Cheapies › Picnic spots across the UK
Picnic spots across the UK
A picnic is the cheapest meal out. The best places combine a view, somewhere to sit and a toilet or café nearby in case of rain.
What makes a good picnic spot
- Somewhere to sit: a bench, a picnic table, a wall or dry grass. A foldable blanket with a waterproof layer helps.
- Shelter: trees, a bandstand or a pavilion if rain threatens.
- Facilities: toilets, parking and a place to bin rubbish.
- Interest for children: play areas, water or room to run.
- Permission: public land or an area with clear public access.
Types of free spots across the UK
- City parks: from Hyde Park in London to Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, Bute Park in Cardiff and Botanic Gardens in Belfast. Rules on barbecues vary.
- Country parks: run by councils, often with designated picnic areas.
- National park viewpoints and lakesides: many have picnic areas near car parks, such as around Windermere in the Lake District or Llyn Padarn near Snowdonia. See free walks and parks.
- Beaches and promenades: check local rules and the tide.
- Forest car parks: Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales manage woodlands with picnic tables. Parking may charge.
- Museum gardens: several free museums have outdoor space nearby, and some have indoor eating areas where you can bring your own food. Check their policy.
These are examples of the kind of places that exist; check each site's website for current rules, opening hours and facilities before you travel.
What to pack
- Sandwiches, wraps or salad in a lidded box
- Fruit, nuts, crisps or flapjacks
- A flask of tea or a refillable bottle
- A blanket, wipes and a bag for rubbish
- An ice pack for anything perishable. In hot weather keep food cool and eat it within a few hours.
Rules and manners
- Take your rubbish home if bins are full.
- Do not light fires or barbecues unless the site explicitly allows them. Disposable barbecues are banned in many parks and countryside sites, because of wildfire risk.
- Leave no trace: this is part of the Countryside Code on GOV.UK.
- Do not picnic on private land or in fields with crops or livestock without permission.
- Check for wasps and keep food covered.
Making it a day out
Pair your picnic with a free activity: a short walk, a museum, a beach or a play area. If you are travelling by train, see cheap rail travel, and for a more structured day at a paid attraction see heritage membership. Having a drink and snacks in your bag saves you buying them, and makes an unplanned stop easy.
Wet-weather picnics
If it rains, look for covered picnic shelters, museum cafés that allow your own food, or an indoor spot in a library or visitor centre. A car boot picnic on a hillside car park is better than nothing. Pack a waterproof sheet and a towel. In cold weather, bring a hot drink and a hot meal in a good flask.
Frequently asked questions
Can I picnic anywhere?
On public land such as parks, beaches and many woodlands, usually yes, subject to local rules. Do not picnic on private land without permission.
Are barbecues allowed in parks?
Often not. Many parks and countryside sites ban disposable barbecues. Check the signs and the website.
How do I keep a picnic safe in hot weather?
Use a cool bag with ice packs, keep food out of the sun and do not leave perishable food out for hours.