Best Picnic Spots in the UK

With National Cheese Day coming up on the 4th June, what better excuse is there to step outside with a picnic basket stuffed full of cheese, crackers, grapes, and chutney? There are thousands of beautiful areas to visit around the UK where you can enjoy being outdoors with friends and family.  

Join CrossCountry as we explore some of the best picnic spots in the UK and the fabulous local cheeses to bring along with you. 

Gloucester Park

If Double Gloucester is your go-to cheese, there's no better place to enjoy it than Gloucester Park. Just a ten-minute walk from Gloucester station, this green space is perfect for a sunny lunch break or a laid-back picnic. 

Surrounded by tree-lined paths and flower beds, you can sit back with a mellow slice of Double Gloucester and watch the world go by. And if you’re around in early June, check out the nearby Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling event - a quirky and unusual festival celebrating cheese! 

Trelissick Garden, Cornwall

Overlooking the Fal Estuary and surrounded by woodland and coastal paths, Trelissick Garden is a National Trust gem with green lawns spread out like a picnic blanket. It’s also just a short bus journey from Truro station, meaning you can get there in no time with CrossCountry.  

We recommend packing a wedge of crumbly and creamy Cornish Yarg in your picnic basket. The unique fromage is wrapped in nettle leaves and aged until its flavour is just right. Pair your Yarg with some local sourdough and a drizzle of honey. 

Castle Park, Bristol

Right in the heart of Bristol city centre sits Castle Park. An expansive green space with a floating harbour on its southern border and a gorgeous church ruin to explore, Castle Park is a Bristolian favourite in the balmy summer months. In between sandwiches and cocktail sausages, you can enjoy wandering through the common and admiring the artworks dotted around. 

Castle Park is less than a mile from Bristol Temple Meads, meaning visitors can enjoy a spot of window-shopping during a leisurely walk to the park. We recommend seeking out Kate Malone's distinctive Drinking Fountain artwork, featuring water spouting from the mouths of two cheeky fish. 

Enhance your picnic spread by stopping at The Bristol Cheesemonger, located in Wapping Wharf. This small but mighty shop sells artisan British cheeses, including West Country favourites like Pitchfork Cheddar and Bath Soft. 

Beacon Fell Country Park, Lancashire 

Home to the famous Lancashire cheese, this county is the ideal place for an outdoor adventure. Beacon Fell Country Park offers views, trails, picnic areas, the lot. So, pack a wedge of creamy Lancashire cheese, roll out a blanket and enjoy a quiet dose of nature. 

Whether you're admiring the wildflower meadows or watching the local wildlife, the only thing that could make it better is a crusty roll stuffed with local cheese and a dollop of pickle. Don't forget to pop into a local deli to stock up before you go. 

Port Meadow, Oxford

This particular picnic hotspot in Oxford offers a little something special for all its visitors. The sprawling meadow includes views of the River Thames, with grazing horses and cattle to marvel at. It’s the perfect place to escape the city centre and nibble on a homemade sandwich, surrounded by a sea of golden buttercups, white clover, and yarrow. 

Port Meadow is a fifteen-minute bike ride through the city streets from Oxford station. There is also a nearby wetland that is home to spectacular flocks of resident and migrating birds, including teal, lapwings, plovers, swans, and geese. 

Before setting off, swing by the Oxford Cheese Company in the Covered Market. This long-established cheesemonger stocks a fantastic range of British and continental cheeses - perfect for elevating your picnic. We recommend trying some local cheeses – perhaps the Oxford Blue or a wedge of Cotswold Brie. 

The Marl & Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay is undoubtedly one of the UK's most picturesque sites, with a marine view of the bay, relaxing walking routes along the River Taff, and historic buildings surrounding it. Combined with the Marl nearby, this is an unconventional but serene place for a picnic, and it’s accessible from Cardiff Central. 

The Marl boasts 9.5 acres of green space to enjoy, with plenty of adventurous activities to get involved in, like skateboarding, tennis, and football. There's also a children's play area to keep the little ones happy and entertained. If the weather allows for it, head to the bay to eat lunch and pay a visit to the Aqua Park to enjoy the cool water. 

Cardiff is also home to Tŷ Caws, a cheese shop and bar located in the historic Castle Arcade. They specialise in seasonally selected British cheeses, working directly with cheesemakers and farmers. Our favourite is Trefaldwyn Blue, a rich and buttery taste experience. Grab a slice for your cheese board before making your way to the Marl. 

Watermead Country Park, Leicester

With its peaceful lakes and winding wildflower-lined paths, Watermead Country Park is the perfect picnic spot if you’re in Leicester. Whether you’re strolling along the trails or settling by the water, there are plenty of quiet corners for an al fresco lunch here. 

Bring along a wedge of locally made Sparkenhoe Red Leicester to enjoy with your picnic. This traditional, clothbound cheese has a delightfully nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a caramelised onion chutney. 

If you’re planning to visit a picnic spot in the UK this National Cheese Day, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.