| Northern England |
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| Cheshire |
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Tatton Park
Pack a family picnic and head for this favourite park, with endless space for running free, hide and seek, flying a kite and outdoor games; lovely views of the lake and the grazing deer around you.
Knutsford, WA6 6QN
www.tattonpark.org.uk
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| Yorkshire |
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Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Discover the award winning picnic spot for a relaxing family day out with lots of space for games and a lovely woodland nature trail.
Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1EA
www.eastriding.gov.uk
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| Central England |
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| Derbyshire |
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Dovedale Ilam, near Ashbourne
Choose a picnic spot beside the River Dove along one of the most popular scenic dales in the Peak National Park. Have fun striding across the stepping stones or try trekking up Thorpe Cloud with more adventurous children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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| Buckinghamshire |
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Wendover Woods
Enjoy a great day out with the children at Wendover Woods, take a picnic, or use one of the BBQ pits, and explore the extensive woods, easy access trail, children's playground. All ability trail with sculptures leading to viewpoint. Network of paths, cycle tracks and bridlepaths.
Wendover Woodland Park, Aston Hill, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22.
01296 625825
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| West Midlands |
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Lickey Hills Country Park
On a warm summer day head out to the park with games and a picnic for a traditional family outing. The award winning park has lots of interest for when you’ve had enough of ball games, venture up Beacon Hill to the toposcope and a view of landmarks in twelve different counties!
Warren Lane, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8ER
www.birmingham.gov.uk
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| Leicestershire |
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Rutland Water
Choose one of the picnic sites around the lake and take in the views across the water, explore the miles of lakeside pathways on foot or enjoy an easy level cycle ride to venture further. For more adventure try the climbing wall and play areas.
Rutland, LE15 8PX
www.discover-rutland.co.uk
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| Northamptonshire |
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Barnwell Country Park
The 37 acres, almost half being ponds and lakes, are excellent for walks, picnics, fishing, nature study and birdwatching. Adventure play area.
in the Nene Valley, Oundle
01832 273435
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East Carlton Country Park
One hundred acres of woodland, ponds and picnic areas.
Corby, LE16 8YF
01536 770977
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Daventry Country Park
A large area of countryside with woodland and waterside walks, way-marked routes, nature reserve, adventure play and picnic area.
NN11 5JB
01327 877193
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| Southern England |
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| Hampshire |
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Lepe Country Park
Much of this park, in the New Forest National Park, is an attractive coastal strip with beaches, picnic areas and walks and views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. There is also a children’s play area near the information centre.
Lepe, Exbury, Hants, SO45 1AD
023 8089 9108
www.hants.gov.uk
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| Kent |
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Haysden Country Park
Pack your picnic basket and spend time exploring the nature and the historical trails of this 64 hectare park, or simply enjoy a stroll or cycle in the open countryside. With two lakes and a stretch of the River Medway running through it, the park is a popular venue for water activities. It has a play area and the picnic site overlooks the lake.
Lower Haysden Lane, Tonbridge, TN11 9BG
www.kent.gov.uk
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| Bristol |
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Oldbury Court Estate
Spend the whole day in this extensive park. There are woodland picnic sites, riverside walks and a children’s play area featuring a pirate play ship and water and sand play zone.
Off Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QX
0117 922 3719
www.goplacestoplay.org.uk
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| Devon |
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Canonteign Falls
This is home to England’s highest waterfall and perfect for outdoor adventure for children. There is a great picnic area, providing tables, benches, shaded umbrellas and flat grassy areas. Christow, Chudleigh, Devon, EX6 7NT
01647 252434
www.canonteignfalls.co.uk
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| Cornwall |
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Trebah Garden
This is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. The private beach on the Helford River is a great place for family picnics and swimming.
Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
01326 250448
www.trebah-garden.co.uk
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| Sussex |
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Ardingly Reservoir
There are some great spots here to spread that blanket and enjoy a picnic in the countryside. The reservoir has lots of paths for walking, space for playing and there are always boats to watch as they whizz by in the breeze.
Ardingly RH17 6SQ
www.ardinglyactivitycentre.co.uk
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| Somerset |
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Ham Hill Country Park
Enjoy your picnic and spend the afternoon exploring this 390-acre country park encompassing an Iron Age hill fort. An orienteering pack and a quiz can be downloaded from the website.
Stoke sub Hamdon, Yeovil, Somerset TA14 6RW
www.southsomersetcountryside.com
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| Surrey |
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Virginia Water
Pick a shady spot and before settling down to unpack the picnic basket, follow the path around the lake, looking out for the giant totem pole, man-made waterfall and the obelisk.
London Road, near Egham. GU25 4QF
www.theroyallandscape.co.uk
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| Gloucestershire |
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Wenchford
A popular spot in the Forest of Dean, this wooded site has picnic tables, barbeques, trails and a stream. Pack your boots if you would like to paddle.
off B4431, Blakeney to Parkend road, Gloucestershire GL15
01594 833057
www.forestry.gov.uk
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| Wiltshire |
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Smallgrain Picnic Site
A good starting point for a ramble around Morgan’s Hill Nature Reserve or a hike across Cherhill Down to reach the Lansdowne Monument and Cherhill White Horse.
off A4, E of Calne, Wiltshire, SN10
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/countryside |
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| Dorset |
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Moors Valley Country Park
Picnic tables are provided by Moors Lake and in the Forest picnic area, and can also be found along the Play Trail and Nature Trail.
Horton Road, Ashley Heath, near Ringwood, Dorset, BH24 2ET
01425 470721
www.moors-valley.co.uk |
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| Berkshire |
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Ockwells Park
Take a picnic and have a great day out with all the family at Ockwells Park. Kids will love the enclosed playground with zip wire. If you go on 14th August, you can enjoy a Birds of Prey Flying Display at 12noon and 2.30pm. See the magnificent birds of prey demonstrate their astounding flying skills! See beautiful owls up close! No advance booking necessary. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ocklwells Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6
01628 777440
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| London |
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Richmond Park
Pack up the picnic basket and head off to the largest of the Royal Parks, which is teeming with Red and Fallow deer. There are two play grounds, an opportunity to hire a bike and lots of space for flying a kite or kicking a ball.
Open daily.
Queens Road, Richmond
www.royalparks.gov.uk
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Regents Park
Here you will find the largest grass area for sports in Central London and a wide variety of family activities including a boating lake and open air theatre.
NW1, 0207 298 2000
www.royalparks.gov.uk
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Bushy Park
There are ponds and waterways, free roaming deer and space for informal games. See the 'Diana' Fountain and children can have fun in the playground.
Hampton Court Road, Hampton, TW12 2EJ,
0208 979 1586
www.royalparks.gov.uk
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Greenwich Park
The park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park and home to a small herd of fallow and red deer.
Blackheath, Greenwich, SE10,
0207 298 2000
www.royalparks.gov.uk |
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| Eastern England |
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| Suffolk |
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Needham Lake
Bring your model boat or fishing rod to this beautiful lake with picnic benches, nature areas and play equipment.
Coddenham Road, Needham Market, IP6
01449 724639
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Nowton Park
Enjoy acres of glorious landscape, meadows, picnic areas and way-marked walks.
Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LU
01284 763666
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Rendlesham Forest Centre
Uncover 3000 acres of woodland. There is an adventure play area, way-marked walks and picnic areas.
Rendlesham, Woodbridge
01394 450164
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| Cambridgeshire |
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Milton Country Park
The park is a sanctuary for wildlife and plants, with paths around a lake, sensory garden and kids play area. Open daily from 8am.
A14/A10 interchange, Cambridge, CB2 6AZ
01223 420060
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Wandlebury Park and Gog Magog Hills
laces to walk, picnic, orienteer and enjoy nature.
Off A1307, Cambridge
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Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Explore 180 acres of grassland, meadows, woodland and lakes with a wealth of wildlife.
Brampton Road, Huntingdon, PE29 6BD
01480 451568 |
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| Norfolk |
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Blickling Park
Discover a lakeside walk and a mausoleum cunningly disguised as a pyramid hidden away in the great Wood.
Aylsham, Norwich, NR11 6NF,
01263 738030
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Thetford Forest Park
Explore one of Britain’s largest lowland pine forests. Attractions include cycle trails, adventure playground with Squirrel’s Maze, low ropes and orienteering course.
Thetford,
01842 810271
www.forestry.gov.uk/thetfordforestpark
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Sheringham Park
Delightful waymarked walks and you can survey the north Norfolk coast and a sea of rhododendrons from three high viewing towers.
Upper Sheringham, NR26 8TL,
01263 820550
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-sheringhampark
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| Hertfordshire |
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Cheshunt Country Park
The park is suitable for picnics, rambles and leisurely strolls using the new easy access paths and has toilets and refreshments available.
Park Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AL
01992 785508
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Aldenham Country Park
Aldenham Country Park is home to a rare breeds farm including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, shire horses, poultry and rabbits. Childrens adventure and toddlers play areas.
Aldenham Road, Elstree , WD6 3BA
0208 953 9602
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Verulamium Park
Within the park are the remains of Roman walls, the hypocaust and the site of the London gate to the city.
St Michaels, St Albans, AL1 2DL
01727 819366
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| Bedfordshire |
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Harrold Odell Country Park
The Park's main features are two picturesque lakes, which along with river meadows, woodland and tranquil banks of the Great Ouse river, give a great variety of scenery and makes for a great day out.
Carlton Road, Harrold, MK43 7DS
01234 720016
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Tiddenfoot Waterside Park
A picturesque 29 acre site featuring a large lake, grassland and poplar plantation, with an added bonus of having the Grand Union Canal running along the eastern side of the site. An excellent spot for a picnic.
Mentmore Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2AF |
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Chilterns Gateway Centre
A great place to take the family kite-flying.
Dunstable Downs, LU6 2GY
01582 500920 |
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| Essex |
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Highwoods Country Park
The Country Park includes woodland, open spaces (ideal for picnics) a lake and wildflower meadows. All in all, a place not to be missed by walkers, cyclists and families alike.
Turner Road, Colchester , CO4 5JR
01206 853588
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Thorndon Country Park
Explore around 500 acres of woodland, countryside and lakes.
The Avenue, Brentwood, CM13 3RZ
01277 211250 |
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| Wales |
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FLINTSHIRE
Wepre Park
Plan a visit to this 160-acre park over the summer. There is plenty to interest children and families: a playground, visitor centre, football pitches, picnic sites, woodland walks and fascinating history, geology and wildlife to discover. Within the park stand the remains of Ewloe Castle.
Wepre Park, Wepre Drive, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire CH5 4HL, 0
1244 814931
www.flintshire.gov.uk/countryside
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GWYNEDD
Castell y Bere
Dramatic surroundings, a remote location and an interesting past make Castell y Bere a great choice for a picnic. This ruined castle stands in the shadow of Cadair Idris on rock rising from the Dysynni Valley floor. Probably begun by Llywelyn the Great around 1221, it finally fell to the English in 1283.
Castell y Bere, N of Abergynolwyn (10 miles SW of Dolgellau), Gwynedd,
01443 336000
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
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ISLE OF ANGLESEY
Newborough Forest and Beach
Follow a waymarked trail through the forest or head for sandy Newborough Beach, winner of a Blue Flag in 2011. Once on the beach, walk south to the sand dunes of Newborough Warren or north to Llanddwyn Island. Take a picnic and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
Newborough Forest and Beach, Newborough, Isle of Anglesey,
0300 068 0300
www.forestry.gov.uk
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MONMOUTHSHIRE
Sugar Loaf
A landmark hill to climb on a clear day. Arm yourself with a picnic, let the children do the map reading and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. Even reluctant walkers are likely to be impressed!
Sugar Loaf, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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PEMBROKESHIRE
Scolton Manor Country Park
Dig out the picnic basket and plan a family day out at this 60-acre country park with environment-friendly visitor centre, waymarked nature trails, play areas and picnic sites. Pembrokeshire’s county museum is within the grounds.
Scolton Manor Country Park, Spittal, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5QL, 01437 731328
www.pembrokeshirevirtualmuseum.co.uk
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POWYS
Hafren Forest
Rhydybenwch Picnic Site is the starting point for a variety of waymarked forest walks. Choose from the Cascades Trail (half-mile trail suitable for all ages and abilities), Severn-Break-its-Neck Walk (1.5 miles), Blaenhafren Falls Trail (3 miles) and the new Source of the Severn Trail (7 miles and a great expedition for families with older children).
Hafren Forest, about 6 miles W of Llanidloes, Powys, 0300 068 0300
www.forestry.gov.uk
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