Summer’s almost here and what better way to enjoy the all-too-brief sunshine by going for a good old-fashioned picnic?
We’ve put together a list of the best spots to take your picnic blankets and cricket sets to in 2009. Take a look – if you are in the area they are well worth checking out. But we also want your suggestions for the best places to take the family for some al fresco munch.
Comment on this blog post with your ideas and we’ll send the three best suggestions one of these fancy new Play and Stay picnic rucksacks, containing:
- Four spoons, knives, forks, plates, mugs, wine glasses and napkins.
- Cheese/bread knife
- Waiter’s corkscrew
- Butter dish
- Thermo-lined cooler section at the back
So, here are our suggestions. Give us yours, along with your reasons for nomination, in the comment section below:
Clumber Park
In the northernmost part of Sherwood forest and less than 40 miles from Alton Towers lies the beautiful and Idyllic Clumber Park. With 3,800 acres of open green space, more than 20 miles of cycle routes to get lost along and Europe’s longest double avenue of lime trees, the park offers peace, tranquility and adventure all in one spot.
Photo by D-Kav
Groombridge Place and Gardens
Located just outside Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Groombridge Place and Gardens is one of the best places to spend a day with the family this summer. Although it is not the cheapest park in the area (tickets can cost as much as £10 per adult in peak months), there is so much to see and do when you arrive. For older children there are a number of big swings and for the younger children there are a number of play parks. A walk through the Enchanted Forest will bring you face-to-face with dinosaurs of varying ferocity and there are even two bird of prey shows at set times throughout the day at no extra charge. The Drunken Gardens offer a welcome rest at the end of the trail and were the inspiration and setting for the famous Sherlock Holmes novel, The Valley of Fear. It may be over an hour’s drive from Windsor, but it’s well worth checking out if you have the time.
Photo by J. Lane
Kedleston Hall
The grounds and gardens of this 18th century mansion are another stunning place near Alton Towers to enjoy a family picnic this summer. There are 820 acres of man-made park and four walks of varying lengths for you to wander along. With superb child-friendly facilities such as baby change rooms and hip-carrying infant seats for hire as well, Kedleston Hall is a great place to go on your summer holiday.
Photo by Fredspickchers
Richmond Park
Less than a ten minute car journey from Thorpe Park is Richmond Park – the largest Royal Park in London at almost 2,500 acres in size. It is home to more than 650 free roaming deer and offers a myriad of landscapes including hills, woodlands, ponds and gardens. There are a number of facilities designed to make your day out easier (cafes, lodges and refreshment points) and there’s also a playground great for the little ones to let off steam in. Hire bikes, get a fishing permit or try your hand at a spot of golf – there’s enough fun and games here to last for days.
Box Hill
Box Hill is an outstanding area of woodland and chalk downland located near to London and LEGOLAND Windsor. Better suited for the active family, this park has some truly breathtaking views over the South Downs from its many nature trails. After a steep incline, you will find a visitor centre at the summit which offers a great place to stop for a picnic. Box Hill is awash with day-trippers in the summer months, make sure you get there early.
Runnymeade Pleasure Grounds
The Runnymeade Pleasure Grounds is a relaxing riverside park with access to walks along the River Thames and local countryside. The park is a great spot for a family picnic and has a number of attractions to keep you all entertained including a playground, paddling pool, cafe and boat cruises. It’s only three miles from Thorpe Park and might just be the best way to relax after all those thrill rides.
Full competition terms and conditions
I would recomend, Gurnard Beach, isle of Wight, at sunset. You can look across the water and watch as the sun disappears from the horizon. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen. Romantic for Mum and Dad and the beach for the children to play on. Total bliss!
KNIGHTSHAYES
TIVERTON
DEVON
Ragley Hall has stunning grounds!! great on a beautifull day!
Ferry Meadows country park, Peterborough is great. It has a mixture of lakes, woodland and meadows so you can take your pick of where to relax!
Savernake Forest, in Marlborough can make a great Picnic Spot!
The most simple place to enjoy view sea breeze and people watching is on the top of Plymouth ho on the grass near the lighthouse. The view is beautiful the atmosphere is cheery and the people always smile. From a true Plymouth girl this is the place I call home and love to spend quality time with my children on this site. A stones throw away from a childrens playground, the large outdoor tinside swimmingpool ok the sea front and a short walk from the historic barbican, fishing port, national marine aquarium and endless eatting places and shops. What more can you want!
i live near the river tyne and we have a stream that runs into the rive near us, there is lots of grass and a park for the kids to play in. it’s a great place to walk and pick-nick with the kids and a dog if you have one. there is a heron living there with ducks and the odd swan so kids love feeding them. this sort of outing is great if you don’t have transport and very little money. you can walk along the waterfront to a near by shopping outlet, bowling alley, swimming park or sport center. something for everyone.
Formby Pinewood’s (Merseyside)-Gorgeous surrounding’s, and the most adorable red squirrel’s. The near-by sand dunes and beach are well worth a look as well.
Padley Gorge in Derbyshire is the perfect place for a picnic. Within a mile you have forest, meadows and moors. A prefect place to spend the day with the kids playing in the stream and going for a walk to see Totley Tunnel and have a pint of tea in the cafe. Millstones litter the hillside where they were quarried but never used and the views from the moors are simply stunning. And all less than 30 minutes from Sheffield!
Brighton Beach is lovely for a picnic; it is a classically British city, great for getting a lovely bit of fresh sea breeze and relaxing looking at all the beautiful people.
lake windermere is the perfect place for picnics along the river bank its a lovely place to be so tranquil especially if the weather is nice.
Thank you everybody for your input – we had some brilliant and original suggestions as we are sure you will agree.
The competition is now closed and we are looking through the entries. Watch this space for more info and the names of lucky winners.
Worthing beach in West Sussex is perfect for a paddle/swim and a picnic. You can sit and watch the sailing boats go by whilst relaxing and enjoying the sun.