Best parks in London for a BBQ
Get your grill on with our guide to London's best parks for a barbecues this summer. Just save us a sausage!
By James Stokes | Updated Jul 22 2024
Nothing beats the smell of a BBQ wafting through the air on a warm summer's afternoon. While many London Boroughs have a temporary or, in some cases, permanent ban on barbecues in their parks there are still some green spaces left where barbecues are welcome.
The borough of Camden permits BBQs in all it's green spaces from March through to September so, as long as you observe all the rules and regulations, you'll avoid the wrath of the park warden.
Happy grilling!
Lincoln’s Inn Fields
This is as central a place as you’re going to get to set up a grill and get cooking; an urban oasis just minutes away from busy Holborn station, this place is popular with students from the nearby universities as it’s tucked neatly away behind the London School of Economics. Just across the road from Holborn station there’s a big Sainsbury’s where you can pick up anything you need en route.
Russell Square
Still in central London, Russell Square is a sophisticated public park just a short walk away from The British Museum in the shadow of the grand Kimpton-Fitzroy Hotel. Pick up supplies from the Tesco Express just over the road from Russell Square station, and if you overheat there’s a ground-level water fountain where kids and cooks alike can cool off.
Brunswick Square Gardens
If you come out of Russell Square station and turn right, you’ll find the smaller, quieter Brunswick Square. The 3-acre space is popular with local residents of Bloomsbury as well as the multitude of students who live in the area - we’re sure they won’t mind you firing up the grill (who doesn’t like a barbecue?), especially if you’re willing to share!
Cantelowes Gardens
A short and straight, easy walk from Camden Town station, you can escape the bustling crowds just 15 minutes away in Cantelowes Gardens. It’s a popular place with the locals, with a play area for kids, a skate park for those a little older, and plenty of space to barbecue for all.
Waterlow Park
Unfortunately you’re not allowed to barbecue on Hampstead Heath, but we know the next best thing. Waterlow Park is just around the corner, and it’s licensed to grill - all 26 acres of it, in fact. It’s a relatively well-kept secret among the locals, a beautiful park and a perfect spot to enjoy a barbecue. Once you’re done you could cool off by the ponds, move on to the heath or take a wistful walk through Highgate Cemetary - whatever floats your boat!