The Best Picnic Locations in the UK

Introduction

Whether it’s during a trip to the countryside, picking sand from sandwiches on the beach, or simply relaxing on a rug in the back garden, when the sun is shining there is something timeless about the pleasure of eating outside. You may be equipped with an elaborate wicker hamper, or simply have a few snacks thrown together in a bag, but, either way, picnics can be the perfect way of sharing quality time and creating memories with friends and family, while making the most of the great outdoors.

With the growth in popularity of ‘staycations’ this summer, due to the ongoing difficulties with international travel brought about by the pandemic, there has never been more interest in the United Kingdom and being able to explore all that is available right here on our doorsteps. It has reminded us all of the amazing range of landscapes and attractions that we have here at home, prompting a renewed desire to discover and appreciate some of these new to us and interesting places.

So, there has never been a better time to grab some of your loved ones, assemble some tasty treats, and get yourself out for a picnic. Here we’ve teamed up with some of our favourite online bloggers to bring you a round-up of some of the best picnic spots in the UK, categorised by region.

Picnic Locations, by Region

South-East England

Bushy Park, Richmond Upon Thames

Recommended by Becky, from Planes Trains and Buggies

Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s eight Royal Parks. At over 1000 acres in size, it’s a brilliant place to explore. It is famed for its waterways, gardens and huge roaming herd of deer. Enjoying a picnic here is one of the best free things to do in London.

Bushy Park is just north of Hampton Court Palace, in Richmond upon Thames. The postcode for Bushy Park is TW11 0EQ, but this is for guidance only as the park covers a large area. There are four car parks within Bushy Park and these are clearly marked on the Bushy Park map. Parking is free of charge.

By Train From Waterloo to Teddington/Hampton Wick/Hampton Court, it is a 5 to 10 minute walk, entering the park through the Sandy Lane Gates.

If wanting to buy food and drink, there are two eateries at Bushy Park; the main Pheasantry Cafe which serves a range of hot and cold food, drinks and snacks, as well as the Diana Fountain Kiosk. In the summer there is also an ice cream van by the large play park.

There are also ample areas to picnic. A particularly lovely spot is next to the play park which has easy access to toilets, one of the car parks and is often frequented by the friendly deer!

Due to its proximity to Hampton Court Palace it is an ideal place to combine with a visit there. It is also very close to nearby Kingston which is brilliant for shopping, restaurants and bars.

If you are looking to stay in the area the beautiful Mitre Hotel opposite Hampton Court Palace comes highly recommended.

Terrace Gardens, Richmond upon Thames

Recommended by Carrie Ann, from Should Be Cruising

If you’re planning a visit to Richmond, Surrey, you might think of having a picnic in Richmond Park. That would be lovely, of course, but just steps away is an even better picnic spot: Terrace Gardens!

Picturesque Terrace Gardens may be less well-known, but feature wide expanses of manicured grass dotted with colourful formal plantings. Located right on the Thames, this peaceful green space is perfect for enjoying a leisurely lunch with a view.

If sun’s in the forecast, enjoy your picnic in the shade of one of the broad leafy trees on the lawns.

Gather your picnic supplies at nearby Waitrose or Whole Foods, both located right by Richmond Station. Or, choose a vegetarian takeaway lunch from the adorable Hollyhock Cafe right on the grounds of the gardens.

Be sure to stroll around the walking paths to see the pretty Glasshouse, full of plants from Hampton Court and Kew Gardens. The 17th-century Spring Well is also on-site, dating back to when this location was the centre of entertainment in Richmond with rowdy card games and dancing!

The entrances to Terrace Gardens aren’t well-marked—just look for the small iron gates in the wall as you walk up Richmond Hill, and take the stairs down to the gardens. The Gardens are open to the public and free to enter.

Accommodation nearby includes The Petersham, a four-star hotel just a few steps from the gardens. Or for a budget-friendly option, Richmond Park Hotel is also only a short walk from the best picnic spot.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Recommended by Sarah, from In Search of Sarah

The sprawling grounds at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex make for an idyllic picnic spot in the UK. As one of the most impressive and iconic castles in the UK, built to defend East Sussex from the French during the Hundred Years’ War, Bodiam is a perfect family escape to the countryside and is just two hours from central London by car.

This 14th century medieval castle resembles a sandcastle and sits on sprawling grounds with trails and plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic, whether you bring your own blanket or relax on one of the many park benches.

Children will enjoy roaming the property and climbing the castle towers and exploring the old ruins. One of the most stunning features about Bodiam is the moat that surrounds it and the original wooden portcullis which makes for a beautiful backdrop.

Stop by the cafe for takeaway sandwiches and drinks, or pack your own and enjoy a picnic in front of the castle or within the castle walls. The  interior of the castle has fallen into ruin, but leaves plenty of areas to sit and take in the views while admiring the impression of castle life in the 1300s.

Bodiam can also be reached by train, followed by a connecting taxi or the 349 bus from the Hastings train station to Hawkhurst.

Bodiam is a National Trust Property, which means members will receive free entry. Family pricing is £27.50.

Address: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA

Weald Country Park, Brentwood

Recommended by Jupiter, from Life With Jupiter and Dann

Weald Country Park in Brentwood, Essex, is a really lovely picnic spot, especially for families. You can drive to Weald Country Park easily, following the address on their website, as the location is properly sign posted. There is a large, paid car park – which isn’t too expensive, at the entrance.

If you are missing anything for your picnic, there is a small cafe on site. But, what’s really cool about Weald Country Park is the different areas within walking distance. If you’d like to have your picnic in a more forested area – you can walk down a path and be in the forest. If you’d prefer to be near a park, so your kids can run off and play, there is a park at the entrance, and one at the other side of the river. Both of these parks are perfect for kids of all ages, with the park further down the walk being ‘Stickman’ themed.

There is a massive river with a little bridge as well, along the walk, which is nice to sit by if you like feeding ducks while you eat. Right past the first park, there is a huge reindeer area, full of reindeer that you can feed and interact with. It’s just a lovely place!

Marygreen Manor Hotel is a lovely hotel nearby, full of character, if you need a place to stay as well.

Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge

Recommended by Melanie, from Best Things to do in Cambridge

Grantchester Meadows is south of the city of Cambridge and a perfect spot for a picnic. Why? Firstly, its quintessentially British beauty makes it the perfect tranquil place to sit back and relax with some good food. The vast meadows offer plenty of choice for where to pop your blanket, whether you choose to be secluded under a tree, or closer to the stunning river backdrop. 

Swimmers will love it here as the Grantchester river is a fabulous spot for wild swimming- in fact it has been named as one the best in the country and was a favourite with historical great minds ‘the Grantchester Group’ who used to swim here too. The Grantchester group was a group of the university’s artists, intellectuals, economists and philosophers including Rupert Brookes, Virginia Woolf, E.M Forster, and many more well known names. Grantchester was in fact the subject of Brookes ‘The Old Vicarage’ poem and also a 1960s Pink Floyd song, titled ‘Grantchester Meadows’.

Picnicking at the meadows is free, but the quaint village of Grantchester is home to plenty of great quality pubs and places to eat and drink, so you may wish to extend your picnic experience!  Perhaps take an afternoon tea at The Orchard Tea Gardens where you can sit back in the pretty deck chairs and enjoy the beautiful views. 

Those wanting to explore the city of Cambridge can stay at one if the great hotels in the city, as you can walk from the centre. To access the meadows, walk from the city, starting at Lammas Land by the river Cam and walk about a mile. Grantchester Meadows is a much loved and treasured picnic spot with locals and tourists alike for very many reasons. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!

South-West England

King Charles I Castle, Isles of Scilly

Recommended by Jonny, from Backpackingman

The Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago of five inhabited islands, is blessed with white sand beaches and stunning scenery looking out onto the wild Atlantic Ocean.

This makes them perfect for plenty of spots for a great picnic, but the best one to head for is at King Charles I Castle. The castle itself is in ruins these days and small in size, but it’s the view and the surrounding scenery that makes it great.

Facing across the rest of the archipelago you get a view down to another castle, Cromwell’s Castle, and onto the picturesque island of Bryher and the Atlantic beyond. Where the picnic spot is you are surrounded by wild purple heather and a relaxed atmosphere, as not many people come to this part of the island.

The picnic spot is located on the island of Tresco and although you can stay on the island it’s best to base yourself on the main island of St Mary’s, where there are many more hotel and restaurant options. One good place to stay is Mincarlo Guest House. 

From St Mary’s you take a small passenger boat to Tresco that takes around 20 minutes and costs £10, then walk to the castle. Before setting out to the picnic spot, stop at the New Inn at New Grimsby Harbour that does excellent food and where you can get some takeaway options to bring with you for the picnic.

Portheras Cove, Cornwall

Recommended by Heather, from Conversant Traveller

Picnics always taste better with a view, which is why Portheras Cove in Cornwall makes such a great spot for al fresco dining. Located up on the north coast between Cape Cornwall and St Ives, this hidden gem of a beach ticks all the boxes when it comes to scenery and seclusion. If you’re looking for off the beaten track places to visit in Cornwall, then come to Portheras.

It makes a great day trip from St Ives, which has plenty of shops where you can pick up lunch supplies, and accommodation for all budgets. Stay at Tregenna Castle hotel for something a bit different!

To reach the cove, just head to Pendeen and park along the road near the lighthouse. From there, it’s a short walk down to the beach. The path is steep in places so be prepared for a bit of a scramble, but nothing you can’t manage with a picnic basket in tow.  

The sand is fine and golden, perfect for building sandcastles, while the sea is popular with body boarders thanks to the occasional shorebreak at high tide. You’ll often have the cove all to yourself, as it’s known more by locals, than it is by tourist visitors. Seals are frequently spotted bobbing their heads up and down in the water, so keep your eyes peeled.

Before heading out, take a note of the tide timetable as the beach can get cut off at high tide, making your exit over the boulder strewn hillside a little trickier.

Also, if you’re visiting Cornwall with your four-legged friend and seeking pet-friendly attractions, this is just one of many great dog-friendly Cornish holiday destinations that you can visit.

Seaton Wetlands, Devon

Recommended by Hayley, from Devon Mama

Seaton Wetlands is located on the outskirts of Seaton, Devon. To access the Wetlands, head out of Seaton towards Colyford and drive through the cemetery to access the free of charge parking area.

The Wetlands are free to visit and offer stunning countryside views. Walk along the estuary and wetlands, out on top of the water on wooden walkways, peer out of bird hides, wander around small lakes and through fields spotting wildlife and even electric trams as they go past. You’ll find a number of wooden animal sculptures along the way, and a hidden path or two to explore. Seaton Wetlands is car and dog free with smooth paths, so it’s perfect for scooters, bikes, buggies and wheelchair users. Look out for activities such as a snowman trail in winter, summer school in the summer holidays or year round activities such as meditation. 

Near to the main lake is a Visitor Centre offering teas and coffees – opening times for drinks service is sporadic, particularly in off peak season. Inside there’s usually a ranger and a small exhibit as well as equipment to pond dip. Toilets are accessible regardless of if the Visitor Centre is open. Picnic benches can be found all over the site including a couple of covered areas.

Once you’ve explored the Wetlands, why not head into Seaton and take a trip on the electric trams that you’ve spotted heading past? Take a stroll along the long beach promenade or seek out authentic Italian gelato from Le Pisani. Worn out at the end of the day? Stay in town at Seaton’s Premier Inn or head to one of the many B&B’s that the neighbouring beach resorts of Lyme Regis and Beer have to offer.

Ramscombe Great Wood, Over Stowey, Taunton, Somerset

Recommended by Fiona, from Savvy in Somerset

Located at TA5 1HN (Google Maps Link), Ramscombe Picnic Area (Great Wood) is around half an hour from Junction 23 or Junction 24 of the M5 motorway. Follow the signs through Bridgwater for Minehead, heading along the A39 through Cannington and Keenthorn. When you see the Cottage Inn on the right, follow the road straight ahead onto Adscombe Lane rather than continuing right onto the A39. Follow this road and Ramscombe is well signposted. Be aware that the road leading to and around the Ramscombe Picnic area is a dirt track and speed should be kept below 20mph.

There is a small parking area on the left as you arrive at the picnic area (this is also where the toilets are located) and another larger car park further along the track. Parking is payable and costs £1.00 for two hours or £2.00 for all day. There are three disabled parking spaces.

Ramscombe Picnic Area (also known locally as Great Wood) is set in the middle of the Quantock Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. A large meadow, surrounded by trees makes it a beautifully sheltered sun trap that also offers plenty of shade, perfect for family days out.

The small stream that runs along the side of the meadow provides hours of fun for children and adults alike, whether it’s playing pooh sticks from one of the many bridges or building dams in the shallow waters. Wellies are essential, as are a spare set of clothes! The many trees are perfect for both climbing and building dens. The grassy area is ideal for those who would rather play sport and is large enough that games of rounders, cricket and frisbee can all take place without the worry of disturbing other families.

There are several walks around the Ramscombe Picnic area which vary in length and difficulty. Take a look at the maps in each of the car parks for further information and use the coloured markers to find the way along each walk. The red walk is one of the most popular thanks to its stunning forest views.

Top Tip: Print out some nature trails or scavenger hunts beforehand to encourage children to take a look at the wildlife surrounding them while in the forest.

While some picnic benches are provided, they can fill up pretty quickly, especially during the summer holidays so it’s best to take either a picnic blanket or folding chairs for comfort. The nearest supermarket is back in Bridgwater, so pack plenty of food and drink if planning to spend the whole day here. The Foxy Bean cafe, which is a few minutes walk away provides hot drinks and snacks.

Ramscombe Picnic area is the perfect place to recharge your batteries in the tranquillity of the forest. In fact, it’s so peaceful it can be hard to believe it’s just twenty minutes away from a large town like Bridgwater. It also makes a great budget day out as the only cost involved is parking. The local area offers lots of accommodation including The Apple Tree Hotel, and The Old Vicarage.

Royal Crescent, Bath

Recommended by Alice, from Adventures of Alice

The Royal Crescent in Bath is one of the most famous streets in England and a lovely place to sit down and have a picnic. It is absolutely beautiful and lined with some of the most expensive houses in Bath. It was also designed as a fine inspiration for aspiring architects on how to design an elegant city.

The homes were built in 1774 by a man named John Wood after he returned from Bombay, and the street has 12 grand townhouses, each double or triple fronted. They are known to be one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture and the area is often used for film sets. Due to its significance, it has been named as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1987. 

You can get here by driving and park your car in the Charlotte Street car park, which is free. You can then walk to Royal Crescent from this car park in 6 minutes. There are no costs involved to visit, so you can do the whole experience for free, however, there is also the option to stay in the Royal Crescent Luxury Spa Hotel. The hotel is quite expensive with the cheapest price per night at £360 per room. However, the experience you’d get from it would be truly luxurious.

Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds

Recommended by Rachel, from Earth’s Magical Places

Covering over 800 square miles, and running through five counties, the Cotswolds is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in England. Located only an hour away from London on the train, it’s famous for quintessential golden stone villages, and green rolling hills. Thus, there’s a picnic spot around almost every corner.

Out of all the villages in the Cotswolds, the most picturesque have to be the charming twin hamlets of Upper and Lower Slaughter, where you can also have the perfect family picnic. The first thing to know is that the name of these villages simply refers to the old English word ‘slothre’, meaning a muddy place.

Today on the well-manicured public lawns throughout the villages, you’re unlikely to encounter much mud! Yet, the slow running River Eye that flows through the centre of Lower Slaughter provides the perfect playground for children to paddle in. In addition, you can go on a real family adventure by enjoying a short walk between the two villages, which are connected via ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows!

Overall, the Cotswolds are easily visited on a family day trip, but, if you want to make the most of your time in this gorgeous area, there are plenty of hotels nearby, such as the Chester House Hotel in Bourton on the Water, which is a favourite amongst families.

Central England

Fish Hill, Broadway, Cotswolds

Recommended by Sarah, from In Full Flavour

Located in the north of the Cotswolds, the nearest postcode for a sat nav is WR12 7LD. The picnic spot is located just off the A44 Evesham to Moreton-in-Marsh road, and it is 2 miles from Broadway. It is signposted with brown and white tourist signs. 

The Fish Hill picnic spot offers an easily accessible site with free parking in the Cotswolds, meaning there are no costs involved to visit. There is a playground 2 miles away in Broadway itself for a pre or post lunch run around. You can buy food from one of the many cafes and sandwich shops in Broadway, as well as at the Budgens supermarket.

The peace and serenity at the site mean you would not know how close it is to the main roads that make it so easy to get to. It offers incredible views and beautiful walks from the picnic area. The wildflowers are stunning to see and there are lots of woodlands to explore.

Best tips – The Limestone Trail walk from the picnic area is a half-mile woodland stroll. It passes by Beech woods and ancient limestone quarry works. It’s a beautiful walk through flora and fauna in the ever-peaceful countryside of the Cotswolds. 

The best places to stay nearby are The Lygon Arms in Broadway, which is a fabulous place to stay, while the upmarket Dormy House Hotel is very close by. Cotswolds hotels are expensive, but they are all luxurious and in beautiful locations. 

The Malvern Hills

Recommended by Jiayi, from The Diary of a Nomad

The Malvern Hills area is hands down one of the best places in the UK to explore nature, take walks, and enjoy a picnic. You can get there either by car or by train. There are two train stations in the area: Great Malvern and Malvern Link. Driving from London would take roughly 3 hours.

There are plenty of amazing walking routes you can take in the Malvern Hills, and you can pretty much stop anywhere along the way to enjoy a picnic. Some routes even feature benches! However, the best views are from the summit of the hills.

Worcestershire Beacon, for instance, is the hill with the highest summit, and you’ll find plenty of people relaxing, picnicking, or napping up there. There’s a beautiful panorama of the nearby countryside from the summit, so you’ll be snacking to a view for sure. 

You can purchase food from the town of Great Malvern, situated at the foot of the hills. This town is also home to many gardens, parks, and play areas for kids.

All around the hills, there are pay and display parking facilities that cost £4.60 per day. You’ll find a parking lot near pretty much all the well-known routes. 

The best thing about picnicking in the Malvern Hills is that it’s still quite undiscovered, so there aren’t many people around. You can truly enjoy some peace and quiet while immersed in nature.

If staying overnight, The Malvern is a great hotel, as it features an amazing spa and an excellent restaurant.

Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley, Shropshire

Recommended by Lavania, from The Amazing Adventures Of Me

The Severn Valley Country Park is a lovely spot to visit, near Alveley in Shropshire. It’s the best picnic spot to get a glimpse of the steam trains of the Severn Valley Railway.

This area now has a green flag award and there’s plenty of open space to explore, with walking routes throughout and an accessible trail for buggies and wheelchairs. Start at the visitor centre where there are toilet facilities and you can find out all about the different trails and purchase bird watching or bug hunting packs (check opening times before you visit).

The park hosts lots of activities for children for a small additional charge, so it’s worth checking the website to find out what’s on. There are also play areas for little ones to enjoy.

Within the space are several designated picnic spots, including one beside the River Severn, and another in a meadow past the woods. There are also lots of benches and spaces throughout the park to enjoy. 

There is a small car parking charge of £1.20 for two hours, or £2.30 all day.  

Stay at the Stourport Manor hotel about twenty minutes drive away, which is family friendly and has its own pool. It is the perfect base to explore other local attractions and beauty spots, including West Midlands Safari Park and Arley Arboretum. 

The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury

Recommended by Ania, from The Travelling Twins

At the heart of Shrewsbury and encircled by the River Severn, the Quarry Park is 29 acres – big enough to find a secluded spot for everyone. The Quarry has been Shrewsbury’s most important site for recreation since the 16th Century, with benches, tables and shelters to choose from. The Quarry Park is perfect for an outdoor experience, offering a range of natural features to enjoy. Spend time relaxing at the park benches, taking in the beautiful views on one of their scenic walks, or enjoy picnics around one of their picnic tables. For those looking for some adventure, explore this location’s river banks and take part in fishing adventures or just let off steam.

In the middle of the Park lies Dingle, a picturesque floral park garden created by a great horticulturist, Percy Thrower. There are plenty of benches from which you can admire beautiful flower arrangements.

The rest of the Park is big open spaces, with views of the river. It has a great safe playground for children. There are boat rides available a few times a day and, on hot days, you can rent a kayak and row on your own. Whenever the weather is grand and Park fills with families, the ice cream trucks and mobile coffee vendors show up. Alternatively, it’s not a problem to go to the town, which is only 5 min away, to grab a bite or takeaway.

A few times a year, the Quarry holds a Fun Fair and firework displays and other Charity events. Once a year in August, Quarry Park hosts the Shrewsbury Flower Show, a fantastic event.

You can easily spend the whole day around Quarry and the Shrewsbury old town.

Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire

Recommended by Molly, from Lovely Local Indie

Kedleston Hall is a National Trust property with formal gardens and expansive parklands. It’s situated approximately five miles from Derby and is easily accessed by car (use DE22 5JD for sat navs).

Designed by architect Robert Adam in the 18th century, Kedleston Hall has lavish, opulent interiors inspired by the classical world of the Roman Empire. The gardens are equally impressive and feature sweeping vistas of Kedleston’s parkland, while also providing access to a rich array of wildlife.

There are numerous places for a delightful picnic at Kedleston. There are some picnic benches just by the car park, but I would recommend taking a blanket and either heading to the stunning wild flower borders at the back of the house, or walking away from the house towards the bridge where you will be able to find a quieter spot.

Entrance is FREE for National Trust members, or an adult ticket for the gardens only is £8. There is ample free parking.

Toilet facilities are provided. Although the restaurant is currently closed, refreshments are available to buy from their outside catering van located near the entrance.

Best place to stay nearby: The Kedleston Country House has beautifully stylish boutique bedrooms for approx. £135 per night, or alternatively at Jurys Inn in the city centre, where rooms start at £58 per night. 

North-West England

Padley Gorge, Peak District

Recommended by Rachel, from Average Lives

Hidden in the Peak District National Park, you will find Padley Gorge – one of the best picnic spots in the UK. You will find incredible woodland, rivers, and walks for everyone to enjoy. It is a family-friendly spot because children (and adults) love to dip their feet in the refreshing gorge on a sunny day.

Padley Gorge is between Grindleford Village and the A6187, the closest train station is Grindleford Station, and the nearest city is Sheffield. The central car park is Woodcroft, free for National Trust Members or £5 for all-day parking if you decide to drive.

The renovated and extended Longshaw Café, a short walk from the car park, is an excellent spot to pick up some food and drinks for your picnic. They offer hot drinks, sandwiches, ice-creams, wonderful scones and the café is accessible for prams and dogs. There are also several picnic benches available.

Padley Gorge is a unique picnic spot in the UK because there are always new activities for children to enjoy, including nature trails and facts about wildlife as you go on one of the Padley Gorge walks. It is best to visit in Autumn to see the leaves change colours, or have a dip and splash in the gorge in summer. 

The best place to stay nearby is the Norfolk Arms Hotel in Ringinglow Village. It has beautiful views and is only a 15-minute car journey from Padley Gorge.

Lyme Park, Disley, Peak District

Recommended by Kitti, from Kitti Around The World

Located about 2 miles from Disley in the Peak District National Park, is the stunning and famous Lyme Park Estate. The estate has a mansion, formal gardens, a massive area of parkland, a deer park and of course a café and playground. So, you’ll have everything in one place for the perfect day out.

What’s great about Lyme Park is that you can explore its parkland, playground, and deer park free of charge. However, to explore Lyme House and its formal gardens you have to pay £8/£4 for adults/children respectively.

There are plenty of places you can place your picnic blanket on the estate. Many find a spot around Timber Yard Café which also has dedicated tables. If you don’t mind a bit of a breeze, you can also walk out to the Cage and enjoy your lunch with views over Manchester and the Cheshire plain. However, if you purchased a ticket to the house and gardens, you really should have your picnic at the Reflection Lake with Lyme House in the background.

You can just prepare your picnic basket at home if you’d like to save some pennies. However, if you’d like to try some of their home-made food, then you can purchase something delicious from the Timber Yard Café. Please note that barbeques are not allowed anywhere on the estate, so make sure to prepare an appropriate picnic basket.

You can arrive by car or alternatively by bus or train and walk to the park from the station.

Queen Adelaide’s Hill, Windermere, Lake District

Recommended by us, here at Children of Wanderlust

Our contribution, and indeed the inspiration for this article. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, a short drive from the bustling tourist town of Bowness-on-Windermere, is this idyllic picnic spot.

If arriving by car, there is paid parking available at the Rayrigg Meadow car park. It is also possible to arrive by train in Windermere, then walk for approx 20 minutes down Birthwaite Road to reach the lake shore at this point. Be prepared for the return walk to be all uphill.

Within the Rayrigg Meadow area, there is an excellent and newly built children’s playground, an activity centre where it is possible to rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards to take out onto the lake, as well as toilets in the car park. The lake shoreline can be accessed for pleasant short walks or swimming from the boat jetties. There are also a selection of picnic benches available but, for the best picnic location it is worth the short climb up Queen Adelaide’s Hill.

The hill can be reached by climbing a footpath that leads out of the car park. At the top, as well as both a bench and plenty of grass to sit on, you are rewarded with excellent views right across Lake Windermere. Despite there usually being lots of people down below, the top of the hill is rarely busy, meaning it is also a pleasant and peaceful place to escape the crowds.

For something to eat, you will need to bring what you need with you, as there is no cafe on site. The nearby towns of Windermere and Bowness both have a good range of shops or takeaway restaurants for you to get your supplies. The nearest cafe is at the nearby Windermere Jetty steam boat museum.

If staying in the area, there are no shortage of guest houses and hotels to choose from. Wheatlands Lodge is an upscale B&B conveniently located in Windermere, that comes recommended.

North-East England

Roundhay Park, Leeds

Recommended by Hannah, from Get Lost

Roundhay Park is a large city park near Leeds, three miles north of the city centre. At over 700 acres, it is one of the biggest city parks in Europe!

Roundhay Park is the ideal spot to have a picnic. Due to its sprawling size, it is easy to find a secluded spot away from other visitors. Choose from peaceful lakesides, or open grass for ballgames.

But, Roundhay Park is much more than a picnic spot. There are lots of things to do including lakeside strolls, exploring the Roundhay Castle, and even tracking down the lost summer house. All these activities are free to enjoy but don’t forget to bring some spare change to enjoy an ice cream or ride on the land train!

If you want to make a day of your visit, include a trip to Tropical World. This attraction is home to the UK’s largest tropical plant and animal collections outside of Kew Gardens! There is a small entry fee of £7.40 per adult and £3.70 per child.

Roundhay Park is easiest reached by car with five car parks onsite. Via public transport, you will want to travel to Leeds city centre, then take a taxi or one of many local bus services including numbers 2 and 12, which will get you to Roundhay Park in 30-40 minutes.

You can extend your stay by booking a hotel in Leeds city centre. Either The Queens, The Met or Park Plaza are all beautiful hotels conveniently located close to major attractions.

Saltwell Park, Gateshead

Recommended by Karen, from The Geordie Grandma

Saltwell Park is located at East Park Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AX. The postcode NE8 4SF will take you to the free car park where there is capacity for 80 cars.  

Open from dusk till dawn, the 55 acre park is a lovely day out for the whole family.

Saltwell Towers has a cafe where you can get a range of snacks and a children’s menu. Note the cafe is takeaway only at the moment.  

It’s so much more fun to take your own picnic as there is a huge amount of green fields to lay a picnic blanket or your own picnic table and chairs.  The park does have a few of its own picnic tables on site but these get full on sunny days.

You can take some lovely child-friendly walks around the park, including a fabulous maze and a woody dene with a stream through it.  Then, let your little ones loose in the purpose built playgrounds – one for toddlers (including a sandpit – remember to take a bucket & spade) and one for older children.  

Take a pedalo swan or dragon boat out on the lake and enjoy the swans and ducks or take a trip on the Thomas the Tank Engine ride around the lake.  Both activities have a fee.

Visit pets’ corner where you can see chickens, peacocks, rabbits and birds (including a talking parrot).

For a local hotel, the Angel View Inn (just across the road from the Angel of the North), is just 3 miles from the park.

Scotland

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

Recommended by Francesca, from Little Lost Travel

Scotland is known for its rugged landscapes, mirror-like lochs and picturesque glens. If you’re visiting the capital city of Edinburgh and want to experience a snapshot of Scotland’s iconic landscape, its wild Holyrood Park offers just that – and it’s the perfect place for a picnic. 

Located in central Edinburgh and just one mile east of Edinburgh Castle, this royal park is 650 acres of rolling hills, mini lochs, basalt cliffs and patches of gorse. Its most notable feature is Arthur’s Seat, a large grassy remains of a volcano with panoramic views over the city. The climb up Arthur’s seat is short but it can get steep towards the end. The views make it absolutely worth it, although if you’re keen to have a picnic, the best spots are down towards the dramatic ruin of St Anthony’s Chapel. 

The ruin stands on a rocky outcrop high above St Margaret’s Loch and offers views over North Edinburgh, Leith and the River Forth. For picnics, you can either choose to sit on one of the benches dotted along the path between Arthur’s Seat and St Anthony’s Chapel or work your way around the ruin to the banks of the loch. Whichever spot you choose, make sure you help keep this park pristine by taking everything back with you and minimising your environmental impact. 

Entrance to Holyrood Park is free. If you’re staying in Edinburgh, one of the best hotels is the Royal Scots Club, which offers country-house charm in the New Town district.

The Beach Promenade, Aberdeen

Recommended by Victoria, from Guide Your Travel

The Aberdeen beach promenade in Scotland is one of the best picnic spots in the UK and a fantastic spot to enjoy the stunning Scottish coast line. If you arrive by train, you can easily walk to the beach in around 15 minutes. If you come by car, you can park anywhere alongside the promenade for free, even overnight.

You can walk the promenade in both directions to find the best suitable picnic spot for you. There are many benches where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful sea view.

Of course, the beach is an even better place for a picnic but might get a little wet during the high tide. When the tide is low, you can find sea shells, play with your kids in the sand and even let the dog run free. Since the promenade is so long, it is likely that you will have your own private beach section. Only swimming isn’t recommended, since the water temperature is between 6C° and  12 C° during the whole year.

After you have enjoyed your beach walk and a picnic, you can visit the nearby amusement park which offers fun and enjoyment for all ages.

Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park

Recommended by Annabel, from Smudged Postcard

Tollymore Forest Park is without doubt one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Northern Ireland and it’s perfect for a picnic – although it will be tricky to decide where to lay your picnic rug!

The park is located in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, within day trip distance of Belfast. There’s a large car park (chargeable), toilets and coffee kiosk at the entrance, along with a brilliant play area for children.

There are lots of walking trails through Tollymore Forest Park. The best one is a three mile loop which follows the Shimna River with its follies and old stone bridges. Lay out your rug by the river among the trees and you’re likely to spot one of the resident red squirrels darting through the undergrowth. Children will enjoy leaping over the stepping stones which act as bridges at various points along the river. There are also den-building opportunities and lots of places for a game of hide and seek.

For those with longer legs, there are more advanced trails to follow and for those with little children, the shallow river areas are perfect for paddling. There is camping available too should you wish to extend your stay, although, if you want a bit of luxury, you might prefer the nearby Enniskeen Country House Hotel.

In Summary

Who doesn’t love a good picnic? Not only do you get to enjoy a great view or location while consuming some of your favourite food and drink, but they are also great ways to get people together and spend quality time with those that you love. They are a particularly good activity to do with children, as a way of getting them outdoors and doing something active. This is especially true if your chosen location has additional surrounding activities to enjoy, as many of the places listed here have got.

I hope that this article has demonstrated the range of landscapes and environments that we have available to us right here at home. By embracing this rediscovered desire for uncovering interesting and exciting locations in the UK, you can be sure to enjoy some fabulous days out, while also making memories to cherish. The only thing I can’t promise you, sadly, is some good British weather!

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