Britain’s Best Picnic Spots

Scotch eggs and tartan blankets at the ready – it’s picnic season!

If us Brits know how to do one thing well, it is most certainly picnics. After all, what is summer for if not an al-fresco lunch? From lush countryside and parkland to delicious traditional grub, we’ve got everything you could possibly need. Though our summers are often quite short-lived, rare sunny days see thousands of us flock to the closest park, beach or pub garden to catch some glorious rays before it’s too late. It’s this urgency to make the most of the fine weather that has probably helped us master the art of picnicking over the years.

There are countless gorgeous locations scattered across the UK that have ‘picnic setting’ written all over them. When it comes to selecting a great location to spend a sunny afternoon, we’ve scoured the nation to come up with a list of unbeatable picnic spots.

What are you waiting for? Grab the finger sandwiches and relish the great outdoors!

🌳Cairngorms National Park, Scotland🌳

Voted ‘Britain’s Best Picnic Spot’, you won’t find much better than Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Covering over 4000 square kilometres of unspoiled countryside, the stunning National Park boasts an abundance of beautiful settings to chill out in and enjoy good food. With a vast variety of terrain spanning the park, picnic-goers can choose from a tranquil lakeside lunch beside Loch an Eilein, a hill-top snack upon Glen Doll, a relaxing afternoon on the beach of Loch Morlich or a charming meal in the picturesque Blair Castle Gardens. There are plenty of activities to get involved in around the park, including water sports, mountain climbing, cycling and more.

Does a tranquil break amidst the natural beauty of a National Park sound appealing? Our National Park Hotel Escapes provide the ultimate downtime, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

🌿Lizard Point, Cornwall🌿

From the heights of Scotland to England’s most southerly tip – next up on the list is Lizard Point in Cornwall. Spend a leisurely day exploring an area of outstanding natural beauty, watching the landscape transform from rugged cliffs to white sandy beaches. Pack a picnic and a bucket and spade, then set off along the path to Kynance Cove. The 20 minute climb down to the beach is no picnic (geddit?), but there’s plenty of time to chill out and re-energise once down there! The stunning location is known for its gorgeous white sand beach and dramatic dark red and green serpentine rock. At low tide, there’s even the opportunity to explore the towering rock stacks and caves that are carved into the cliff face. The scenic two mile walk along the coast from Kynance, taking you along to the tip of Lizard Point is simply breathtaking.

While down in Cornwall, why not make a weekend of it? We’ve got plenty of glamping breaks – become immersed in the tranquillity of nature, without the hassle of putting up a tent!

🌸Primrose Hill, London🌸

For uninterrupted views of the London skyline, head to Primrose Hill in the north of the capital. With the top of the hill standing at more than 60 metres above sea level, there are few places in the city that you will find a better view and it’s well worth the climb to enjoy a gorgeous sunny afternoon there. Pack your supplies and pick a patch of grass to call home for the day. With such a huge expanse of greenery, it lends sun worshipers plenty of space to kick back and relax. Every Londoner should experience a summer’s day on Primrose Hill at least once!

Fancy seeing what the capital has to offer this summer? Browse our London Breaks.

☀️Barfundle Bay, Pembrokeshire☀️

As one of  Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches, Barfundle Bay most definitely deserves its place on the list. Like Cairngorms National Park, Barfundle Bay has also been named ‘Britain’s Best Picnic Spot’ in previous years, by the likes of Visit Britain, Country Life Magazine and Conde Naste Traveller. With fine white sand and crystal clear water, it’s hard to believe you’re not in the Mediterranean and the gentle waves that sweep through the bay make it the ideal spot for children to enjoy a paddle. Managed by the National Trust, the bay remains untouched and free of the usual beachside attractions – simply adding to the charm of the peaceful location. Be sure to complete the visit with a walk around the lily ponds at nearby Bosherston Lakes – just one of many rambling routes and trails to explore across the UK!

🌊Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim🌊

After a picnic with a view? Brave the rope bridge that leads to Carrick-a-Rede and take in the panoramic views that surround the small island in Northern Ireland. Though a tad scary at first, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the sea caves and cliff edges that line the coast. The island itself is small and peaceful, making it an idyllic spot to enjoy a bite to eat and take in the scenery. Make sure you visit in fine weather, however, as the bridge is sometimes closed in the case of high winds or heavy rain (but hey, no one likes a soggy picnic!)

Game of Thrones fan? There’s a spot at the back of the car park that some may recognise as Camp of Renly Baratheon of Storm’s End – join one of the fantastic Game of Thrones Tours to explore all of the locations used for the show in Belfast and the surrounding areas.

Looking for some unique ways to spend the summer days ahead? Check out our fantastic selection of summer activities and start making memories!

 

Images: Pexels , Cairngorms National Park, Kynance Cove Cafe, Brighter Box, Ross Herbert and Ireland Daily