Please note, in line with the latest travel guidance we are only accepting new bookings that have a check-in date from 5th July 2020. We are available to take any calls on 01275 217575 if you have any queries regarding a current booking, or if you wish to place a new booking and have concerns. Thank you and stay safe

It’s National Picnic Week! Perfect picnic spots near our holiday cottages

Grab a hamper, shake out your chequered blanket and pack some sarnies for National Picnic Week.
 
Running from June 17-25 2023, this event celebrates one of the UK’s most enjoyable summer traditions, sharing picnic ideas and refreshing recipes as well as where to eat them!
 
And what better time to indulge than when on a ‘staycation’ in new surroundings? There are so many secluded spots to spread your blanket, delve into a scotch egg and soak up some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. From woods, country parks and historic sites to lakes and beaches.
 
We asked some of our cottage owners to pick their favourite picnic spots near their holiday homes – and this is what they said…

1 The Cotswolds

National Picnic Week: Neigh Bridge Country Park

Neigh Bridge Country Park by Vieve Forward; below: Lodges at The Landings, Cotswold Water Park

Kevin, owner of our Cotswold Lake Houses, says:
“Our Cotswold lake houses don’t just cater for water sports enthusiasts! The Cotswold Water Park is also packed with excellent picnic locations, perfect for celebrating National Picnic Week. Make a beeline for Neigh Bridge Country Park, four miles away, with its scenic lakeside views and tranquil countryside. It’s just one of three parks within the site offering dreamy picnic spots for a memorable al fresco lunch. Alternatively Cricklade, five miles away, has some amazing spots to picnic. As the first town on the Thames, you could crack open a hamper by the riverside or go ‘wild’ at Blakehill Nature Reserve or North Meadow National Nature Reserve. Swing by Michael Hart & Sons in Cricklade on your way, with plenty of home produce to make up a delicious picnic.”

2 North Devon

National Picnic Week: Port Isaac, North Cornwall

Above: Port Isaac harbour; below: Port Isaac street & Sunny Corner

Sue, owner of Sunny Corner in Port Isaac, says:
“How about an evening picnic watching the sun go down? Fill your picnic hamper with goodies in Port Isaac and meander down the labyrinth of narrow streets to the quaint harbour at the bottom – from here you can see the doctors house and other popular Doc Martin filming spots – don’t forget to spy out the various ice-cream parlours for a post-picnic pudding! And if you choose the right evening during National Picnic Week, you might get some free entertainment as the popular band Fishermen’s Friends, often perform to the locals here."

3 West Cornwall

National Picnic Week: Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

Above: East Lodge, Bonython Estate; below: Kynance Cove by Barney Moss

Sue, owner of our Bonython Estate cottages on the Lizard Peninsula, says:
“Picnics are one of the best ways to enjoy the Lizard’s glorious landscapes. A 20 minute drive from Bonython takes you to Kynance Cove, one of the most beautiful places for a spot of al fresco dining, with its white sand beach lapped by sparkling turquoise waters. Here you can enjoy National Picnic Week on the beach or clifftop whilst drinking in the stunning scenery. You can always come prepared with a box of fresh pasties from Ann’s famous pasty shop nearby! At low tide, you can walk out to the offshore rock, Asparagus Island, where the delicacy once grew wild, or explore the caves and rock pools around the cove to work off your lunch.”

4 Shropshire

National Picnic Week: Carding Mill Valley

Above: The Oaks; below: Carding Mill Valley © National Trust Images/John Millar

David, owner of The Oaks near Church Stretton, says:
“Where better than the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to find a picture-perfect picnic spot? We’ve plenty of secluded spots where you can spread your blanket during National Picnic Week - The Oaks has access to the National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate from the gate! Many of our region’s attractions also provide wonderful picnic sites – Attingham Park, Dudmaston and Buildwas Abbey to name a few. Why not pack a hamper filled with the region’s best local produce (Shrewsbury biscuits are a must!) and head in the direction of Carding Mill Valley just two miles from The Oaks. It’s a great place for picnics with stunning scenery, beautiful walks and a lovely stream for kids to play in.”

5 East Devon

National Picnic Week: Branscombe Beach

Above: Burrows; below: Branscombe beach from coast path grassland

Sarah, owner of Burrows and Apple Mill in Venn Ottery, says:
“If there’s one thing we can do well in East Devon’s AONB, it’s play host to a fabulous picnic! After all, we’ve got rolling green hills, great picnic spots on the river Otter just two miles distant as well as miles of beaches with thousands of years of history. Why not pack up a picnic and head on down to the Jurassic Coast for National Picnic Week – its pebble beaches are ideal for picnicking without sand getting in your sandwiches. Our nearest beach spots include the picturesque town of Budleigh Salterton and Branscombe. Other superb picnic places? The open grassland that covers the coastal path between Branscombe and Beer and the white chalk cliffs of Beer Head with views over the picturesque fishing village with its boats perched prettily on the pebble beach.”

6 Derbyshire

picnic spots UK staycation: Padley Gorge, Hope Valley, Derbyshire

Above: Padley Gorge; below: Haddon Grove Farmhouse

Sally, owner of our Derbyshire cottages, says:
“Padley Gorge, is my choice for a family picnic. Take a bucket and spade, water toys, fishing net and blankets too, and get set up for a whole day! This deep and narrow valley near Longshaw Estate and Grindleford is a gem of a place -enchanting and mysterious, with foaming waters and gigantic boulders. The fairytale gorge is home to many species of scientific interest, including rare birds and hairy ants, which dwell in the vast woodland and grassy plains. Dogs and kids love to paddle in the shallow stream. Plus there’s climbing, walking and exploring the woods - the list goes on! There are heaps of clearings and flat leafy areas near the stream with gorgeous views, making Padley a popular picnic spot for National Picnic Week. In fact in all seasons!”

7 North Cornwall

picnic spots UK staycation: Porth Reservoir, Colan, North Cornwall

Above: Yurt interior & Porth Reservoir by Geoff Welding; below: The Fir Hill Glamping

Charlie, owner of The Fir Hill Glamping near Newquay, says:
“Our dreamy setting nestled amongst beautiful woodlands on the edge of the Porth Reservoir, with 62-acres of private land to explore, makes for plenty of wonderful picnic spots on your Yurt step! Why not pick up some wonderful locally sourced goodies in Newquay, just 5 miles away and find a spot at Porth Reservoir during National Picnic Week? It is a beautiful get back to nature destination for a spot of birdwatching or angling. A designated bird sanctuary and a paradise for birdwatchers, you might spot owls, woodpeckers and kingfishers flying around. Kids can roam the nature trails and winding paths, and there is also a cycle path that runs through the site.”

8 North Norfolk

National Picnic Week: Blickling Estate

Above: Blickling Estate; below: The Coach House

Serena, owner of The Coach House and The Garden House in Banningham, says:
“Head off to the stunning Blickling Estate, just three miles from our cottages. With 950 acres of woodland and parkland, a variety of gardens and its own lake, it really is a stunning location for a picnic. During National Picnic Week, why not find a picturesque spot for an afternoon under an old oak tree and while the hours away with good food and embrace pure tranquillity? Rumour has it that Blickling Estate was the birthplace of one of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn. It’s bursting with history and you can browse the fascinating historic house at your leisure.”

9 The Norfolk Brecks

National Picnic Week: Thetford Forest

Above: Vicarage House & Pool House

Richard, owner of Vicarage House & Pool House in Great Hockham, says:
“Vicarage House is a brilliant base for enjoying a picnic in Thetford Forest Park which is on the doorstep – check out the unusual flora and fauna and try to spot red deer! The forest covers 47,000 acres and is the perfect woody setting for dining al fresco, with many picnic sites scattered across the forest. For an action-packed day out, pack a rucksack for an on-the-go cycle picnic. We’ve thoughtfully provided plenty of bikes and maps at the house! There is plenty to discover in the forest by following one of the waymarked walking and cycling trails that sprawl across the park.”

10 Cumbria

National Picnic Week: Sandwick Bay, Ullswater

Above: Sandwick Bay by Peter Skynner; below: Aira Force waterfall & Waternook

Dominic, owner of Waternook in Ullswater, says:
“There are so many spots to choose beside the water! Aira Force waterfall is a spectacular backdrop for a picnic, or feast amongst Wordsworth’s golden daffodils at Gowbarrow Park. From Waternook, you can follow the path around Ullswater’s shoreline to Sandwick Bay nearby at the foot of Hallin Fell. Its enchanting pebbly beach is picnic-perfect. Of course, Waternook itself enjoys its own half a mile of uninterrupted Ullswater shoreline with a boathouse and private jetty, the perfect spot for a picnic during National Picnic Week whilst taking in the breathtaking views of Ullswater!”

Back