Parks are a great place to enjoy meeting people outside, but we do need people to be considerate and follow our BBQ guidelines. Please also note our park closing times and that disposable BBQs are not allowed.
Thank you for taking your rubbish home with you.
Waterlow Park update
BBQs are not allowed at Waterlow Park. During the coming weeks, we will be keeping other parks under review.
Guidelines and rules applicable to all Camden Parks
Choosing your BBQ
- disposable or gas BBQs are not allowed please use reusable charcoal BBQs
- only use approved BBQ fuel or firelighters, never use petrol, paraffin or biofuel
Be safety conscious
- take some water to put out the BBQ and make sure the BBQ is cool before you try and move it
- put your BBQ on level ground away from trees, houses, park furniture and other park users
- empty the cooled charcoal and ash in the BBQ charcoal bins/bucket provided (see list below of locations of BBQ bins)
- keep children, pets, games and sports well away from the cooking area
- never leave the BBQ unattended
BBQ responsibly
- be considerate to other park users ensuring your BBQ does not affect others
- please don’t play amplified music
- BBQs are not permitted in children’s play areas
- dispose of all litter properly and recycle your rubbish where possible
- if park staff they feel a BBQ is not safe and does not follow the guidelines above it will be extinguished
- in case of fire, always call 999
- if you intend to hold an event with more than 20 people, with promotion, music, sale of food or alcohol or for additional information visit events in parks
Green spaces with a dedicated BBQ bin
- Fortune Green
- Maygrove Peace Park
- Kilburn Grange
- Swiss Cottage Open Space
- Talacre Gardens
- Cantelowes Gardens
- St Martin’s Gardens
- Harrington Square
- Cumberland Market
- St George’s Gardens
- Brunswick Square
- Lincoln’s Inn Fields
- Bloomsbury Square
- Russell Square
- Tavistock Square
Barbecue season ends in September 2025.
Alcohol
- Camden is a controlled drinking zone
- we allow alcohol as long as it is not available to under 18s and not being sold (you need a licence to sell alcohol)
- if you intend to hold an event with more than 20 people, with promotion, music, sale of food or alcohol, read events in parks
- you’ll need a licence for entertainment and the sale of alcohol. Depending on participant numbers, you’ll need either a Temporary Event Notice or a Premises Licence
Picnics
Picnics are permitted in our parks and open spaces.
Ask for permission via events in parks if you’re:
- expecting more than 20 people
- bringing structures - for example gazebos, tables and chairs
- playing recorded or live music – you will need a temporary event notice
It is not possible to give picnics private use of a space. You should respect the park and its wildlife, plants and trees. Tidy up, take your rubbish away and have fun.