There’s nothing quite like a summer picnic. Whether you’re catching up with friends, planning a family day out, or spending a quiet afternoon with a book and a blanket, the UK’s parks are some of the best places to make the most of warmer days.

They’re also great places to practise your photography. From tree-lined paths, open lawns, and wildlife to city views and colourful picnic spreads, there’s plenty to capture.

To inspire your next picnic, we’ve ranked the best UK parks that are not only lovely to visit, but great to photograph too. We also have practical tips from Lizzie James, Product Specialist at Jessops, to help you take better picnic photos, from finding the best light to capturing natural, candid moments.

Contents

Methodology

The UK’s Most Scenic Picnic Spots

Picnic photography tips

To determine Britain’s most scenic picnic spots, the team at Jessops compiled a list of the UK’s biggest parks, using data from local council websites.

Each park was then assessed using two key factors: Instagram hashtag counts and average maximum temperature during the summer months, from June to August, as recorded by the Met Office.

Instagram hashtags were used to indicate how often each park is photographed and shared, while average summer temperatures helped identify the locations most likely to offer comfortable picnic conditions.

Each park was given a score out of 100, with Instagram hashtags (correct as of May 2026) and average maximum summer temperature each contributing equally to the final score. Both metrics were normalised against the highest value in the dataset, before final scores were rescaled so that the top-ranking park received a score of 100.

From city parks to countryside green spaces, the UK is full of scenic places to lay down a blanket and enjoy a summer picnic.

London parks perform particularly well, making up the entire top five thanks to their mix of scenic green space and warm summer temperatures. However, the ranking also highlights plenty of beautiful picnic spots outside the capital, from Epping Forest to Tatton Park.

Let’s find out which parks made the top 10.

Long known as “The People’s Park”, Hyde Park has hosted everything from suffragette rallies and public speeches to huge music moments, including The Rolling Stones, while today it’s also home to much-loved events and Christmas markets, like Winter Wonderland. 

It’s one of the best picnic spots, as there’s plenty of space to settle down, from open lawns to peaceful spots by the Serpentine. And with an average summer temperature of 23°C, it’s also one of the warmer parks in the ranking, making it a strong contender for the best park in London for a picnic on a sunny day. 

It’s a great place to photograph too, with tree-lined paths, lakeside views, wildlife, and even swimmers at the Lido. 

For a picnic, it’s ideal if you want space to spread out and slow things down. Pick a relaxed grassy spot, enjoy the views, then wander up to King Henry’s Mound afterwards for a glimpse of St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s scenic, peaceful, and full of photo opportunities!

For photos, Greenwich Park gives you the best of both worlds: relaxed picnic moments in the grass, and sweeping city views that make every shot feel a little more special.

For picnics, it’s a great choice if you want wide open spaces, woodland walks, water features, and a more relaxed, countryside feel without leaving London. Bring a blanket, find a shady patch, and keep your camera ready for deer!

Now you know where to roll out your picnic blanket, it’s time to make sure the photos do the day justice. A few simple tips from our Product Specialist, Lizzie, can help you take better pictures with your digital camera, from capturing the food spread before it disappears to preserving those little family moments you’ll want to look back on.

1. Consider the lighting and time of day

Lizzie says: “Lighting can make or break a picnic photo, especially when you’re shooting outdoors. Bright midday sun might feel great when you’re sat on the blanket, but it can be quite harsh on camera, creating strong shadows and making people squint.”

“If you can, try taking photos earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is softer and more flattering. This gives your images a warmer, more natural feel, and works especially well for portraits, food shots, and wider park scenes.”

“It’s also worth checking the weather before you go. A slightly cloudy day can actually be great for photography, as the clouds soften the light and help avoid harsh contrasts.”

2. Get down to blanket level

“Picnics are naturally low to the ground, so don’t be afraid to crouch down and shoot from blanket level,” recommends Lizzie. “It makes the photo feel more relaxed, like you’re part of the moment rather than looking down on it.”

“For food spreads, try shooting from above to capture the full setup, especially if you’ve got colourful plates, drinks, fruit, or a patterned blanket. Then mix it up with lower angles that show the park around you, too.”

“Look for simple ways to frame the shot, like tree branches, picnic blankets, paths, or people sitting around the food. It helps guide the eye and gives the photo a bit more depth, rather than just focusing on the snacks.”

3. Style the scene, but keep it natural

Lizzie explains: “A picnic photo doesn’t need to look perfect to look good. In fact, the best ones usually feel relaxed and spontaneous, with plates being shared, drinks poured, and the blanket slightly rumpled.”

“Try arranging items so the scene feels balanced, but not too staged. Mix different colours and textures, like fruit, sandwiches, glass bottles, napkins and a woven basket, to make the image more interesting.”

“Just try not to fill every part of the frame. A little plain grass, blanket or background around your picnic setup can stop the photo from feeling cluttered and help the main details stand out.” 

4. Capture the candid moments

Lizzie says: “Some of the best picnic photos happen between the posed shots. Look out for the little moments, like someone pouring a drink, passing food around, unpacking the basket, or laughing with friends. These kinds of photos help tell the story of the day and make everything feel more natural.”

“If you’re photographing movement, use a slightly faster shutter speed to keep the shot sharp, especially if people are walking, pouring drinks, or laughing mid-moment. Taking a few photos in quick succession can also help you catch a natural expression without asking everyone to freeze and hold a smile.” 

5. Zoom in on the little details

“Picnics are full of lovely little details, so don’t forget to zoom in,” recommends Lizzie. “Fresh fruit, flowers, patterned blankets, sunglasses, and summer outfits can all add colour and personality to your photos.”

“Seasonal colours can make a big difference too. Soft greens, bright berries, gingham blankets, and yellows all help your images feel more summery without needing to over-style the scene.”

“Try focusing on one detail at a time, like strawberries on a plate, a bunch of flowers on the blanket, or hands reaching into the picnic basket. These smaller shots help tell the story of the day and work really well alongside wider photos of the park.”

“If your camera or lens allows it, this is a great chance to try macro photography, helping you capture close-up details like fruit textures, flower petals, or even crumbs on a plate.” 

Whether you’re heading to a local park or planning a full summer day out, the right kit can help you capture every moment, from landscape views to close-up picnic details.

Explore Jessops’ range of digital cameras, camera lenses, tripods, and camera accessories to help you take sharper, brighter, and more creative outdoor shots on your next picnic. Or, if you’re still searching for the perfect model for you, read our Digital Camera Buying Guide.

Take a look at our blog for more inspiration, tips and guidance, contact our friendly experts online or pop in-store to chat with the team.