Great Britain’s National Parks are funded by central government and are a facility that we should all take some time to enjoy. There are 15 of these beautiful spaces around the country and they are all places where you can enjoy the fresh air whilst taking in some spectacular scenery.
During
National Parks week, which this year is celebrated 24th to 30th July, why not visit your closest National Park and take advantage of some of the free special events? There are family-friendly activities, carefully-selected walks, craft sessions, wildlife walks, farmers' markets and water sports to choose from depending on where you want to go and how active you want to be!
This year, the National Park Authorities are encouraging everyone to bring a picnic and dine in style whilst they enjoy all that our countryside and coastlines have to offer.
Where are the best places for picnics in the National Parks?
The National Parks Authorities have compiled a list of the best places to plonk down with a picnic during your day out.
In England, these are:
- Lake District: Tarn Hows
- Yorkshire Dales: Grassington National Park Centre
- North York Moors: Dalby Forest
- Peak District: Hartington Station
- Norfolk Broads: How Hill Green
- New Forest: Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- South Downs: Petersfield Heath
- Exmoor: Simonsbath Meadows
- Dartmoor: Haytor
- Northumberland: Walltown Country Park
In Scotland:
- Loch Lomand and the Trossachs: Inchailloch
- Cairngorms: Loch an Eilein
And in Wales:
- Snowdonia: Llyn Mair, above Plas Tan y Bwlch, Maentwrog
- Brecon Beacons: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
- Pembrokeshire Coast: St Brides Haven Picnic Site
Why pack a picnic?
A picnic is far more than just a packed lunch. A picnic is a much broader dining experience that allows you to relax, enjoy the scenery and really appreciate whatever goodies you’ve packed. A proper picnic is really simple to put together and requires a few key elements to create the full effect:
- Proper crockery and cutlery
- Delicious food such as cold meats, salads, cheese, pastries, fresh crusty bread
- Wine and glasses (or tea/coffee kept hot in a flask, with fresh milk)
- A picnic blanket large enough for everyone to sit on
Perhaps the most important element, though, is a classic picnic basket. There are some fabulous picnic baskets available, which contain all the crockery, cutlery and accessories you could possibly need to make your picnic really special. Easy to carry, compact yet with plenty of space for you to put your food, take a look at our top ten favourites.
10 Ultimate Picnic Baskets