Our Favourite UK Picnic Spots
Handpicked By Team VonHaus
Picnics are a pastime that we all know and love – but finding new places to picnic can be tricky; do you like quaint little hideaways or are you into wide open spaces with rolling hills?
Well, if you’re stuck on places to go, then read on for our team’s personal favourites!
With popular destinations and lesser-known gems, our guide will help you find the perfect picnic area for your next excursion.
But before we start, let’s recap what you need for the ultimate picnic experience.
What to bring on a picnic
So, you’re ready to go on a lovely picnic.
First, you need to get started on planning a picnic that will suit you!
You’ll need something to fit all your picnic gear and of course, a comfy waterproof picnic blanket to spread out on!
With so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, we have a few handy summaries of the different types of picnicware to bring below:
For long walks into the wild
Picnic backpack: Perfect for long walks and wet weather, our waterproof backpacks have loads of room for plates, a picnic blanket and more!
Wine cooler backpack: Boozy outdoor brunch? Grab a waterproof wine cooler backpack. Complete with a handy wooden table, they’ll keep your prosecco chilled and provide support for your glasses.
Cooler backpack: These waterproof coolers are ideal for keeping all your favourite finger food fresh.
If you're planning a feast with less walking
Holdall: Our holdalls have massive storage capacities with compartments for plates and cutlery, making them perfect for family-sized picnics.
Cooler: Got a mammoth picnic planned? Carry all your chilled food and drink in a handy cooler.
Picnic basket: Great for if you’re driving and parking near the spot, as these can fit slightly more picnic treats.
What to pack for a picnic
When considering what to bring on a picnic, it’s best to treat it as an al fresco buffet, with bread, sandwich fillers, meats, cheeses, and of course desserts!
But if you’re veggie, then get some veg samosas on the go alongside a solid cheese selection and some proper salad (a la Mediterranean) is a certified yes from us.
Our compact 3-tiered cheeseboard is perfect for the cheese lovers among us, fitting in any bag with ease and providing a snazzy surface and concealed drawers to easily transport your cheese knives.
And for the vegans among us, you can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad and vegan sausage rolls!
It’s a good idea to keep some snacks alongside your meals – think juicy olives in an airtight container – and don’t forget your flask for fresh coffee or tea!
Now, let’s get into VonHaus HQ’s top picnic spots:
Jordan | Creative
Chrome Hill, The Peak District
Perfect for an early start. If you’re lucky you'll see low cloud/mist creeping up Upper Dove Valley. Climb about halfway up Chrome Hill and you'll find a lovely spot to watch the sun come up over the fells. Perfect spot for a coffee and some breakfast.
Favourite picnic treats
Given that I like to go very early, a coffee and croissant are perfect.
Did you know: Unlike the name suggests, this hill has nothing to do with the reflective metal. The name is actually an Old English word that means bent, or twisted, and is pronounced croom.
Eve | Ecom
Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale
Halfway around the lake there’s a bench with a gorgeous view; the pub at the end also has a great view for a cheeky bev!
The lake is so picturesque and only takes about an hour and a half to walk around, so perfect if you have a little fluffball dog like me who appreciates getting picked up at the end.
Favourite picnic treats
We brought a picnic with us with tiger bread, salami, mozzarella and tomato, and a couple of cocktail sausages on the side! We finished at the ice cream stall where I treated myself to a much-deserved Pistachio ice cream (I may have eaten half of it when I realised I couldn't miss a good picture opportunity).
Did you know: The lake froze over in the 19th century, and in the winter of 1860/61, Rochdale and Littleborough faced off in a game of cricket with the players on ice skates!
Emma | Marketing
Ladybower Reservoir, Derbyshire
Depending how adventurous you feel, there are lots of routes: a short walk to the Dam, a 5-mile 1-2 hour walk around part of it, or an 11-mile 4 hour(ish) walk around the whole circular.
There are loads of little inlets and picnic stops, so you can take your time, walk a bit, stop a bit, and picnic a bit! The reservoir looks amazing in all seasons, particularly on a crisp autumn day as the weather changes the trees’ leaves. Every time I go, I feel the landscape changes and the view always looks a bit different.
Favourite picnic treats
For me, you can’t beat a classic picnic snack of sausage rolls (homemade ideally!) and big sandwiches made with fresh crusty bread with various tasty fillings. Cupcakes are essential too – you can’t have a picnic without something sweet for afters.
Drinkswise, in autumn or winter, I love taking a hot chocolate in a flask; in summer a tangy cloudy lemonade.
Did you know: This one has a spooky history. Lying beneath the waters is the village of Derwent, filled with water in 1944 to create the large reservoir.
Sarah | HR
I couldn’t pick just one, these two are my favourites!
Aber Falls, Llanfairfechan, North Wales
A beautiful waterfall tucked away within a picturesque landscape.
It’s a place I have been visiting since I was a child and now I take my children to see it. A lovely walk with plenty of places to stop and splash as well as encountering wild ponies along the way.
Favourite picnic treats
We would make sure we have plenty of water for the walk and enjoy some finger foods at the picnic, with sandwiches, sausage rolls, and chocolate chip brioche on the menu!
Walkden Gardens, Sale
Tucked away in Sale, a beautiful area to walk in and take a picnic. Doesn’t take too long to walk around but is lovely to see all the flowers in bloom in the summer. And plenty of space to run around with my little ones.
Favourite picnic treats
Because it’s closer to home, we make sure we’ve got some ice lollies surrounded by ice packs to keep them frozen!
Did you know: German journalist Julius Rodenberg wrote in 1856 that he has seen many magnificent waterfalls, but ‘never a lovelier one’ than the cascading Welsh wonder known as Aber Falls.
Will | Content
River Bollin, Bowdon
It’s quite surreal to have such a varied natural space by the quiet suburbs.
There are many small beaches dotted around which are great for relaxing, and when I’m with a friend we just walk through and go for the beach to the right after the first bridge. The sounds of the waterfall are so relaxing, it’s a shame the beaches are eroding so fast!
Favourite picnic treats
Usually, I grab a coffee from Into the Wild. This unique little area started off as a small coffee shack but now there’s a pizza stove (that I’ve yet to try), covered seating, a kids’ play area, and more. It’s always changing so it’s a surprise to see what’s there every time! If I’m going to one of the small beaches, I’ll bring sausage rolls and a good IPA.
Did you know: The River Bollin flows through the giant cotton factory known as Quarry Bank Mill, powering its cotton production from the 18th century until its closure in 1959.
Laura | Ecom
Heaton Park, Manchester
I used to come here to watch gigs like Oasis & Stone Roses but never knew there were such lovely walks to explore until a couple of years ago. There is lots to explore around the park and a great café to stop and refuel. The park is just as beautiful in winter when the lake is frozen to spring when the cherry blossom trees are blooming.
Favourite picnic treats
The Heaton park café does a great range of picnic boxes.
Did you know: The famous park’s history predates Ian Brown and the Gallaghers. Back in the Victorian age, Heaton Hall held private classical music concerts for the upper classes – a far cry from Parklife!
Hannah | CRO
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
It was Kylo’s first ever staycation for his 1st birthday, the weather was amazing and the unparalleled views of the city from the top made the steep rocky climb worth it! After climbing to the summit, we found a nice quiet spot hidden between some high rocks for our picnic in the sun.
Favourite picnic treats
It's so hard to pick only a few but you simply can't have a picnic without sausage rolls and cocktail sausages. My go to beverage of choice would obviously be prosecco – with strawberries, of course!
Did you know: The history of Arthur’s Seat’s unusual name is disputed. Some claim it was the site of Camelot, where the legendary knights gathered around the Round Table. We’re not so convinced on this one, but it certainly looks ancient and magical.
Dan | Content & SEO
Meliden Mountain, North Wales
Comprising wooded slopes and jagged limestone outcrops, Meliden Mountain is my go-to for picnics, hikes, and (slow) runs.
It’s pretty epic as you can see, and I lived a mile down the road growing up – really miss it.
Overlooking the Welsh coastline, it’s perfect for a picnic, and there’s a vast network of caves within mined for silver, zinc and lead in days gone by. Today, the caverns are home to thousands of bat colonies!
Favourite picnic treats
We usually pack a couple of baguettes full of different hams, spicy cheese, and southwest sauce. Think an Italian BMT; only bigger : )
Did you know: The surrounding hills (Prestatyn Hillside) mark the start of the epic 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path between Prestatyn and Chepstow.
Amy | QA
Between Hobson Moor Hills & Hobson Moor Quarry, Stalybridge
One of my favourite picnic spots is the fields between Hobson Moor Hills and Hobson Moor Quarry in Stalybridge. It has an incredible blend of natural landscapes and is walking distance from home.
Favourite picnic treats
I like to take plenty of carbs to fuel our walks; pesto pasta, wraps and lots of water!
Did you know: Not only is this a picturesque walk, but the quarry is also a popular hub for rock climbing with Manchester locals!
Phew, what a trek, eh?
We’ve traversed epic Celtic landscapes and perched atop Arthur’s seat, so we wouldn’t blame you if you just want to put your feet up!
But if you’re already planning your next pulsating adventure or picnic by the lake, check out our tips for planning the perfect romantic date to make it extra special.
For more lifestyle guides and inspiration, check out our blog, and if we missed your favourite spot, let us know below!
Until next time, ciao for now!