TOP 5 PLACES FOR PICNICS IN THE UK
Having a picnic is a fantastic way to get out and about in the countryside, and now is the perfect time to pack a lunch and visit one of these top 5 picnic sites. No matter where you are in the country, you won't have to drive far to enjoy your lunch while taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Photo by Evangelina Silina
Kew Gardens (London)
Cedar Vista at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens doesn’t just have one spot for picnics, we recommend checking out The Palm House pond, Cedar Vista, Mediterranean Garden, The Arboretum and The Rose Garden.
Cedar Vista
Stretch out on the grass at Cedar Vista and take in the views of the Great Pagoda. The Pagoda was built as a present for Princess Augusta, the Gardens' creator, in 1762. In 2018, it was renovated to its former glory from the 18th century. See if you can locate the 80 carved gilded wood dragons that adorn the ceiling. Burn off your picnic lunch by climbing to the top of the Pagoda and taking in the breathtaking views of London.
The Palm House pond
The Palm House, Kew's most famous structure, is beautifully framed by the Palm House pond. This is the ideal area for a relaxing seat by the water. While you're there, have a look at the lovely WW1 commemorative bench. Enjoy views of this magnificent glasshouse, which was erected in 1844 by Richard Turner to Decimus Burton's designs and was the first of its kind of this size. If you are in need of a picnic top up, the Victoria Gate café and shop are nearby.
Mediterranean Garden
This portion of the Gardens, which was planted in 2007 to depict a typical Mediterranean natural environment, transports you to the sun-drenched landscape of Southern Europe. Set up your picnic among the tall stone pines, Tuscan olive trees, and aromatic lavender and rosemary shrubs.
The Arboretum
The Arboretum
Explore the 14,000-strong tree collection and discover the ideal setting for a picnic between the branches. The Arboretum, which covers two-thirds of the Gardens, is a leafy retreat where you can roam, stroll, and visit their glasshouse. Over 2,000 species, such as rare and old kinds, call this place home.
The Rose Garden
Relax amid the fragrant rose bushes for a spectacular view of the Palm House while inhaling the lovely aroma of plenty of roses. Between June and August, the Rose Garden is home to 170 distinct kinds and cultivars of rose, creating a sensory overload.
tatton park (Cheshire)
Photo by Jr Harris
Early Rhododendrons, as well as early cherry and plum blossom, are blooming as the days lengthen and new life begins to emerge in the spring gardens. From the Tulips and Wallflowers in the Italian Garden to the Mount Fuji Cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden, plants are budding and ready to burst. By the end of March, the Orchard is adorned with plum and pear blossoms, followed by masses of apple white blossom from over 150 apple trees.
Tatton Park's 50 acres of beautiful gardens are the result of nearly 300 years of maintenance. As one of England's most beautiful gardens, it provides visitors with an almost comprehensive picture of how it would have appeared in Edwardian days. Visit them to find your favourite picnic spot, start on a new adventure, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
The Garden's various zones each have their own ambience, plant and tree types, breathtaking seasonal views, and wildlife delights. The Walled Kitchen Garden, a 100-year-old Japanese Garden, ancient Glasshouses, and Pleasure Grounds are all popular attractions.
The Gardener's
CottageThe former head Gardener's Cottage, just inside the Stableyard, is the ideal spot for a relaxed bite to eat, set in the picturesque backdrop of its famous award-winning gardens. With views of the garden's stunning orchard and walled gardens, you'll have the option of being served inside or outside depending on the weather.
The Cottage creates very unique recipes by utilising the farm vegetables available right on their doorstep. Treat yourself to one of Cheshire's most gorgeous settings.
Chatsworth House (Peak District)
Photo by Ryan Grice
On the eastern border of the Peak District National Park, stroll for seven miles among the ponds and meadows of Chatsworth's parks. Apart from the manicured slopes, meticulously managed gardens, and huge estate view that make Chatsworth in Derbyshire such a traditional picnic site, the farm shop is absolutely fantastic. Visit with an empty hamper and spend an hour filling it with a wide variety of delectable home-cooked meats, pies, cheese, and bread – 60% of which is supplied from the estate – before choosing your own patch of deer-nibbled grass to relax on.
The 105-acre garden is the result of nearly 500 years of meticulous attention to detail. The Canal Pond, Cascade, and 1st Duke's Greenhouse have all been replaced to make way for new styles, but the garden retains many of its original elements, such as the Canal Pond, Cascade, and 1st Duke's Greenhouse.
Barafundle Bay (Pembrokshire)
Pete Garnett
Any visit will be complemented by a picnic. With swaths of golden sand and crystal clear waves, Barafundle has been voted one of the best beaches in the UK and the globe on numerous occasions; it's often compared to a Caribbean beach! Because this magnificent beach is remote, there are no facilities, so everything you bring must be carried up over the cliffs.
The quiet atmosphere is ideal for a picnic, whether you choose to swim in the water, explore the sand dunes, rock pools, and caves, or simply take in the breathtaking natural vistas. Explore some of Pembrokeshire's best coastal hikes and discover the most popular locations to eat and stay for the more active.
Loch Lomond (Scotland)
Photo by Robert Keane
The tranquil Loch Lomond is one of Scotland's most stunning locations. A trip to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park starts with a paddle at Rowardennan, followed by a chance to dry off and unpack your picnic supplies. The Ben Lomond Memorial Trail is a short, simple walk that ends at the Ben Lomond Memorial Park, where you can witness award-winning artist Doug Cocker's magnificent sculpture framing Ben Lomond's peak. Camping is available nearby in Sallochy if you wish to go further exploring.
Within the loch, there are several small islands that can be explored by specialist cruises and the Loch Lomond Waterbus ferry service. You can also rent a boat and go exploring on your own after your picnic.