My Favourite Picnic spots in the UK

The UK is relishing the sunshine at the moment and the great weather is set to continue! As we continue to stay safe, one of the things we can do is go for a walk to the park and enjoy the sun, so I went for a picnic at the weekend to do exactly that. It was great to enjoy nature and the surroundings plus I also spent time daydreaming of the scenic places I have stopped to eat and relax around the UK so here are my top picnic spots:

Windsor – The Long Walk

I once lived in Windsor so I had the luxury of visiting this grand and peaceful park anytime I liked. The 3 mile straight walkway links Windsor Castle (one of the Queens residences) to the copper horse statue and has been the location for many royal parades over the years, the latest being Harry & Meghan’s wedding. You have the choice of feeling like royalty and placing your blanket just metres from the entrance of the 11th century castle or you can head further up the long walk for raised views of Windsor, Eton & even London’s Skyline on a clear day.

Edinburgh – Princes Street Gardens

Out of all these beautiful places, Edinburgh well and truly ticks the box for surrounding scenery. Princes Street Gardens lies at the bottom of the huge mount which Edinburgh Castle sits on creating an awesome setting. Also being right in the heart of the city means even if you forget picnic hamper, you can grab some bits from the shops across the road and settle down for a rest under an iconic Scottish landmark.

The Yorkshire coast – Peasholm Park & Flamborough Head

I could pick anywhere on the Yorkshire coast to be honest as it has one of the best coastlines in the country, though I am a bit biased! Though my favourite’s are the north bay in Bridlington looking out to the white cliffs of Flamborough Head and Scarborough’s Japanese style Peasholm Park with it’s oriental style Pagoda, lights and waterfall. Two very different locations but both stunning places for lunch on a warm day.

London – Regents park

Londoners flock to Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens when the sun comes out, and with good reason, the lakes and sculptures are beautiful. However, I like to avoid at least some of the crowds and head to Regents park, it is another one of the royal parks but seems to be slightly more quieter. It might be less busy but Queen Mary’s rose gardens are stunning for a walk, then lying down in between the bandstand and the lake is the perfect spot for peace, quiet and a little picnic, but shhh don’t tell everyone!

Leeds – Kirkstall Abbey

Just a few miles out of Leeds centre is Kirkstall Abbey, one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the UK. It is surrounded by beautiful parkland making it the perfect backdrop for a picnic. The river aire is just to the side and great for an after lunch stroll to burn some calories off!

Southampton – Mayflower Park

Mayflower Park isn’t anything special, there are no sculptures, fountains, lakes or activities. However, the location is everything here, it is Southampton’s only riverside park and is positioned right by the docks making it the perfect place to watch cruise ships & ferries sail by. Of course at the moment there aren’t any cruise ships sailing off, nonetheless the waterside location is a quiet location away from the city where you can just pop yourself right by the water, eat and listen to the waves. If you like coastal locations, another one of my favourites in this area is weston shore a few miles east for an even more relaxed atmosphere.

Maybe one of these glorious locations are close to you, but always remember wherever you are going to social distance, wear sunscreen and have a great picnic!

Where are your favourite Picnic Spots!? Let me know!