By Parkdean Resorts on 12/06/2017
There’s no better way to soak up the beauty of Britain’s countryside than by relaxing with a good old-fashioned picnic. This year, National Picnic Week falls from the 16th to the 25th of June, so now is the ideal time to pack up the picnic basket with tasty treats and head out for an adventure in the sunshine.
To help you celebrate National Picnic Week, we’ve rounded up some of the best picnic spots near our holiday parks, so you can spread out the picnic blanket for a spot of al fresco dining with all the family.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Set in the beautiful Dorset countryside and only a short walk from the spectacular Jurassic Coast, Corfe Castle offers up a fantastic setting for a family picnic. Only 30 minutes from Sandford Holiday Park, enjoy the panoramic views and delve into its fascinating history.
Corfe Castle is one of Britain’s most iconic buildings and has survived hundreds of years of warfare.Discover over 700 years of history, from tales of treason and treachery to heroes and heroines. Perfect for adults and children alike, let your imaginations run wild as regular family events bring the stories to life. Take a stroll around the ruins and explore the secret nooks and passages to see what you can discover.
Once you’ve worked up a good appetite, there’s endless space for you to set out your picnic blanket. Tuck into your sandwiches and soak up the breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside.
Corfe Castle is on the doorstep of some of Dorset’s most-loved scenery. Less than 15 minutes away, you’ll find Studland Bay, a vast area of sandy beaches and scenic heathland. Take a stroll along the sand, try your hand at some exciting water sports or explore one of the local nature trails.
Video sourced from jamie25152749
Tarn Hows and Coniston, Lake District
Tarn Hows is one of the Lake District’s hidden gems. Only 25 minutes from Fallbarrow Holiday Park, picturesque views and accessible pathways make it a great place for a family picnic and a fun day out.
Tarn Hows is a man-made beauty spot, created in the Victorian period when the nearby beck was used to make the tarns you see today. Surrounded by wooded hills, Tarn Hows is one of the Lake District’s most popular picnic destinations. Long-reaching views across the Coniston Hills and the Langdale Pikes provide an amazing backdrop for you to relax with your lunch, and there’s lots to enjoy after you’ve had a bite to eat too.
The path around Tarn Hows is perfect for everyone to explore, whatever your age or ability. A circular trail of less than 2 miles surrounds the tarns, and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Walk off your picnic with a gentle stroll and look out for wildlife as you go.
Nearby, you’ll find the picturesque village of Coniston only a short drive away. Wander around the charming village, or if you’re feeling adventurous, head up towards the Old Man of Consiton for a rugged hike. Down on the lake shore there’s lots to enjoy too. Head out onto the beautiful Coniston Lake and admire the views from the water. Hop aboard the Gondola, a restored Victorian steam-powered yacht, or rent a boat for yourself and create your own adventure.
Video sourced from Louis Littlelegs
River Stour, Suffolk
The River Stour cuts through beautiful countryside, forming the majority of the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex. All along the river you’ll find plenty of idyllic picnic spots, all within easy reach of Weeley Bridge Holiday Park.
There’s no better way to warm up for your picnic than by heading out on a family walk, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for a stroll along the River Stour. The Dedham Vale, which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, makes a unique backdrop for your picnic. From picturesque villages to ancient woodland and rolling farmland, you’ll find plenty of places for you to stop along the riverside.
One of the best places to rest up for a bite to eat is the Cattawade Picnic Site which is situated on the edge of the Stour estuary. Renowned as an excellent location for wildlife spotting, you can expect to see all sorts of different bird species who call the Cattawade Marshes home. Relax in this striking location, where the river and the woods meet the sea, and soak up the spectacular views.
After you’ve tucked in to some delicious food and drink, there’s lots to explore in the surrounding area too. Follow a variety of footpaths and admire the views across the landscape, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hire a canoe and head out onto the open water yourself.
Video sourced from Tomasz Kornatowski
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Wales
Dinefwr Park is one of the most well-known places in Welsh history. From the Gothic manor house and remains of an ancient castle to acres of stunning parkland, there are plenty of places for a relaxing picnic. Only 45 minutes from Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, there’s lots to enjoy on a visit.
Wander around the majestic Newton House and uncover the stories of the families who once called this place home. Then, explore the historic ruins of the castle, which is thought to date from the 12th century, and discover its fascinating history.
The surrounding landscape of Dinefwr has been a picnicker’s paradise since the 18th century. The estate takes in over 800 acres of parkland, woodland and nature reserves - and is full of idyllic spots to stop for a bite to eat. In the parkland, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and discover some of the oldest trees in Britain in Dinefwr’s ancient woodland.
Dinefwr’s environment provides a diverse range of habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. After you’ve enjoyed your feast, head out for a bit of nature spotting and see what you can find. Stroll around the 100 acre medieval deer park, home to a herd of over 100 fallow deer, and look out for the badgers that live in the woodland too.
Video sourced from Tom Eye Sky
Where’s your favourite place for a summer picnic? We’d love to hear all about it on our Facebook and Twitter pages.