Experiences

Russell Square

Russell Square boasts beautiful scenery and a great location. It’s relatively quiet on weekdays, and it’s also one of the largest parks in London. However, if it gets too crowded on sunny days, you can also barbecue at Bloomsbury Square next to Russell Square. After barbecuing, you can take a stroll in the British Museum nearby.
Address: Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE
Nearest Tube Station: Goodge Street

Burgess Park

Barbecue with a view of the Shard? That’s the best! Burgess Park is particularly spacious with expansive views and lakeside scenery. There’s a designated barbecue area in the southwest corner of the park, and after grilling, you can relax on the lawn and have a great time. It’s definitely a great place for outdoor picnics! If you’re interested, you can also check out the official website of Southwark for detailed information about the park.
Address: 150 Albany Road, London SE5 0AL
Nearest Tube Station: Kennington

Highbury Fields

Barbecue enthusiasts in London love to barbecue at Highbury Fields in Islington. When the weather is nice, the air is filled with the sizzle of sausages everywhere on this small lawn! There’s also a meat shop called Godfreys on the north side of the park. If you run out of meat suddenly, you can buy fresh ones at the shop! Remember to set up your grill in the designated BBQ area allowed by the authorities! Even if you’re not barbecuing, it’s nice to come here to soak up the sun on a sunny day!
Address: Highbury Crescent, Highbury East, London N5 1AR
Nearest Tube Station: Highbury & Islington

London Fields

In the summer, London Fields is filled with barbecue grills. There’s a dedicated Cooking Area on the south side of the park, but you can only bring reusable BBQ grills. Disposable ones are not allowed. When the weather is nice, the park truly transforms into a “paradise” filled with the aroma of meat and smoke.
Address: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU
Nearest Train Station: London Fields Overground

For Londoners, the safest choice is your backyard. If you want to barbecue on your balcony at home, make sure to check your rental agreement. The best way is to find a friend with a yard and host a barbecue party at their place – it’s so much fun!

To have a great and safe barbecue experience, choosing the right venue is crucial. It’s worth noting that barbecuing in parks or any public places in London is not allowed unless it’s conducted by a professional catering company at a specific event. Due to the need to reduce the risk of fires, most parks in London prohibit BBQs, such as Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill. While you might have seen people barbecuing outdoors in public places, it doesn’t mean it’s legal. With so many places where BBQs are prohibited… where should you go?

If you decide to barbecue outdoors, it’s best to choose a location with convenient transportation. Pay special attention to your safety and fire prevention. Make sure there aren’t too many bushes or trees around the barbecue site, and avoid having flammable items downwind. Additionally, avoid places with many mosquitoes, and don’t barbecue in enclosed spaces like caves or buildings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s best to barbecue outdoors on sunny and calm days; windy or rainy days are not suitable. The Camden and Islington areas in London have relatively clear rules related to barbecuing, and you can check the BBQ rules on the official websites of your desired parks. Friends outside London are luckier! Many parks and open spaces allow outdoor barbecuing.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

It’s a pity to just sunbathe in the gardens in central London. Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Camden is the largest park in London where outdoor barbecuing is permitted. It’s also one of the most popular barbecue spots in London. The park even provides free public toilets. After eating meat, you can play football on the lawn and enjoy your time!
Address: Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP
Nearest Tube Station: Holborn

Waterlow Park

Waterlow Park in Highgate, North London, offers both scenic views and a great food experience. The official map designates purple areas where barbecuing is allowed. The lawns are spacious and less crowded. However, to be honest, it’s a bit far, so it’s more suitable for friends with cars to go on weekend outdoor BBQ trips!
Address: Highgate Hill, Highgate, London N6 5HD
Nearest Tube Station: Archway