There’s nothing quite like a picnic to make the most of a sunny day in the UK. Whether it’s a full picnic spread with sausage rolls, strawberries and a flask of tea, or just a hastily packed sandwich and a picnic blanket, eating outdoors somehow makes everything taste better. And the best bit? You don’t have to go far to find a perfect picnic spot — from rolling countryside and peaceful lakesides to coastal cliffs and blooming gardens, the UK is packed with picture-perfect places to lay down your rug.
Of course, not all picnic spots are created equal. Some come with panoramic views, some are ideal for paddling or walking off lunch, and others are hidden gems that locals like to keep to themselves. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the very best picnic spots across the UK — whether you're planning a day trip with the grandkids, a romantic lunch for two, or a peaceful solo escape with a summer holiday book and a pork pie.
So grab your cool bag, slap on some suncream (just in case!) and take a look at our favourite places to enjoy a bite under the British sky. Just don’t forget the napkins — and watch out for the wasps!
BLANKET ON THE BEACH
Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
Settle in among the golden dunes of Murlough, and you’ll be able to look out on one of the finest beaches in Co Down, which goes on for miles. If you don’t want to risk sand in your sandwich, picnic tables and a barbecue area are available. Walk it off with a wander through the woodland and purple heathland that are home to an array of butterflies and wildflowers.
Call 0284 375 1467, visit the National Trust site.
CITY BREAK
Richmond Park, London
As the largest of London’s Royal parks, with wild deer roaming around, it’s easy to forget that technically, you’re still in the capital. Covering 2,500 acres, the park offers plenty of secluded spots – sit under ancient trees for shade or in among the grasslands. There are several refreshment points around the park for topping up your provisions – from fresh coffee to ice-cream.
Call 0300 061 2200, visit The Royal Parks site.
ART INSPIRATION
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
There aren’t many places you can tuck into a cheese and pickle sandwich while sitting underneath a huge white unicorn, but that’s just one of the joys of this park. The unicorn is one of four works by Damien Hirst but the 100-strong collection of open-air sculptures and installations also includes works by Barbara Hepworth, Andy Goldsworthy, Henry Moore and Joan Miró.
£6 (under 18s free). Call 01924 832631, visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park site.
TWILIGHT THRILLS
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
This is a beautiful spot in its own right, with woodland walks, stunning lochs and the River Dee offering riverside grassy banks to host your picnic (and clear waters to paddle in). But in 2009, the park was granted International Dark Sky status for its clear stargazing conditions, making it an ideal spot for an evening picnic. More than 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye, and you can also just about make out the shape of the Milky Way!
Visit the Forestry and Land Scotland site.
HEAD FOR THE HEIGHTS
Kielder Water, Northumberland
You’ll have no trouble finding a spot of your own at Europe’s largest man-made reservoir and England’s largest forest. During the summer, stay near the water to see ospreys swooping for a meal (the dam is a favourite spot of theirs) or walk up the hill to Patterson’s Pause for views of the secluded valleys and the Lewisburn suspension bridge.
Call 0345 155 0236, visit the Kielder site.
CANAL-SIDE CAPERS
Goytre Wharf, Monmouthshire
The 19th Century Monmouthshire and Brecon is ideal for a canal walk and offers plenty for active types – boats and canoes for hire, fishing, cycling and woodland walks – but is also just the place to pause and watch the world go by. This eight-acre site of outstanding beauty offers tranquil spots to stretch out and enjoy an afternoon doze.
Call 01873 880516, visit the Goytre Wharf site.
PURE DELIGHT
Instow, Devon
Settle among the dunes on the sheltered stretch of Instow beach, which is gorgeously situated on an estuary where the Taw and the Torridge rivers meet. It’s an ideal spot for taking the grandkids for kite flying, paddling and building sandcastles. All the family will enjoy taking the ferry to Appledore, a small fishing village on the opposite bank of the estuary, complete with winding narrow streets, pretty pastel houses and a strong maritime history.
Visit the Visit Devon site.
PERIOD ROMANCE
Box Hill, Surrey
This beauty spot at the summit of the North Downs, was immortalised as a picnic spot in Jane Austen’s Emma: “They had a very fine day for Box Hill… Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there.” Like Emma Woodhouse, you can admire what Austen described as “a sweet view – sweet to the eye and the mind” – then head downhill for quieter spots to base yourself.
Call 01306 885502, National Trust site.
DOG-LOVER’S DREAM
Cirencester Park, Cirencester
Originally designed in the 1700s as a deer park by the first Earl of Bathurst, this park has also served as a military base during the First World War and a hospital. Today the historic parkland, a short walk from town, offers plenty of dog-walking routes. The tree-lined promenade, Broad Avenue, is a lovely stretch with surrounding benches or lawns to enjoy your picnic.
Call 01285 653135, visit the Bathurst Estate site.
NATURE’S BEST
Samphire Hoe, Kent
Created out of the five million cubic metres of waste material dug out from the Channel Tunnel construction at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover, Samphire Hoe is a 30-hectare nature reserve, home to hundreds of plants, wildflowers and birds, with an abundance of butterflies, moths and dragonflies. Walk the clifftop footpath then settle on a picnic bench for views of the White Cliffs.
Call 01304 225649, visit the Samphire Hoe site.
Claire Tapley is a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 16 years' experience writing for women over 50. In her previous role she was deputy editor on Yours magazine for nine years, before moving over to Yours.co.uk
She is also a keen crafter and lover of all things homemade. She also enjoys time outdoors in the great British countryside- having launched LandScape Magazine in 2012.