What are the rules of barbeques and picnics in London’s parks in 2022?

Key Takeaways

London parks and green spaces that allow barbeques

1. Waterlow Highgate Park, Camden 

Barbeques are allowed in Camden’s Waterlow Park. However, all barbeques must be extinguished by 7pm and must only be used in two areas in the west and south of the park. Disposable barbeques are not allowed. 

2. Burgess Park, Southwark 

Barbeques are only allowed in designated areas of Burgess Park in Southwark. Rules also stipulate that you must be finished before 9 pm. Barbeque spaces cannot be reserved. You must ask for permission to host a barbeque in and any form of structure that provides shade, such as a gazebo, before arriving at the park.

 

3. Cantelowes Gardens, Camden 

Camden’s Cantelowes Gardens also allows the public to enjoy barbeques in its barbeque-friendly zones. And with a free outdoor gym, two playgrounds, and a skateboarding bowl, it’s likely you’ll have worked up a serious appetite in this London park! Like Waterlow, disposable barbeques are not allowed.

 

4. Lincoln Inn Fields, Camden 

With 3 hard tennis courts on offer, Lincoln Inn Fields in Holborn also has a barbeque space. Again, as with other spaces in Camden, the park is open until dusk and you are only allowed to bring reusable charcoal barbeques.

 

5. Russell Square, Bloomsbury

Barbeques are welcomed in Russell Square. However, as is often the case, disposable barbeques are prohibited.  

6. Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw Park, Sutton 

In the borough of Sutton, Barbeques can be used at Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw Park but bear in mind that barbeques are only permitted on designated stands. Two stands are available on a first come first served basis.

Can I have a barbeque in a park or green space in my London borough?

Barratt London asked all 32 borough councils what their rules were when having a barbeque in the park, and whether they allowed them. 

 

Barking and Dagenham London Borough Council

 No barbeques are allowed within Barking and Dagenham London Borough Council’s parks and green spaces. 

 

Barnet London Borough Council

Barnet Council does not permit barbeques in any of the borough’s parks. 

 

Bexley London Borough Council

To protect the park, Bexley Borough Council has banned barbeques in the borough’s green spaces.

 

Brent London Borough Council

Brent Council has urged people not to have barbeques this summer in parks or green spaces after a barbeque melted holes in a bench earlier this year. Breaching this order can lead to a £100 fine.

 

Bromley Council

Following a spate of grass fires, barbeques are not allowed in Bromley Borough parks.

 

Camden London Borough Council

Camden Council permits barbeques between 11 April 2022 and 20 September 2022 only and in certain areas of the park. You must also only use approved barbeque fuel or firelighters. Picnics are also allowed in Camden’s green spaces, but you must seek permission if you’re expecting more than 20 people, will be playing music or are bringing gazebos, tables and chairs.

 

Croydon London Borough Council

 

Barbeques are not permitted in any of Croydon’s parks or green spaces. Picnickers should take all litter home with them or put their litter in the bins provided. The use of a gazebo for a small picnic or gathering is permitted without council approval and at users own risk, if it is safely and securely erected and does not damage the ground.

 

Ealing London Borough Council

Barbeques are not allowed within Ealing’s parks or green spaces.

 

Enfield London Borough Council

It is illegal to have a barbeque in a park or open space in Enfield and police and community officers enforce these bylaws.

 

Greenwich London Borough Council

The use of a barbeque or any form of open fire in any of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s parks and open spaces is forbidden. 

 

Hackney London Borough Council

Barbeques are not allowed in any of Hackney's parks.

 

Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council

Barbeques and open fires are not allowed in any of the Hammersmith and Fulham parks and open spaces unless part of an authorised event with special conditions. 

 

Haringey London Borough Council

Haringey Council has urged people not to barbeque in their parks.

 

Harrow London Borough Council

Barbeques are not allowed in any parks or green areas within the borough of Harrow.

Havering London Borough Council

 

As well as camping, barbeques and any other form of open fires are not allowed in green spaces controlled by Havering London Borough Council.

 

Hillingdon London Borough Council

Barbeques and fires are not allowed in any of Hillingdon’s parks or surrounding woods.

 

Hounslow London Borough Council

Hounslow Borough Council have a permanent ban on barbeques in all of their parks.

 

Islington London Borough Council

Islington Council banned barbeques during lockdown. They are currently reviewing this policy but currently, barbeques are not permitted.

 

Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council

Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council do not permit open fires or barbeques in any circumstances.

 

Kingston London Borough Council

Kingston Council does not have any areas designated for public barbeques, and they do not encourage or permit barbeques in any of their parks.  

 

Lambeth London Borough Council 

Barbeques are not allowed in Lambeth parks or green spaces but there are no regulations for the maximum number of attendees at picnics.

 

Lewisham London Borough Council

After a number of fires caused by barbeques and cigarettes, barbeques are not allowed in any of Lewisham’s parks or green spaces.

 

Merton Council

To protect the park and local wildlife, Merton Council does not permit the use of barbeques or open fires in any of its parks and open spaces.

 

Newham London Borough Council

Barbeques are not allowed in any of the Newham Borough Council’s parks.

 

Redbridge London Borough Council

Barbeques are not allowed in any of the parks that fall under Redbridge Council.

 

Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council

Lighting fires or using barbeques in any of Richmond upon Thames’ parks and open spaces is against local bylaws and people who do so can be fined.

 

Southwark London Borough Council 

The only place in Southwark where you can have a barbeque is Burgess Park.

 

Sutton London Borough Council 

Barbeques can be used at Roundshaw Downs and Roundshaw Park. Barbeques are only permitted on one of two designated stands.

 

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Tower Hamlets Council does not allow barbeques in their parks and open spaces.

 

Waltham Forest London Borough Council

Waltham Forest Borough Council has said that barbeques and loud parties are not allowed within any of their green spaces or parks. Gathering in large groups is also not allowed.

 

Wandsworth London Borough Council

Barbeques are not permitted in any of Wandsworth’s parks and commons. However, there are no rules limiting the number of guests at a picnic.

 

Westminster City Council 

Barbeques of any kind are not allowed within the City of Westminster. 

 

According to the Royal Parks website, barbeques are not permitted anywhere on their sites. Picnics are allowed but they do have a maximum limit when it comes to picnics. 

Bushy Park - 20 guests

Green Park - 20 guests

Greenwich Park - 25 guests

Kensington Gardens - 30 guests

St James’s Park - 30 guests

Hyde Park - 40 guests

Regent’s Park - 40 guests 

Richmond Park - 40 guests 

If you exceed these numbers, you must contact the relevant park to discuss signage and fees. 

If you’re looking to host a barbeque in one of London’s many parks this summer, ensure it’s safe and legal to do so. If you are caught having a barbeque in a borough that has prohibited the use of barbeques, you could be fined or face further repercussions.