8 of the best picnic spots in the UK
Back to latest postsThursday 18th June 2020 is International Picnic Day!
And with the warm weather encouraging us all to spend more time in the great outdoors (current Covid-19 restrictions permitting), there’s very little to beat a stroll in the sunshine before scoffing sarnies in the Great British countryside.
But with so many beautiful spots to choose from across the UK, it was hard to narrow it down to just eight! So here’s our pick of the best picnic spots in the UK:
1.Padley Gorge, Peak District
Once rated the best picnic spot in the country, it’s not difficult to see why. There’s plenty to keep both young and old occupied at the beautiful Padley Gorge in Derbyshire.
From large tree roots covered in moss creating secret hiding places to paddling in the cool waters of Burbage Brook, the area has an almost magical quality to it, it’s reminiscent of a fairy tale glen.
Set your picnic up on the grassy banks of the babbling brook and you’ve got yourself an ideal day out in the Peak District. Just don’t forget the sausage rolls!
2.Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire
If you like an impressive backdrop for your picnic then they don’t come much more atmospheric than the grounds of the ruined Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire.
The abbey, originally a monastery dating back to around 657 AD, was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula - so maybe pack some garlic in your picnic to keep yourselves safe!
There are panoramic views down over the pretty seaside town of Whitby and plenty of open space to spread out your picnic blanket. You can climb the 199 steps from the town to get there – perfect for burning off those scotch eggs!
3.Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
For a picnic spot that really puts the “sand” in sandwiches, Barafundle Bay has it all.
This beautiful golden sand beach is quite isolated and remote so you won’t be fighting for space for your picnic set up.
The bay is surrounded by rolling sand dunes and pine trees and is half a mile away from the nearest car park.
With its large expanse of soft sand and crystal clear waters, Barafundle Bay has often been likened to a Caribbean beach: a slice of pure paradise in Pembrokeshire.
And if it’s a beach you’re after for your next UK holiday, you can even filter holiday cottages on our site by their proximity to a beach.
4.Rowardennan, Loch Lomond, Scotland
Located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, in Scotland, Rowardennan is as tranquil as it is beautiful.
Prior to your picnic, roll up your trousers and take off your socks for a quick paddle before you dry off with a delicious spread in the sunshine.
Once you’ve finished your food, why not walk it off with one of the Ben Lomond walks? Choose from the Ben Lomond memorial trail for an easy stroll or, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, climb the rugged uphill path to the top of the peak of Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro. At the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over two stunning lochs.
On our website, you can filter your holiday cottage results to see ones which have a lake nearby, perfect for wild swimming, water sports and just chilling out by the water.
5.Florence Court, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
This large 18th century estate is located in the foothills of the magnificent Cuilcargh Mountain, the highest point of Northern Ireland.
With miles of parkland, gardens and surrounding forests, there are plenty of places to choose from to pitch up with your picnic.
And the peaceful gardens make for a tranquil spot where you can enjoy your snacks surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
6.Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, Lake District
Just outside the centre of the popular market town of Keswick, in the Lake District National Park, you can enjoy your sandwiches surrounded by one of Britain’s most impressive pre-historic sites, English Heritage’s Castlerigg Stone Circle.
The stone circle is one of the earliest examples of a British circle and is thought to date back to around 3000 BC, raised during the Neolithic period.
It’s a steep walk up to the stone circle from the town, so you might want to pack a light picnic to carry with you!
Not to be outdone, the views of the surrounding fells are pretty special too: you can see four of the tallest peaks in the Lake District from this spot, including Helvellyn and High Seat.
7.Studland Beach, Dorset
The second beach spot on our list is Studland Beach in Dorset, a place for the whole family to enjoy an afternoon picnic.
It’s safe and traffic free so it’s perfect for both children and dogs. Four legged friends are welcome here all year, although they must be on their leads during the busiest months of April through to September. Shallow bays make for safe paddling and the golden sands are great for sandcastle competitions.
The area around here is said to have inspired Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, so make sure you put together a delicious spread with lashings of ginger ale to enjoy – and who knows, you might just find a mystery!
8.Jubilee Gardens, Beer, Devon
These stunning gardens were created by the residents of Beer to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 so it would be rude not to pack some yummy Victoria sponge cake as part of your pack up.
Enjoy a picnic here with unparalleled views across the bay of Beer beach, a picturesque shingle beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. Beer beach is a working beach and so is full of brightly coloured boats and fishermen landing their catches of the day.
Just off the gardens is a children’s playground where the kids can let off some steam while the adults can use the outdoor multigym. Or just sit back and take in the sunshine!
Book your next holiday cottage in the UK
Holiday Cottage Compare has thousands of holiday cottages across the UK which are close to perfect picnic spots, so pack your bags, your picnic basket and blanket, and get ticking some of these suggestions off your Great British bucket list.
And if you need a hand finding the perfect location, just get in touch with your list of holiday cottage requirements and we will send you a tailor made link, containing all our suitable properties.