Summer is a great time to take in the warmer weather and socialise, and what better way to do that than have a barbecue?

Barbecues are currently permitted in Southampton's parks and open spaces so there are plenty of options for those in the mood for it. 

Here are a few spots in and around the Southampton area that are ideal for enjoying a barbecue.

3 great spots for a BBC in and around Southampton

Southampton Common

If you're looking for a park with plenty of space to set down a barbecue then Southampton Common will likely work for you.

The 327-acre area has a lot to offer and is also well-received on Tripadvisor, with a score of 4.5/5 from 414 reviews.

Plenty of visitors have enjoyed a barbecue there, with one reviewer sharing: "Lovely large common in the heart of the City. Great open spaces to play wide games and have BBQ's in the summer, as well as well-built paths ideal for running. Lots of cute ponds with a variety of wildlife."

Another wrote: "A large area of ground where families can spend their leisure time together. Great walks, cycling and in the summer bbqs are great fun."

Hoglands Park

Hoglands Park has its own dedicated barbecue area, making it an ideal spot to head to in the summer.

It also features tables with steel plates, especially for them and is set in beautiful parkland.

Royal Victoria Country Park

Whilst this is a little drive away from Southampton you can book out a proper barbecue spot at Royal Victoria Country Park at the website here.

It adds: "There are picnic areas throughout the park in addition to seven separate BBQ sites to hire. These can cater for groups of between 30 and 100 people.

"Each BBQ area also offers a dedicated space for games, ranging in size from 180m2 to a massive 2500m2".

Rules for BBQs in Southampton parks

If you are planning to enjoy a barbecue in one of Southampton's parks or open spaces there are a few rules you need to keep in mind.

Southampton City Council website states that people need to ensure their barbecue does not damage the park, harm wildlife or cause inconvenience to others.

Visitors need to make sure they:

  • raise the barbecue off the ground to prevent damage to the grass 
  • place your barbecue on a hard surface area, such as the concrete surrounds of park benches, gravelled area, drain covers, old foundations etc. Some of the tables in Hoglands Park have a steel plate especially for barbecues
  • take some water to douse the barbecue after use – do not tip ashes into ponds ditches or streams where it will pollute the water and be harmful to wildlife 

Recommended reading:

  • make sure the barbecue is well-doused and cooled before disposing of in the bin. If the barbecue is still warm, place it on the hard surface next to the bin
  • put all waste, especially food waste, in the bin to keep the park clean and prevent attracting rats and other scavengers
  • respect that other park users may not enjoy the smell or smoke from your barbecue

Additionally, people should not place a barbecue on a park bench, add wood to the barbecue to make a fire or leave hot trays where children and pets can access them.