Pick the Perfect Picnic Spot

Scotland

Aberfeldy, Perthshire
In the heartland of Scotland, Perthshire benefits from having easy access to the Highlands as well as having its own share of lochs, walks and beautiful scenery. There is so much to see and do that a visitor could spend days here and still not have the opportunity to see it all. A beautiful walk and perfect picnic spot would be by the Birks of Aberfeldy. Beginning at Aberfeldy, the walk follows a burn and several waterfalls and includes a rock called Burns’ Seat. It is said that from here Robert Burns was inspired to write the poem The Birks Of Aberfeldy.
www.visitscotland.com

Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, near Glasgow
The park lies in 400 hectares of countryside in the valley of the River Clyde in Motherwell. Mature woodlands, rough wetlands, wildlife refuges and neat open parkland surround Strathclyde Loch and are the focal point for activities such as sailing, kayaking, rowing, walking, birdwatching and bike hire. The park plays host to a series of major events and is also home to Scotland’s first theme park, M&D’s, and Scotland’s largest indoor rainforest, Amazonia. Strathclyde Country Park is the venue for the Commonwealth Games triathlon, on 24 and 26 July.
01698-402060

The North

Formby, Liverpool
Formby’s glorious sandy beach is perfect for family picnics, coastal walks, dog walking, horse riding, wave jumping, kite flying or just lazy days on the sand. Bring along a picnic and enjoy  the breathtaking sea views. A coffee cart and ice-cream van are on-site most days, so enjoy a tasty treat while you watch wading birds on the shoreline. 01704-878591

Angel Of The North, Gateshead
Enjoy a family picnic under the wings of the famous Angel Of The North. One of the most talked about pieces of public art ever produced, the sculpture measures 54 metres wide and 20 metres high. Dominating the Newcastle- Gateshead skyline, it is an awe-inspiring symbol of the northeast’s pride and culture.

The Midlands

Croome, Worcestershire
Croome was Capability Brown’s first landscape garden and it’s the ideal place to relax and unwind. There are plenty of activities to keep the children entertained too, including a natural play area with den building and an exciting programme of walking trails to explore. When it comes to picnicking there are spots by man-made lakes and rivers, next to statues, bridges, follies and classical temples and rolling lawns.
01905-371006

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire
Visit the splendid Ragley Hall, home to the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford. Set within 400 acres of playground, it is the perfect picnic spot and family day out. For children, there is Adventure Wood and the 3D Maze, trampolines and climbing frames, and a peaceful picnic area by the lake, where you might see a few peacocks or even roe deer roaming around.
01789-762090

The East

Blickling Estate, Norfolk
One of England’s great Jacobean houses was once home to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. The beautiful parkland houses a glorious lake and woodland, offering plenty of picnicking spots. After tucking in, let the children discover the secret garden, ancient temple and smell the wonderful citrus trees in the orangery. You can also hire bikes and Segways to explore the park or even play a game of croquet.
01263-738030

Bridge Cottage, Flatford Mill, Suffolk Located right in the middle of Constable country and Dedham Vale, this beautiful 16th-century thatched cottage has a permanent Constable exhibition and next door, the riverside tea room sits alongside the River Stour. This is great walking countryside so you can take the family out, walk the dog or simply step back in time and absorb the places Constable knew and loved. You can even hire a boat and take a row down the river. There is also the Flatford scone club – if you rack up nine stamps, the 10th scone is free. 
01206-298260

Wales

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
This jewel of a beach sits between limestone cliffs and is backed by dunes and woods. Enjoy a real bucket and spade, sand-in-yoursandwiches experience here in the summer. This remote seaside spot in Pembrokeshire is officially recognised as one of the world’s finest stretches of beach.
01646-661359

Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire
Settle down for sandwiches at Dinefwr Park and Castle and look out for the resident fallow deer that have roamed the land for 1,000 years. What better place to spread out your picnic blanket than the only parkland National Nature Reserve in Wales. Stop by an old oak tree or a flower-rich hay meadow and watch the world go by.
01558-824512

The South

Brownsea Island
Halfway along the south coast, at Poole in Dorset, is the world’s second largest natural harbour. Just inside the entrance to that harbour lies the largest of its five islands, Brownsea Island. This was the birthplace of scouting, and is now a beautiful nature reserve. Children will love the scouting exhibitions and taking part in the Smugglers’ Trail to the treasure chest. A new clifftop walk has ideal picnic spots for all the family to enjoy.
01202-707744

Somerset House, London
Escape the hustle and bustle of London and have a picnic with your family at Somerset House. This 18th-century neoclassical palace has a huge courtyard where you can sit and relax, and there’s plenty of space for children to run around – they’ll love ducking in and out of the fountains. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a look around the spectacular building and the exhibits within.
020-7845 4600

Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Stowe is a place of such scale and beauty that its gardens have attracted visitors for more than 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, breathtaking lakeside walks and over 40 historic temples create a timeless landscape reflecting the changing seasons. Full of hidden meaning, the gardens were created as an earthly paradise. Visitors can enjoy walks around the gardens and with rugs at the ready, pick a spot to settle down among the lakes and temples and enjoy a picnic in a place where time stands still.
01280-817156

Studland Beach, Dorset
Take the children for a fabulous day out on this golden sandy beach that stretches four miles from South Haven Point to Old Harry Rocks, with shallow bathing water perfect for the little ones. Take buckets, spades and picnics for a blissful day on the sands. You can also visit the nearby ruins of Corfe Castle to discover more than 700 years of history. The castle was the inspiration behind Enid Blyton’s Kirrin Castle in the Famous Five books, and the beach provided inspiration for Toytown in Enid Blyton’s Noddy.

For more information: www.visitscotland.com www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.visitengland.com