Now that the UK is finally starting to warm up it’s the perfect time to grab a blanket and head to the park with friends and family.
Picnicking is also a great way to have a relaxing day out and a great excuse to explore a new area you may never have visited before.
We’ve selected some of our top picnic spots from across the Hamptons network to help you choose your perfect day out.
And if it just so happens that you fall in love with the local area while you’re visiting we’ve included some of our properties to peruse.
Chichester
Chichester boasts a wealth of lush greenery including West Dean Gardens which is home to a 300 foot long Edwardian pergola, and a fully restored Victorian greenhouse and provides the perfect day of exploration for both adults and children alike. If you prefer a pre-picnic hike in-order to work up your appetite then Kingley Vale is the very spot, with a mysterious array of trees and large open fields it’s a rambler’s paradise. Or if you prefer something a little more out of the ordinary then check out Dunreyth where you can walk your very own Alpaca through the Sussex countryside.
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Bristol
Bristol is often described as the City in the Countryside and we can certainly see why! With over 400 gardens and parks within the City you are never more than a hop, skip and jump away from a beautiful picnic setting. The University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden is truly a place to marvel at with over 4,500 plant species, many of which are rare or threatened it’s a must for any budding botanists in your party and one of our top picnic spots. Hidden away in Bristol’s shopping district you will find Castle Park which offers a picturesque setting and a break from the hustle and bustle of Bristol’s city centre, enjoy the tranquil waters of the city harbour while you grab a bite to eat.
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Windsor
Windsor may be home to a very impressive Castle and some equally impressive historical architecture but it is also home to some fantastic parks and picnic spots. Including Alexandra Gardens which offer fantastic views of the castle while being situated next to the Thames. It also boasts a family friendly funfair with rides and games all the family can enjoy. Or maybe consider one of Windsor’s lesser known spots, Bachelor’s Acre is a lush green spot that is also home to a beautiful feature fountain and a statue of the Queen and her beloved Corgi’s.
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Richmond
Richmond is famous for its park and for very good reason, the sprawling 2,500 acres is home to miles of green fields and woodland as well as over 600 Red and Fallow Deer who roam freely around the park. Along with being a National Nature Reserve and Site of Significant Interest there are many other reasons to explore Richmond Park such as King Henry’s Mound which offers fabulous panoramic views of the Thames and St Pauls – we’d recommend bringing your camera for this one! Or a lesser known secret of the park is Isabella Plantation which is an ornamental woodland garden bursting with exotic plants all year round it’s the perfect spot to settle down with your sandwiches. If you’d like a more active day out there are also a number of Sports and Leisure activities such as Horse Riding, Bike Hire, Kiting, Playgrounds and much more!
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Greenwich
Greenwich is of course best known for Royal Greenwich Park which is home to The Royal Observatory, The Meridian Line and The National Maritime museum. But the Royal Park also holds some well kept secrets that are worth exploring such as the Millennium Sundial which was installed in 2000 and tells the time and direction of the sun. There are also a number of smaller gardens within the park such as The Queen’s Orchard which is located within the north-east corner of the park and grows an array of fruits and vegetables. Or why not check out The Flower Garden which showcases horticultural showpieces. Or for something a little more unusual head to the park at twilight and you might just spot a Pipistrelle Bat flying through the trees!
