BBQ Rules in London Parks: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Can You Have a BBQ in London Parks?

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

 

Barking and Dagenham London Borough Council

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

 

Barnet London Borough Council

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

 

Bexley London Borough Council

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

 

Brent London Borough Council

Brent Council has urged people not to have barbecues this summer in parks or green spaces after a barbecue 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, barbecues are not allowed in Bromley Borough parks.

 

Camden London Borough Council

Camden Council permits barbecues between 11 April 2022 and 20 September 2022 only and in certain areas of the park. You must also only use approved barbecue 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

 

Barbecues 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

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

 

Enfield London Borough Council

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

 

Greenwich London Borough Council

The use of a barbecue 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

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

 

Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council

Barbecues 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 barbecue in their parks.

 

Harrow London Borough Council

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

Havering London Borough Council

 

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

 

Hillingdon London Borough Council

Barbecues 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 barbecues in all of their parks.

 

Islington London Borough Council

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

 

Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council

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

 

Kingston London Borough Council

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

 

Lambeth London Borough Council 

Barbecues 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 barbecues and cigarettes, barbecues 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 barbecues or open fires in any of its parks and open spaces.

 

Newham London Borough Council

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

 

Redbridge London Borough Council

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

 

Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council

Lighting fires or using barbecues 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 barbecue is Burgess Park.

 

Sutton London Borough Council 

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

 

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

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

 

Waltham Forest London Borough Council

Waltham Forest Borough Council has said that barbecues 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

Barbecues 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 

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

 

In some areas, breaking these rules can result in fines or enforcement action. 
Even where BBQs are allowed, they are often limited to specific times, locations, or require prior permission.

 

If BBQs aren’t permitted, picnics in London parks are usually allowed but there may still be restrictions.

For example, Royal Par

• le depending on the park
• Larger gatherings may require permission 

BBQ Safety Tips for London Parks

If you’re planning a BBere it’s allowed, follow these BBQ safety rules:

• Use designated BBQ areas only 
• Avoid disposable BBQs where prohibited 
• Fully extinguish BBQs after use 
• Keep a safe distance from grass, trees, and structures 
  Fire services warn that BBQs can easily cause grass fires in hot weather, especially during dry periods. 

 

Explore Outdoor Living in London

Whether you’re enjoying green spaces or planning a move, access to parks is a key part of London lifestyle. Understanding local rules helps you make the most of outdoor spaces while staying safe and compliant. Explore our new homes in London.