How to Picnic in Postman’s Park

Postman’s Park, nestled in the heart of London’s City of London, is one of the city’s most quietly profound green spaces. Often overlooked by tourists rushing between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of England, this small but deeply significant park offers a rare blend of serenity, history, and emotional resonance. While many associate picnics with sprawling lawns, bustling festivals, or seaside views, picnicking in Postman’s Park is an entirely different experience—one that invites reflection, connection, and mindful presence. This guide will walk you through exactly how to picnic in Postman’s Park, not just as a casual lunch outing, but as a meaningful ritual rooted in place, memory, and quiet contemplation.

Unlike traditional picnic destinations, Postman’s Park does not offer vending machines, playgrounds, or loud music. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: stillness. The park is home to the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice—a poignant collection of ceramic plaques honoring ordinary people who died saving others. This memorial, combined with the park’s intimate scale and urban isolation, transforms a simple act of eating outdoors into a deeply human experience. Learning how to picnic in Postman’s Park isn’t about what you bring—it’s about how you arrive, how you observe, and how you honor the space.

For locals seeking respite from the city’s relentless pace, for travelers craving authenticity beyond guidebook attractions, and for anyone who believes that food and memory belong together, this guide provides the complete roadmap. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after years, understanding the nuances of picnicking here ensures your visit is respectful, enriching, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit Around the Right Time

The key to a successful picnic in Postman’s Park lies in timing. Unlike larger parks with abundant seating and foot traffic, Postman’s Park is small—just under an acre—and its quiet charm fades under crowds. Aim to arrive between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on weekdays. This window offers the best balance of natural light, cool temperatures, and minimal disturbance. Weekends, particularly Sundays, attract more visitors, including school groups and photographers drawn to the memorial. If you prefer absolute solitude, consider visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

Check the weather forecast in advance. Postman’s Park has limited shade, so avoid rainy or excessively windy days. A mild, sunny day with a light breeze is ideal. The park’s open layout means wind can be gusty, so pack accordingly. Early autumn (September–October) and late spring (May–June) are the most comfortable seasons, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C.

2. Choose Your Entrance Wisely

Postman’s Park has three main access points: the main entrance on King Edward Street (closest to the memorial), the gate on Little Britain (near the old General Post Office), and a smaller side entrance near St. Botolph’s Church. For the most seamless picnic experience, enter via King Edward Street. This entrance places you directly in front of the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, allowing you to begin your visit with intention.

As you enter, pause for a moment. Notice the wrought-iron gates, the quiet hush, and the way the trees frame the sky. Avoid rushing. This is not a transit point—it’s a threshold. Walk slowly. Let your senses adjust. The transition from bustling London streets to the park’s hushed interior is part of the ritual.

3. Select Your Picnic Spot

The park features three distinct zones: the central lawn, the perimeter benches, and the shaded area beneath the trees lining the northern edge. Each offers a different experience.

• Central Lawn: Best for those who want to spread out a blanket and sit directly on the grass. This area is most exposed to sunlight and offers unobstructed views of the memorial. Ideal for solo visitors or pairs seeking quiet contemplation.
• Perimeter Benches: These are stone benches lining the walkways. They are ideal if you prefer seating, have mobility concerns, or want to keep your belongings off the ground. The benches closest to the memorial (on the east and west sides) offer the most meaningful vantage points.
• Shaded Northern Edge: Under the canopy of mature chestnut and plane trees, this area is cooler and more private. Perfect for longer stays or if you’re bringing children who need a bit more shelter from the sun.

When choosing your spot, avoid sitting directly on top of any plaque or too close to the memorial’s inscriptions. Respect the space. The memorial is not a backdrop—it is the soul of the park.

4. Pack Thoughtfully

Packing for a picnic in Postman’s Park requires restraint. There are no trash bins inside the park—only one near the King Edward Street entrance. This is intentional. The park’s management encourages visitors to take everything they bring in, back out. Bring a reusable cloth bag or tote to carry your waste.

Your picnic should be simple, light, and respectful. Avoid strong-smelling foods (garlic, fish, pungent cheeses) that might disrupt the atmosphere. Opt for:

• Whole grain sandwiches with hummus, roasted vegetables, or smoked salmon
• Seasonal fruit (apples, grapes, figs)
• Dark chocolate or oat-based energy bars
• Still water in a reusable bottle (no single-use plastics)
• A small thermos of herbal tea or cold brew coffee

Bring a compact, washable picnic blanket (preferably in muted tones—avoid loud prints). A small towel or mat can protect your blanket from damp grass. Include a lightweight napkin, reusable cutlery, and a small container for crumbs. Leave behind disposable plates, plastic wrap, and paper napkins.

5. Engage with the Memorial

Before you eat, take 10–15 minutes to walk the length of the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. Created by artist George Frederic Watts in 1900, it commemorates over 100 ordinary individuals who died attempting to save others. Each plaque bears a brief inscription: “Mary Ann Smith, 1872, saved a child from a runaway horse, and was killed.” “William H. W. Smith, 1899, drowned trying to save a boy from a flooded drain.”

Read a few. Don’t rush. Let the names and stories settle. Some plaques are faded; others are newly added. The memorial is still growing, with new names added periodically. Consider bringing a small notebook and pen. Jot down one name that moves you. Reflect on what courage looks like in everyday life.

This act of remembrance transforms your picnic from a meal into a meditation. You are not just eating in a park—you are sitting beside history, beside humanity.

6. Eat Mindfully

When you sit down to eat, do so slowly. Put your phone away. Silence it. If you’re with others, avoid loud conversation. This is not a place for parties, phone calls, or selfies. Speak softly. Share food. Let silence have space.

As you eat, observe the details: the way light filters through the leaves, the distant chime of a church bell, the rustle of a pigeon taking flight. Notice the textures—the crunch of an apple, the softness of bread, the warmth of tea. Eat with gratitude. The park, like the heroes honored here, gives quietly and generously.

7. Leave No Trace

When you finish, gather every crumb, wrapper, and napkin. Place them in your reusable bag. Check the grass beneath you for stray items. If you used a blanket, shake it out thoroughly. Even a single plastic straw or candy wrapper can remain for years in this small, cherished space.

Exit the way you entered. Do not linger unnecessarily. Your presence is a gift to the park; your departure should be as quiet and respectful as your arrival.

Best Practices

Respect the Silence

Postman’s Park is not a social hub. It is a sanctuary. Loud music, children running, or groups shouting are deeply out of place. If you hear others being disruptive, consider moving to a quieter corner—or simply sit with your back to them. Your presence can model quiet dignity.

Photography Etiquette

Photography is permitted, but with restraint. Avoid using flash. Do not pose for staged selfies in front of the memorial plaques. If you wish to photograph the memorial, do so respectfully: capture the texture of the tiles, the play of shadow, the quiet beauty of the setting. Avoid including your face in the frame when the plaques are the subject. Remember: this is a place of mourning, not marketing.

Bring a Book, Not a Screen

While reading is encouraged, it should be physical. Bring a paperback novel, a volume of poetry, or a journal. Avoid laptops and tablets. The park is not a co-working space. Its purpose is to disconnect, not to connect digitally. If you must check your phone, step away from the memorial area and turn the screen face down.

Be Aware of Seasonal Events

Postman’s Park occasionally hosts small, quiet commemorations—especially on the anniversary of the memorial’s unveiling (July 30). These events are brief, solemn, and open to the public. If you happen upon one, pause and observe. Do not interrupt. These gatherings honor the same values the park was built to preserve: humility, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Support the Park’s Preservation

Postman’s Park is maintained by the City of London Corporation and relies on public goodwill. While there is no entrance fee, consider making a voluntary donation to the Friends of Postman’s Park—a volunteer group dedicated to upkeep, historical research, and educational outreach. Donations can be made online or via the information board near the entrance. Your support helps preserve the plaques, maintain the trees, and ensure future generations can experience this space as you have.

Visit with Intention, Not Just Convenience

Do not treat Postman’s Park as a pit stop between meetings. Do not come here because you “need a break” and then leave without engaging. This park asks for presence. It rewards attention. The more you give of yourself—your silence, your thoughtfulness, your respect—the more it gives back.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

The City of London Corporation maintains an official page for Postman’s Park with historical background, visitor guidelines, and upcoming events. Visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/postmans-park for accurate maps, accessibility information, and conservation updates.

Mobile Apps

While you should minimize screen time during your visit, these apps can enhance preparation:

• Google Maps: Use to locate the park and plan your route. Enable offline maps to avoid data use while inside the park.
• Time Out London: Offers curated guides to hidden gems, including seasonal events and nearby cafés for pre- or post-picnic refreshments.
• Historic England App: Provides augmented reality overlays and audio stories for heritage sites, including the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice.

Books for Deeper Understanding

Deepen your appreciation of the park’s meaning with these publications:

• The Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice by Paul Thompson (2010) – A detailed historical account of the plaques and the lives they honor.
• London’s Hidden Gardens by John T. Smith – Includes a chapter on Postman’s Park’s origins as a burial ground turned public space.
• Watts: The Man and His Art by Veronica Franklin Gould – Explores the life of the artist behind the memorial and his philosophy of moral art.

Local Cafés and Bakeries

For pre-picnic provisions, visit one of these nearby establishments known for quality, sustainability, and quiet ambiance:

• St. Botolph’s Coffee (33 King Edward Street) – Organic coffee, homemade granola, and sourdough sandwiches. No plastic packaging.
• Barbican Bakery (18 Aldersgate Street) – Artisan bread, seasonal tarts, and vegan pastries. Open since 1987.
• The Old Post Office Tea Rooms (12 Little Britain) – A charming, no-frills tearoom with loose-leaf tea and fruit scones. A favorite among locals.

Accessibility Tools

Postman’s Park is fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth pathways and ramps at all entrances. Benches are low and sturdy. For visitors with visual impairments, tactile maps are available at the City of London Information Centre (10 London Wall). Audio descriptions of the memorial plaques can be accessed via QR codes placed near the entrance (scan with your phone’s camera).

Real Examples

Example 1: A Solo Visitor’s Reflection

Emma, a 34-year-old archivist from Brighton, visited Postman’s Park on a rainy Tuesday in April. She had read about the memorial in a book on Victorian philanthropy and wanted to see it in person. She packed a simple picnic: a whole grain wrap with roasted beetroot and goat cheese, a pear, and a thermos of chamomile tea. She sat on the west bench, near the plaque of a woman who drowned trying to pull her neighbor’s child from a well in 1887. Emma read the inscription three times. She didn’t cry. But she felt something shift.

“I’ve spent my life organizing documents,” she wrote in her journal afterward. “But here, I was holding history in my hands—not on paper, but in the air, in the silence. I ate slowly. I didn’t check my phone. I just sat. When I left, I felt lighter. Not because I’d escaped the city, but because I’d remembered what it means to be human.”

Example 2: A Family’s Quiet Afternoon

The Parkers, a family of four from South London, brought their two children—ages 7 and 10—to the park on a Sunday afternoon. They’d read about it in a children’s history book. Instead of bringing chips and soda, they made sandwiches together at home: egg salad, cucumber, and honey mustard. They brought a small notebook and asked the kids to write down one thing they noticed: “a bird singing,” “a crack in the wall,” “a name that sounded like mine.”

They didn’t linger long. But when they left, the 7-year-old said, “I think that lady who saved the boy… she was like a superhero, but nobody knew her name.” Her father smiled. “Exactly,” he said. “That’s why we’re here.”

Example 3: A Foreign Traveler’s Discovery

Yuki, a 28-year-old student from Kyoto, visited London during a solo trip. She’d never heard of Postman’s Park until a librarian recommended it. She arrived with a bento box of rice, pickled plum, and grilled fish. She sat on the grass, facing the memorial. She didn’t speak to anyone. But she bowed slightly toward the plaques before eating. When she finished, she placed a single white chrysanthemum—bought from a street vendor near Aldersgate—on the ground near the plaque of a Japanese sailor who died saving a British child from drowning in 1902.

She returned to Japan two weeks later. In her diary, she wrote: “In Tokyo, we honor ancestors with lanterns and incense. In London, they honor strangers with tiles. Both are quiet. Both are true.”

Example 4: A Community Ritual

Each year on the first Saturday of October, a small group of volunteers gathers at Postman’s Park to read aloud the names on the memorial plaques. They do not perform. They do not record. They simply read—slowly, clearly, with pauses between names. Visitors are welcome to join. One year, a man who had lost his sister in a fire brought his children. He stood silently as the volunteers read the name of a firefighter who died saving a woman and her two children in 1911. When it was over, he whispered, “That’s the day she died.” No one spoke. But the silence held him.

FAQs

Is picnicking in Postman’s Park allowed?

Yes, picnicking is permitted and encouraged—as long as it is done respectfully and in alignment with the park’s quiet, contemplative character. There are no official restrictions, but visitors are expected to follow the unwritten code of silence and cleanliness.

Are there public restrooms in Postman’s Park?

No, there are no public restrooms within the park. The nearest facilities are located at St. Botolph’s Church (a two-minute walk) and the Barbican Centre (a five-minute walk).

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Due to the park’s small size and the presence of the memorial, aggressive or overly excited dogs are discouraged. Always clean up after your pet.

Is there parking near Postman’s Park?

There is no public parking directly adjacent to the park. The nearest paid parking is at the Barbican Car Park (150 meters away). We strongly recommend using public transport. The closest Tube stations are St. Paul’s (Central Line) and Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines).

Can I leave flowers or offerings at the memorial?

While visitors are welcome to place small, natural offerings (like a single flower or leaf), the park staff removes all items daily to preserve the plaques and maintain the site’s integrity. Do not leave candles, plastic flowers, or written notes. These can damage the ceramic tiles.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes. Postman’s Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to dusk. There is no closing time, but lighting is minimal after dark. The park is safest and most enjoyable during daylight hours.

Can I take photos for commercial use?

Commercial photography and filming require a permit from the City of London Corporation. Contact their parks department directly for applications. Personal photography for non-commercial use is free and unrestricted.

Why is there no food vendor in the park?

The absence of vendors is intentional. Postman’s Park was designed as a place of reflection, not consumption. The City of London deliberately chose to preserve its quiet character rather than commercialize it. This decision is part of what makes the park so powerful.

Conclusion

Picnicking in Postman’s Park is not a routine activity. It is an act of reclamation—an invitation to slow down, to remember, and to reconnect with what matters most. In a world that prizes speed, noise, and spectacle, this small green space offers something radical: stillness with meaning. The heroes honored here were not generals, presidents, or celebrities. They were ordinary people who chose to act when others did not. Their courage was quiet. Their sacrifice was uncelebrated. And yet, they are remembered.

When you picnic here, you do not just eat food. You partake in a tradition of remembrance. You sit beside the names of those who gave their lives for strangers. You breathe in the same air they once breathed. You become part of their story—not by grand gesture, but by simple presence.

This guide has walked you through the practical steps: when to come, what to bring, where to sit, how to behave. But the most important lesson is this: you do not need to know how to picnic in Postman’s Park to do it right. You only need to care enough to try.

So go. Bring your sandwich. Bring your silence. Bring your heart. Sit beneath the trees. Read a name. Let the wind carry your thoughts. And when you leave, take with you not just the memory of a meal—but the quiet conviction that heroism is not always loud. Sometimes, it is just a person, a moment, and a patch of grass in the middle of a city that refuses to forget.