The best parks in London to spend your lunch break

You may associate London with the bustle of urban life, but England’s capital has over 3,000 parks and green spaces for those looking for a quieter atmosphere. So if you’re wondering what to do on your lunch break, why not head to a nearby park?

With an abundance of glorious green spaces to choose from, we’ve helped narrow your search. This guide explores the best outdoor lunch spots in Central and South West London, including top parks near Waterloo for your convenience. 

The best parks in Central London to spend your lunch break

If you work in Central London, you’re lucky to be surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens. Many Central London parks offer delightful views of the River Thames and various London landmarks. Here are some of our top picks:

Jubilee Gardens 

Photo credit: Jubilee Park website photo gallery

Jubilee Gardens is one of the closest parks to London Waterloo, just a two-minute walk away. This is ideal for those working in the Waterloo area. If you’re working elsewhere in Central London, catching a tube here is easy. 

Located on London’s South Bank, the gardens are a city dweller’s dream, with up-close views of the London Eye and the River Thames. Jubilee Gardens is a great place to enjoy your lunch break, with stretches of grass and nearby food stalls.

How to get there: Jubilee Gardens is a two-minute stroll from London Waterloo train and tube station. Other nearby stations include Embankment, Westminster, Lambeth North, Waterloo East and Southwark. The address is 10 York Road, London SE1 7ND.

Waterloo Millennium Green

Photo credit: Waterloo Millennium Green website

Head southeast from Waterloo to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at Waterloo Millennium Green. This charming park has a neighbourhood feel, filled with wildflowers, trees and sculptures. 

The park is set back from the bustling South Bank, but you’ll still get a glimpse of the London Eye poking out from the treetops. There’s a large grassy area and plenty of benches to relax on and eat your lunch. 

How to get there: You can walk from London Waterloo to Waterloo Millennium Green in just seven minutes. The address is Waterloo Green, Baylis Road, London, SE1 7AA.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Cross the Golden Jubilee Bridge from Waterloo to reach Victoria Embankment Gardens. Dating back to 1874, the gardens offer plenty of history. See the stone remains of York Watergate and the plaque marking the original position of the River Thames.

With plant life, grassy areas and benches, this Central London park is a fantastic place to watch the world go by. Once you’ve finished your lunch, why not stroll through the garden and admire the many statues and historic relics?

How to get there: Victoria Embankment Gardens are a stone’s throw from Embankment tube station and a 10-minute walk from London Waterloo. The address is Embankment Place, London, London, WC2N 6NS.

Archbishop's Park

Photo credit: Lambeth Council website 

Located in the heart of Waterloo, Archbishop’s Park is a fantastic spot to spend your lunch break. There’s plenty of green space to kick back and relax, as well as football pitches, tennis, basketball and netball courts for those who fancy some exercise. Book your space in advance and challenge colleagues to a lunchbreak tennis match or 5-a-side football. 

Set on the former grounds of Lambeth Palace, the park has a fascinating history. It was opened as a public park in 1901 and has since won a ‘Park of the Year’ award from London in Bloom. With a mix of plant life and wildlife, it’s the perfect retreat away from the city.

How to get there: Archbishop’s Park is a 14-minute walk from London Waterloo or a short stroll from Lambeth North tube station. The address is Carlisle Lane, Waterloo SE1 7LE.

St James's Park

Photo credit: St James's Park website photo gallery

As one of London’s eight Royal Parks, St James’s Park is as regal and beautiful as you’d expect. The park’s impressive views include Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. Its famous flowerbed spanning across the Buckingham Palace gates makes for a pretty picture. 

St James’s Park contains plenty of places to eat and drink, including a deckchair-lined lakeside and a café. Once you’ve eaten, explore the park’s historic areas and monuments, including The Blue Bridge, the Duke of York statue and the Queen Victoria Memorial.

How to get there: St James’s Park is a 20-minute walk from London Waterloo, or you can catch the Bakerloo line westbound to Charing Cross. The address is London SW1A 2BJ.

The best parks in South West London to spend your lunch break

Working in the South West? Here are some of the best parks to visit in the area.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park is a large Victorian park designed in the 1800s. It boasts many Victorian features, including a formal avenue, serpentine carriage drive, bandstand, flower gardens, restored pump house and an irregular lake. If you love history and character, you’ve come to the right place.

More modern features include the Festival of Britain Pleasure Gardens and a stunning fountain display in the heart of the park. There are many benches and grassy areas to sit on, as well as winding, flower-lined paths and walking routes if you fancy stretching your legs. 

How to get there: Our nearest station to Battersea Park is Queenstown Road, an 11-minute walk away. You can also catch an overground train to Battersea Park. The address is London SW11 4NJ.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is London’s biggest park, famed for its herds of wild deer. The park covers 2,500 acres and is perfect for connecting to nature. As well as deer, hundreds of other animal species reside here, including bats, birds and squirrels. Some of them are rare – so have your phone at the ready to snap a photo!

As one of the best parks to picnic at in London, Richmond Park is a fantastic place for lunch. And with the sheer size of the area, it won’t be hard to find a secluded spot. 

How to get there: From Richmond station, you can walk to the Ladderstile Gate entrance of Regent’s Park in around 10 to 15 minutes. The address is Richmond Park, Surrey, TW10 5HS.

Wimbledon Park

Wimbledon Park offers the perfect combination of stunning scenery and fun activities, making it a great place to visit on your lunch break. There are many areas to settle for a bite to eat, but we recommend having lunch by the park’s scenic lake to admire gorgeous views and a variety of plant life. 

If you’re in the mood to play some sports, there’s lots on offer at Wimbledon Park, including an athletics track, football pitches, tennis courts and adventure golf. Wimbledon Park Watersports and Outdoor Centre also runs water activities on the lake, or there’s a walking route for those after gentler exercise.

How to get there: Wimbledon Park is around a 20-minute walk from Wimbledon and Earlsfield stations. The address is Home Park Rd, London SW19 8AU.

Travel with SWR

Whichever park you choose, South Western Railway can help you get there. Discover cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak, and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.

If you’re travelling for business, let us take care of your business travel needs. Save with season or flexi season tickets if you take the same route regularly, or consider a Smart Card to keep your tickets together.

If you are a business client, you can buy business train tickets with Business Direct, SWR’s business and corporate train service platform.