Take a Last Minute Picnic at One of the Top Ten Spots in the UK
With an extension being granted to the final throws of summer, and the predicted warm spell set to last a few more weeks, take advantage of the last of the sunshine with a picnic at one of the best spots in the UK.
There's something simple and satisfying about tucking into a spread of sandwiches and cakes, perched on a tartan blanket and balancing a plastic plate on your knee while sipping tea from a flask.
Add to the scene a stunning beach, romantic moorland or undulating meadows and you've got al fresco dining at its best. Across the country, scenic picnic spots are just waiting for the unfurl of a blanket and the addressing of those stomach rumbles while the views provide a feast for the eyes.
To make sure you find a great spot, holidaycottages.co.uk share their fantastic local knowledge of the most desirable UK locations in this definitive list of the top ten picnic spots in the country.
Kynance Cove, Lizard, Cornwall
Park yourself up on the cliff top for the best views of this glorious white sandy beach which wouldn't look amiss between the pages of a Caribbean travel magazine. Don't forget to take a few snaps for the photo album in between bites of your cucumber sandwiches.
Dartmeet, Dartmoor, Devon
Arguably one of the most well-loved picnic spots on Dartmoor, Dartmeet is a fairytale-esque location where grassy banks dappled with shade meet a babbling river. It's a particularly lovely place to visit with children, who'’ll love the stepping stones and old clapper bridge.
The Kymin, Monmouth, Wales
If spectacular views and minimal walking are the order of the day, you’d be hard-pushed to find a better setting for a picnic than The Kymin, an 18th century round house. In fact, it owes its entire existence to the fact it was a popular picnic site in the late 18th century, offering awe-inspiring views of the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons.
Ranmore Common, near Dorking, Surrey
Offering picturesque woodland walks and beautiful views, Ranmore Common is a fantastic option for those looking to combine a spot of light exercise with a scenic picnic. Sit for a while to soak up the peace and tranquility of this truly unspoilt beauty spot.
Rowardennan, Loch Lomond, Scotland
What would a picnic in Scotland be without mountains, lochs and breath-taking scenery? Head for Rowardennan which snuggles into the base of Ben Lomond and boasts a small sandy beach, great for a post-picnic paddle. Feet dried off, take a leisurely stroll on the Ben Lomond Memorial Trail and work off those cupcakes.
Top Withens, Haworth Moor, Yorkshire
This ruined building is said to have inspired the fictional farmhouse of Wuthering Heights in the Emily Brontë’s novel of the same name. The atmospheric ruins add a touch of romance to a picnic so why not treat your special someone and pack a bottle of bubbly to enjoy too - from a plastic glass, of course.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds are renowned for their pretty little villages and Bourton-on-the-Water is no exception. Affectionately known as 'Little Venice', the village is set across the River Windrush, with charming low bridges and neat stone banks adding to its laid-back charm. Enjoy a traditional picnic by the river in the dappled shade of the trees.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
On the coast of England's most northerly county lies the imposing island fortress of Bamburgh Castle. The iconic construction is flanked by a beautiful beach and scenic sand dunes making it an understandably popular spot for a picnic.
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
The National Trust owned Blickling Estate is a majestic red brick mansion at the heart of sprawling gardens and parks. Work up an appetite with a wander through the opulent rooms of the Jacobean house and head out to pick your perfect tranquil picnic spot in the woodland, gardens or beside the lake.
Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Dorset
The natural stone arch of Durdle Door rises impressively out of the pristine waters of Lulworth Cove, offering a stunning backdrop for a picnic. Hunker down with your sandwiches on the beach itself, or dig in while admiring the view from the hillside with a short but steep walk.
Holidaycottages.co.uk boasts a fabulous collection of properties, themselves in some of the most beautiful locations. Take a look at holiday cottages available to book in Devon, Cornwall and the rest of the UK. www.holidaycottages.co.uk
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