
East
London Fields has a heated 50-metre lido open all year beside a big, sociable stretch of grass. It gets busy on warm evenings, so arrive early. Barbecues are...
London Fields · Walk-in
Walk-in
South London
Chapter 4 · 1 park
South
Brockwell Park has hilltop views across London, a restored walled flower garden and the Grade II listed Brockwell Lido. The walled garden suits the quieter...
Herne Hill · Walk-in
Walk-in
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Swimming” filter show on London parks for group picnics and kickabouts?
This view narrows London parks for group picnics and kickabouts to venues tagged for Swimming. FairWhere can still rank that filtered shortlist by journey fairness when you start a plan, so the activity fit and the commute both work for the group.
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.
How does FairWhere rank places on London parks for group picnics and kickabouts?
FairWhere ranks venues on this Placelist by FairWhere Score: journey fairness for your whole group, not by popularity, sponsorship, or who suggested the place first. Open Plan a fair meet to add origins and see the ranked shortlist.
Do I need everyone in the same area of London?
No. FairWhere is built for groups coming from different zones. Add each person's start location and it ranks venues so the travel burden is as fair as possible across the group.
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.