12 Best Picnic Spots for Families in the UK

You’ll find incredible family picnic spots across the UK, from Lake District’s dramatic Castlerigg Stone Circle to Cornwall’s remote Portheras Cove with white sand beaches. Consider Kew Gardens’ 320 acres of themed trails, Peak District’s fairy-tale Padley Gorge, or New Forest’s wild pony encounters at Rhinefield Drive. Yorkshire Dales offers shallow paddling at Bolton Abbey, while London’s Primrose Hill provides panoramic city views. Don’t overlook themed adventures like Room on the Broom Trail or Forestry England’s sculpture-filled woodland walks that’ll transform your next family outing.

Lake District National Park, Cumbria

Where better to create lasting family memories than in England’s most beloved national park? The Lake District offers spectacular picnic spots that’ll delight every family member. Head to Fell Foot Park on Windermere’s shores for green spaces, boating, and amenities—it’s quieter after 5pm.

Easedale Tarn captivates kids with stone bridges, waterfalls, and imaginative troll bridges along its circular walk from Allan Bank.

For dramatic scenery, you can’t beat Derwentwater‘s spots from Friar’s Crag to Keswick marina, while Buttermere provides peaceful lakeside relaxation surrounded by mountains.

Tarn Hows combines woodland beauty with ample parking and rowing boats. Don’t miss the 5000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick for a truly unique backdrop.

For a more secluded option, Rydal Water offers a peaceful lakeside setting perfect for spreading out your picnic blanket while taking in stunning mountain views.

Remember: take your rubbish home and avoid ground fires.

Peak District National Park

Why settle for ordinary when England’s first national park delivers extraordinary family adventures? The Peak District transforms your typical picnic into prehistoric exploration at Nine Ladies Stone Circle, where bronze age legends meet family fun on Stanton Moor.

You’ll discover mystical Padley Gorge, an ancient woodland fairy glen perfect for children’s imaginative play and wild swimming.

Dovedale’s famous stepping stones offer hilltop picnic spots with cave exploration nearby, while Chatsworth Estate’s riverbank provides stunning house views alongside your meal. The estate’s farm shop stocks local delicacies to create perfect picnic hampers for your family outing.

Don’t miss Lathkill Dale from Monyash—this limestone valley combines village amenities with biking opportunities on Tissington Trail.

Each location delivers unique entertainment, from historical stone circles to moss-covered hideaways, ensuring your family picnic becomes an unforgettable Peak District adventure.

New Forest National Park, Hampshire

How does a national park where wild ponies wander freely past your picnic blanket sound for your next family adventure? New Forest National Park delivers exactly that magical experience, with ponies and horses roaming through shaded woodland areas while you dine.

You’ll find fantastic spots like Rhinefield Ornamental Drive‘s ancient trees for shade, or Wilverley Plain‘s open spaces perfect for family games. Lepe Beach offers coastal views, while Eyeworth Pond provides riverside picnicking with wildlife watching.

The kids can paddle in shallow rivers, spot deer and heathland birds, or explore trails with climbing logs. While wildlife may approach your picnic area, feeding is discouraged for their health and safety.

Remember to pack everything out since there aren’t bins, and barbeques are prohibited. Arrive early during summer months, and grab fresh local produce from Forest Foodie for authentic Hampshire flavours.

Yorkshire Dales: Bolton Abbey & Malham

From Hampshire’s heathland ponies to Yorkshire’s limestone landscapes, the Dales offer equally enchanting family picnic experiences with their own unique charm. Bolton Abbey delivers the perfect combination of history and nature, where you’ll find picnic benches in car parks and spacious areas for rolling out rugs near the River Wharfe.

Children can splash in shallow waters while you admire ancient abbey ruins, and over 80 miles of footpaths await exploration.

Malham Cove presents another gem, featuring Malham Beck’s mini islands and stone bridges perfect for paddling adventures. The pram-friendly 1.5-mile walk from the village takes just 20 minutes, though you’ll want to visit late afternoon to avoid crowds. Bring nets and buckets along to help children catch small fish during their riverside adventures.

Both locations offer magical settings where families can barbecue, explore, and create lasting Yorkshire memories.

Portheras Cove, Cornwall

Ten miles west of St Ives along Cornwall’s dramatic Tin Coast, Portheras Cove rewards adventurous families with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters that feel worlds away from crowded tourist beaches.

You’ll need to hike via the South West Coast Path from Chy Praze Farm, as there’s no vehicle access to this remote gem near Pendeen Watch.

The peaceful setting’s perfect for family picnics, while kids will love spotting seals from the elevated viewpoints around this small cove. Alternatively, you can park at Pendeen lighthouse and enjoy a scenic mile-long walk to reach the cove.

Pack everything you need since there aren’t any facilities.

Follow the B3306 north from St Just, turning left at the Rose Valley sign before Morvah.

The foot-only access keeps crowds away, creating an ideal sanctuary for families seeking tranquil coastal adventures.

Druridge Bay, Northumberland

Where sandy beaches stretch for miles and freshwater lakes offer calm waters for gentle adventures, Druridge Bay Country Park in Northumberland delivers the perfect blend of coastal and countryside picnicking.

You’ll find numerous picnic benches scattered throughout the park, with prime spots near the children’s play area overlooking Ladyburn Lake.

Cross the Chinese Bridge to reach secluded beach access points where dunes provide natural windbreaks for your family feast.

The expansive sandy beach often feels wonderfully deserted, giving you space to spread out and explore.

Kids can enjoy the well-equipped play area while you relax on grass areas beside the lake. The area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as you explore the diverse coastal and lakeside habitats.

With clean toilets, a visitor centre café, and dog-friendly walks, you’ve got everything needed for a memorable family day out combining nature, beach fun, and peaceful picnicking.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

Moving inland from Northumberland’s coastal beauty, you’ll discover one of England’s most spectacular picnic destinations at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal in North Yorkshire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines 12th-century abbey ruins with stunning 18th-century water gardens, creating an unforgettable backdrop for family meals.

You’ll find excellent facilities including a large adventure playground just two minutes from the visitor centre, picnic tables year-round, and clean toilets with baby-changing areas.

The expansive green lawns beside the River Skell are perfect for spreading blankets, while formal pools and canals provide dramatic scenery. The site is open seven days throughout most of the year, though it closes on Fridays from November to January.

Over 300 deer roam the parkland, delighting children during walks. Summer offers the best picnic conditions with longer daylight and gardens in full bloom.

Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds on short leads.

Kew Gardens, London

Why not escape London’s bustling streets for a peaceful family picnic among world-class botanical wonders? Kew Gardens offers 320+ acres of UNESCO World Heritage landscapes perfect for memorable family outings.

You’ll find excellent picnic spots across grassy areas, from the Rose Garden’s Palm House vista to the Mediterranean Garden’s lavender-scented lawns.

The car-free environment ensures children can explore safely while you relax on blankets beneath centuries-old trees in the Arboretum. Cedar Vista provides stunning sightlines to the Great Pagoda, creating picture-perfect backdrops for family photos.

If weather turns unpredictable, you can retreat to magnificent glasshouses while still enjoying your packed lunch outdoors afterward. Families can enjoy themed children’s trails featuring beloved characters like the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom to keep little ones entertained between picnic sessions.

With baby-changing facilities, wheelchair access, and nearby cafés for treat top-ups, Kew Gardens delivers stress-free family picnicking in London’s heart.

Primrose Hill, London

When you’re searching for London’s most spectacular picnic backdrop, Primrose Hill’s 63-metre summit delivers panoramic views that’ll have your family snapping photos between sandwich bites. This protected viewpoint sits just north of Regent’s Park, offering grassy slopes perfect for spreading blankets and letting kids run freely.

You’ll find a children’s playground nearby, plus the on-site Primrose Hill Café for drinks and snacks. The modest hill climb won’t exhaust little legs, and you’re just 10 minutes from Camden Market for pre-picnic provisions.

Stock up at local delis like Melrose & Morgan, then claim your spot on the open lawns. For convenient picnic planning, grab pre-packed trays from Melrose and Morgan for £15 that serve 2-4 people.

With ZSL London Zoo across Prince Albert Road and Regent’s Canal within walking distance, you can easily combine your picnic with other family adventures.

Room on the Broom Trail, Anglers Country Park, Wakefield

How do you combine literary magic with outdoor adventure for your little ones? Head to the Room on the Broom Trail at Anglers Country Park near Wakefield, where Julia Donaldson’s beloved story comes alive through large character sculptures along a two-mile lakeside route.

You’ll find plenty of designated picnic areas and open grass around the reservoir, perfect for combining character-hunting with outdoor meals. The flat, well-maintained path suits pushchairs and wheelchairs.

While you’re there, visit the on-site Woodland Café which offers hot food if you’d prefer not to pack lunch. The café operates from 9am – 4pm daily, giving you plenty of flexibility for meal planning.

Park entry’s free, though you’ll pay around £2 for parking. Grab an Adventure Trail Activity Pack from the Visitor Centre, then enjoy clean facilities, baby-changing rooms, and an adventure playground to complete your family day out.

Forestry England Sites Across the Country

While themed trails offer magical adventures, sometimes you want the freedom to explore vast woodlands where your family can create their own outdoor stories. Forestry England sites deliver exactly that—sprawling forests with dedicated family facilities and endless picnic possibilities.

Forest of Dean’s Beechenhurst provides your perfect base camp with its café, play area, and direct access to the Sculpture Trail’s 4+ miles of art-filled walking.

Meanwhile, Symonds Yat Rock offers internationally renowned views over the River Wye, plus seasonal raptor watching that’ll captivate young wildlife enthusiasts.

Head to Thetford Forest for extensive pine woodlands and the charming Lynford Stag sculpture area, or choose Delamere Forest in Cheshire for its family-friendly combination of lake views and varied terrain that accommodates everyone’s adventure level. Most sites offer convenient toilets and picnic tables, ensuring your family day out remains comfortable and stress-free.

Plessey Woods Country Park, Northumberland

The riverside woodlands of Plessey Woods Country Park deliver everything you need for a perfect family picnic day in Northumberland’s countryside. You’ll find abundant spots across 100 acres of meadows, woodland clearings, and riverside areas perfect for spreading out your blanket.

The dedicated children’s play area near the visitor centre keeps little ones entertained, while self-guided nature trails and sculpture walks provide structured exploration for the whole family.

Your riverside picnic comes with excellent chances of spotting otters and kingfishers along the River Blyth. The on-site café offers hot drinks and snacks, while clean toilet facilities and picnic benches add convenience. The café features a loyalty scheme where every tenth hot drink is free, making regular family visits even more rewarding.

With dog-friendly paths, seasonal wildflowers, and easy access from the A192, you’ll discover why families return here year-round.

The Sum Up

You’ve got fantastic options for memorable family picnics across the UK! Whether you’re craving coastal views in Cornwall, mountain adventures in the Lake District, or convenient city spots like Primrose Hill, there’s something perfect for your crew. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks, games, and waterproofs – British weather can be unpredictable! These locations offer brilliant facilities, stunning scenery, and activities that’ll keep everyone entertained. Start planning your next outdoor family adventure today!