Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath
Accessibility
Please be aware Hamstead Heath has un-even ground, however we will endeavour to find a location that is as accessible as possible. Please remember the ponds are natural and have deep water and only strong swimmers should undertake the optional swimming part of the afternoon.
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About this event
Join Queer Theatre for a joyful summer day on Hampstead Heath, bringing our acting students, artists, friends and wider LGBTQIA+ community together for food, games, music, conversation, fresh air and optional swimming. This is a chance to take a breath, get out of the rehearsal room, enjoy one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, and spend a lovely summer day together.
About the Day
We’ll be spending the day around Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, one of London’s best picnic spots, with beautiful views across the city and plenty of space for us to gather. The plan is simple: a big picnic feast, outdoor games, music, creative chat and queer community joy in the sunshine.
The Plan
12:00pm – Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station
We’ll meet outside Hampstead Heath Overground Station from 12:00pm, before walking over to the Heath together at approximately 12:15pm. This should make it easier for people to find us, arrive with others, and support anyone who may need assistance getting to the picnic spot. We’ll then head towards Parliament Hill, where we’ll find a good place to settle for the day. If you are arriving later, we’ll share a more exact location in the Queer Theatre WhatsApp group on the day using What3words.
Picnic, Games and Fun
We’ll settle in for a shared picnic together. We’re collecting contributions in advance to buy food and drink in advance, which we’ll bring to Hampstead Heath for you. You are very welcome to bring your own food and drink, and we’d love people to bring something fabulous they’ve made for all our star-bakers and master chefs - if they fancy it. However, there is absolutely no pressure to bring anything extra. Your presence is enough, but if you enjoy feeding people, this is your moment to shine.
We’ll also bring our new portable sound system for music, some games and keep the day fun, relaxed and social. Expect picnic games, conversation starters, group activities and plenty of laughter. Nothing is compulsory. You can join in, dip in and out, or simply relax on a blanket, enjoy being around queer people and relax.
Optional Swimming
Some people may wish to swim later in the afternoon. If that’s you, please bring swimwear, a towel, and anything else you need to feel comfortable. Depending on who would like to swim, we can visit one of the appropriate Hampstead Heath swimming options, such as the Mixed Pond, Men’s Pond, Ladies’ Pond or Parliament Hill Lido. Swimming is completely optional and is not included in your ticket. Anyone who wants to swim will need to arrange and pay for their own swimming session where required. Please only swim if you are a confident swimmer. The ponds are natural, cold, deep outdoor swimming spaces, and they are not the same as a heated indoor pool.
Early Evening
Depending on the weather and the mood of the group, we may stay on the Heath a little longer or head to a nearby pub for a drink together. The pub part is completely optional.
Contribution
Tickets are available from £5, £10 or £20 per person, depending on how much you would like to contribute to the food and drink kitty. This contribution will go towards food and soft drinks for the whole group, including picnic snacks and shared bits for everyone to enjoy. You will still need to bring anything specific you personally need, including your own travel, any extra food or drink (including alcohol), and swimming costs if you choose to swim.
Food, Allergies and Keeping Everyone Safe
Queer Theatre will provide some food and drink for the group, and we will make sure that ingredients are clearly listed wherever possible to help people make informed choices.
We also encourage people to bring food or snacks for the group if they would like to. However, we ask anyone with allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs to take responsibility for their own health and only eat foods they know are safe for them.
If you have serious allergies, we strongly recommend avoiding food brought by members of the community unless you are completely confident it is safe. Homemade food, shared snacks and picnic bits may contain allergens or may have been prepared in kitchens where allergens are present.
Please do not be offended if someone cannot eat what you bring. We want everyone to enjoy the day safely.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol is welcome, but we ask everyone to drink responsibly. Please remember this is a community day in a public space, and we want everyone to feel safe, comfortable and respected. Any illegal drugs or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and the police will be called.
Suggestions of What to Bring
- A picnic blanket or towel to sit on
- Water (essential)
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat
- Layers in case the weather changes
- Any special food or drink you would like to contribute to the group or need for yourself.
- Swimwear, a towel, wet bag, goggles.
- Any medication or personal items you need
- A portable phone charger
- Hand sanitiser, tissues or wipes
- A reusable cup or bottle
- A book, cards, outdoor games or anything fun you might like to share
Please avoid bringing anything too heavy, fragile or difficult to carry across the Heath. Queer Theatre takes no responsibility for lost or damaged items.
How to Get There
Hampstead Heath Overground Station
South End Road, Hampstead, London NW3 2QD
By Overground: Hampstead Heath Overground Station is the closest station and is where we’ll be meeting from 12:00pm.
By Tube: Belsize Park and Hampstead are both nearby, though please allow extra time as both involve a walk to the Heath.
By Bus: Several bus routes stop nearby on South End Road and around Royal Free Hospital, including routes 24, 46, 168, 268 and C11.
Meeting Point: We’ll meet outside Hampstead Heath Overground Station before walking over to Parliament Hill together. If you are arriving later, we’ll share a more exact picnic location on the day using What3words.
Access and Comfort
Hampstead Heath is a large outdoor space with grass, paths, hills and uneven ground. We will do our best to choose a picnic spot that is practical and comfortable, but please be aware that there will be some walking involved and the ground may not be flat. If you have any access needs, worries about finding us, or concerns about attending, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to help. There are public toilets and cafés around parts of the Heath, but they may involve a short walk from where we are sitting.
About Queer Theatre
This event forms part of Queer Theatre’s commitment to ensuring London’s LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and theatre-lovers need never spend a week alone again.
We offer Acting Classes for LGBTQIA+ People, OutCast showcases, Queer Play Reading Club with the UK’s greatest queer playwrights, The Show People Podcast LIVE with famous faces from stage and screen, Luvvie: The Party for Queer Theatre-makers, theatre trips, social events, masterclasses and productions.
Our diverse membership is made up of experienced performing arts professionals, enthusiastic amateur theatre-makers, and people simply looking for a creative LGBTQIA+ community. Our events are open to all queer people, and our community is founded on shared passions, mutual respect, love and tolerance.
Join our movement at www.queertheatre.co.uk/whats-on
Refund policy
Tickets are non-refundable, except where the event is cancelled or rescheduled, or as required by law. All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds for any reason, including but not limited to illness, travel issues, or change of mind. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold, gifted, or used by anyone other than the original purchaser. If you’re unable to attend, your ticket cannot be refunded or transferred to another person or date. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to these terms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a Queer Theatre member to join you?
No. This event is for Queer Theatre members, artists we've worked with, friends and members of our wider LGBTQIA+ community. You do not need to be a professional actor or already know people in the group.
Can I come alone?
Yes, absolutely. Lots of people come to Queer Theatre events on their own. We’ll be meeting at Hampstead Heath Overground Station first so people can arrive together, we can welcome and newcomers and walk over as a group of friends.
What does my contribution go towards?
Your contribution goes towards food and soft drinks for the group, including picnic snacks and shared bits for everyone to enjoy. We may also put some money towards our projects. It does not include travel, alcohol, swimming costs, or towards pub drinks later in the day.
Must I bring food?
No. There is no pressure to bring anything extra. You are very welcome to bring your own food and drink, and we’d love people to bring something to share if they fancy it, but your presence is enough.
What if I have allergies and intolerances?
Queer Theatre will list ingredients wherever possible for the food and drink we provide. If you have serious allergies, intolerances or specific dietary needs, please take responsibility for your own health and only eat foods you know are safe for you and avoid members' home cooking.
Do I have to swim?
No, it's just an option for those who might like to go off later. Please note, we may have to prebook swimming and have an additional charge. We will decide which pond to use depending on who wishes to swim on the day. Only swim if you are a strong swimmer.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather looks unsafe or completely miserable, we will contact attendees closer to the time with any changes to the plan. Please dress for the weather and bring layers, water and sun protection as needed.
May I bring friends?
Yes, so long as they book a ticket too.
Can allies come?
This event is primarily for LGBTQIA+ people and Queer Theatre’s creative community. Supportive friends and allies are welcome when attending with members of the community and respecting the purpose of the space.
How much are tickets for Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath?
Tickets start from £5. Prices go up to £20 depending on the ticket type. tickts charges no booking fees, with no commission on top of the ticket price.
When is Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath?
Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath takes place on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 12:00pm.
Where is Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath?
Queer Theatre Summer Picnic on Hampstead Heath is held at Hampstead Heath, London.
Are there any booking fees?
No. tickts does not add booking fees, so you only pay the ticket price shown. There are no surprise charges at checkout.
How will I receive my tickets?
Your tickets are emailed to you straight after purchase. Show them on your phone or print them, and you can always find them again in your tickts account.
Message the organiser
Got a question about this event? Send it straight to the organiser. They'll get an email and can reply directly.
Need somewhere to stay?
Places to stay near Hampstead Heath for 15 Aug 2026. Booked separately through our travel partner.
