In selecting Britain's top ten picnic spots, we thought about what makes a great location. To us, it's a combination of landscape, location, convenience, and experience. We want to be in a nice part of the country and we want to be somewhere remote but not too far away from the car that our arms ache carrying the hamper. We also want to be able to eat our food while marvelling at the world around us.
We think we get all those things with these top ten spots. Plus, we have holiday cottages close to each. So as always, you can enjoy the items on the list from a top quality holiday let.
1. Somerset House, London
The capital is surprisingly full of picnic spots, but one of the best is Somerset House on the Strand. The courtyard has some amazing fountains, there is always something going on and there are plenty of places to explore while you're there. If you're in London and are looking for somewhere relaxed but don't want to share a park with thousands of others, this could be the place for you.
2. Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire
Avebury Stone Circle is something completely different. Located in deepest Wiltshire, Avebury is a lovely little village with a pub, some houses, a shop and the stone circle. The circle itself is over 4,000 years old and is one of the largest remaining anywhere. It's also quite calm and close to other nice places to visit too such as Marlborough and Salisbury.
3. Corfe Castle, Dorset
Enjoying a picnic in the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset is a great way to spend a day. Located close to Wareham, once you cross the long causeway to get there, the large expanses of grass are the perfect place to enjoy a bite to each before exploring the castle that overlooks the village. As it's a National Trust property, there are usually things going on too.
4. Brownsea Island, Dorset
A second picnic spot in Dorset is Brownsea Island. It's car-free and accessible by ferry. It is where the Scout movement began and is a lovely place to spend long summer days. You can explore the island, visit sandy beaches or partake in a wide range of outdoor activities from archery to orienteering and much more besides.
5. Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Cornwall is so full of fantastic places to visit that choosing any single one is difficult. However, Bodmin Moor has to be one of the best picnic spots around. A short distance from the centre of Cornwall, the desolate landscape is as dramatic as it is interesting and is well worth the trip. With plenty to see and do, it's an ideal place to picnic.
Those are the first five of our top ten picnic spots, join us on Thursday to see the final five. As always, we have holiday cottages close to all of these locations, so check out our selections to find your next holiday home!