The Traveller's Magazine
One of the best things to do once summer arrives is to pack up the basket, cutlery and blanket, nip off to Waitrose to stock up on treats and head to the park for a picnic. It’s a great British summer pastime and VisitBritain has rounded up the best picnic spots in the country.
London certainly has some amazing picnic spots with so many parks and gardens but the capital isn’t the only place to enjoy a summer picnic. If you’re after the best greens, coasts and meadows to dine in, you’ll have to venture out of the capital. Here are the top 10 picnic spots to enjoy around the country according to a recent survey by VisitBritain.
Brownsea Island – Dorset
Dorset-bound? Head to the harbour, the second largest natural one in the world and you’ll see a collection of five islands right at its entrance. One of those is Brownsea and is a spectacular nature reserve, perfect for enjoying a picnic. It’s the perfect place for scouting and the kids won’t be bored with the Smuggler’s Trail to follow, leading of course to a chest of treasure!
Clywedog Valley – Wrexham
Pack you walking shoes for this one! The Clywedog Trail is a 7-mile hike with plenty of picturesque spots to stop for a picnic on the way. Along the way you’ll pass the Minera Lead Mine where you can stop and explore the engine house and visit a small museum. Keep going and you’ll stumble upon a huge reconstruction of a mole hole and playground.
Avebury Stone Circle – Wiltshire
Historians will certainly be amused with a visit to this 4,000 year old stone circle. It is a bit of an unusual spot, we admit but what better place than right in the middle of Europe’s largest stone circle? While you’re visiting, stop by the Barn Gallery to discover the mysteries of the stones and the legends they hold.
Barafundle Beach – Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire’s so-called “best kept secret” is hardly a secret. It’s a pretty well known fact that Barafundle Beach is one of the best beaches in England. It may be small but its rarely crowded and always quiet. The sand dunes are high and the shallow rock pools are always a favourite with kids.
Top 7 UK beaches for summer escapes
Horniman Gardens – London
If it’s a London picnic you’re after why not try something different than Hyde Park or the South Bank? Spend the morning exploring the neighbouring Horniman Museum and once hunger strikes, lay your picnic blanket out in the 16-acre gardens with spectacular views of London’s iconic skyline.
Other top picnic spots include:
- Somerset House – London
- Ragley Hall – Warwickshire
- Beecraigs Country Park – West Lothian
- Wellington Country Park – Berkshire
- Avon Valley Country Park – Bristol
What’s your favourite park or spot to enjoy a summer picnic?
