
Everyone loves a barbie in the sun, but not every park in London permits them. Here are a few of the best places to get your barbecue on
Everyone loves a barbie in the sun, and your local patch of green might seem like the best place to head to - but not every park in London permits them. Here is a list of the parks where you can barbecue, sizzle and smoke to your heartâs content.
Highbury Fields, Highbury and Islington
Nestled in the heart of Islington, Highbury Fields is prized by residents. Thereâs a bandstand, a café, a whole leisure centre, tennis courts⦠we could go on. But most importantly, you can barbecue there! Thereâs also a great kidsâ play area with lots of fun to be had, so this is a good one if youâre bringing the family along.
© Yuriy Akopov via Flickr
Burgess Park, Southwark
Unfortunately for South Londoners there arenât many parks south of the river that allow barbecuing, but Burgess Park in Southwark isnât one to be sniffed at. One of Londonâs biggest parks, thereâs plenty of green plus a lovely lake to look down on while you cook. A BMX track also opened in the park a few years ago in 2013 where you can burn off the burgers.
London Fields, Hackney
London Fields has designated barbecue areas, clearly marked out by signs, so you can grab a spot to get your grill on or avoid big clouds of smoke if itâs more of a cold picnic kind of day. The park is located right next to Broadway Market, so you can grab yourself some lovely artisanal sossies or burgers beforehand. Or why not pop down to the lido (itâs heated!) to work up your appetite first?
© José Sarmento Matos via Flickr
Waterlow Park, Highgate
Nope, youâre not allowed to barbecue on the heath, unfortunately - gotta protect all that lovely grass. But if you find yourself hanging out Hampstead way on a sunny day and get the hankering for a burnt sausage or three, Waterlow Park is just around the corner, and itâs licensed to grill - all 26 acres of it, in fact. Take a creepy walk through Highgate Cemetery once youâre nice and full.
Lincolnâs Inn Fields, Holborn
Set right in the heart of the capital, Lincolnâs Inn Fields is the largest public square in London, a little oasis of peace in Holborn. Whatâs more, itâs technically in the borough of Camden, meaning barbecues are allowed here, so set up and get cooking. Why not finish off your day with a trip to Sir John Soaneâs Museum, located on the square, which you can explore with all its fascinating collections of sculpture, antiquities and more, exactly as it was left 180 years ago at his death.