Best Picnic Spots in the UK + Cheap Picnic Food Ideas for a Budget Day Out
Looking for an affordable days out activity for the whole family? With summer holidays round the corner, a Picnic is the perfect activity to combine the outdoors with exciting food to make everyone happy.
This guide is perfect for parents looking for UK picnic spots, easy recipes and fun activities!
Why not check out more deals like our kids eat free guide on the days out hub?
Top Picnic Spots UK
Planning a picnic with kids? You might also like these family day out ideas in the UK
1. Richmond Park
Location: London, England
Entry: Free
One of the largest green spaces in London, offering wide open fields, woodland, and roaming deer. Ideal for families who want space for games and relaxing picnics.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, car parks, playgrounds nearby
For more ideas in London, check out Top 5 Paddington experiences!
2. Cragside (National Trust)
Location: Northumberland, England
Entry: Paid (free for National Trust members)
A standout family destination with lakeside picnic areas, woodland walks, and a large adventure playground. Great for combining nature with activities for kids.
Facilities: Café, toilets, picnic areas, play area, parking
3. Loch an Eilein
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland
Entry: Small parking fee
A scenic loch with a castle on an island, surrounded by forest. The flat walking route makes it easy for families with younger children.
Facilities: Toilets, car park, visitor centre, accessible paths
4. Barafundle Bay
Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
Entry: Free
A beautiful, secluded beach often ranked among the best in the UK. Perfect for a coastal picnic and safe paddling.
Facilities: Toilets and parking nearby (short walk required), no on-site café
5. Pentire Headland (National Trust)
Location: Cornwall, England
Entry: Free (parking charges may apply)
A great family picnic spot with coastal views, walking trails, and nature areas for children to explore.
Facilities: Picnic areas, café nearby, walking trails, parking
6. Stourhead (National Trust)
Location: Wiltshire, England
Entry: Paid
Known for its stunning lake and landscaped gardens, this is ideal for a relaxed family picnic with scenic walks.
Facilities: Café, toilets, shop, parking
7. Tarn Hows (National Trust)
Location: Lake District, England
Entry: Free (parking charges apply)
A peaceful lake surrounded by hills with easy walking paths, making it suitable for pushchairs and younger children.
Facilities: Car park, accessible paths, limited toilets
8. Regent’s Park
Location: London, England
Entry: Free
A popular and well-maintained park with gardens, open spaces, and playgrounds, making it ideal for families.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés, playgrounds, sports areas
9. Cherryburn (National Trust)
Location: Northumberland, England
Entry: Paid (free for members)
A quieter, family-friendly spot with lawns, picnic areas, and space for games. Ideal for a slower-paced day out.
Facilities: Picnic tables, café, toilets, parking
10. Formby Beach
Location: Merseyside, England
Entry: Free (parking charges apply)
A large sandy beach backed by dunes and woodland. Great for picnics, walks, and spotting wildlife like red squirrels.
Facilities: Toilets, parking, café nearby, walking trails
Easy Picnic Food Ideas
For a fun & delicious treat, why not make homemade ice cream and bring it along!
Classic Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients: Bread, ham, cheese, butter
Instructions: Butter bread, layer ham and cheese, slice and pack.
Approx cost: £3.50 (serves 3–4)
Chicken Salad Wraps
Ingredients: Cooked chicken, mayo, lettuce, wraps
Instructions: Mix chicken with mayo, add to wraps with lettuce, roll tightly.
Approx cost: £4.50 (serves 3–4)
Carrot Hummus Snack Bowl
Ingredients: Carrots, hummus, cucumber, pita bread
Instructions: Slice veg, add hummus to container, serve with pita.
Approx cost: £3.00 (serves 3)
Mini Sausage Rolls
Ingredients: Sausage meat, puff pastry
Instructions: Wrap sausage meat in pastry, bake until golden, cool before packing.
Approx cost: £4.00 (serves 4)
Pasta Salad Pots
Ingredients: Pasta, cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, mayo
Instructions: Cook pasta, mix with ingredients, portion into containers.
Approx cost: £3.50 (serves 4)
Strawberry & Chocolate Skewers
Ingredients: Strawberries, chocolate
Instructions: Thread strawberries onto skewers and dip in chocolate
Approx cost: £3.00 (serves 3–4)
Picnic day essentials (budget friendly)
For more affordable at home activity ideas, check out our complete guide!
Making life easier whilst staying on a budget is essential for a stress free day out. Aside from the essentials (picnic blankets, cool boxes, storage) why not make more fun by bringing along a board game (find our guide here) or some fun classic outdoor activities!
Final thoughts
From the best picnic spots in the UK to simple and cheap picnic food ideas, planning a budget-friendly family day out has never been easier.
Whether you prefer coastal views, countryside walks, or local parks, these UK picnic locations are perfect for making the most of the outdoors. Pack up your favourite easy picnic recipes, enjoy quality time together, and create memorable moments without overspending.
