Make a day of it with our list of the UK's top picnic destinations, plus some game ideas for busy 6-9 year olds.
The weekend brought lovely blue sky, sunshine and the perfect opportunity to picnic! There is nothing nicer than waking to a gorgeous spring morning, packing up the car with delicious food and heading out for the day.
If you are anything like me this will be all it takes, car packed and away! No thought given as to where we are heading or where we may end up, just the fact we are going keeps me happy! The children just love to be caught up in the spirit of adventure and are more than happy to grab whatever toys they can squeeze in and come along for the ride.
One of the best things we have done is to join the National Trust because no matter where you are in the country, you are never far from the location of a great day out. However you don't have to be a member, the National Trust have a great site listing things to do for free! Which is just packed with ideas for days out which are perfect for bringing a picnic along! They even list the National Trust hot picnic spots and they are ideal places to spend a sunny day.
Other great suggestions for picnic spots are available from Enjoy England summer picnic spots. Visit London also offers great ideas for tranquil picnic locations.
Of course going on a picnic doesn't have to involve getting in the car and driving for miles to find the perfect idyllic countryside location. It can simply be a matter of throwing some snacks into a bag and heading out to your local park.
To be quite honest I think children just love the break from routine and the opportunity to run around and be outdoors. I think taking a selection of outdoor toys and games and a willingness to play them always helps to make the day more special.
Top picnic tips!
- Take a football, cricket set, frisbee, kite, paper and pencils
- Take a waterproof ground sheet
- Take cushions and blankets (may as well picnic in comfort!)
- Bottles of juice or water are better than cups and less likely to be knocked over
- Take hand wash gel and wet wipes
- Take a bag for all your rubbish
For more great ideas for days out I find the following websites very useful:
If you have a favourite picnic location you would like to share with us, please leave the details in the comments section.
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mum
19 April, 2010
Newstead Abbey isn't far from us and we've had some great picnics there during the summer. I'm going to check out your links though. No doubt there are plenty of places not too far from us that I had not realised were there. Lovely post, Wendy!
mum
19 April, 2010
We have the fantastic Finlaystone Estate near Port Glasgow. http://bit.ly/9t1lHo It's just lovely and has great wooden climbing things. It's put me in the mood for a day out.
admin
19 April, 2010
St Ann's Well Gardens is near us which is fantastic for picnics and it has a playground there too as well as lots of shade and beautiful trees (&toliets!).
The National Trust links are great! It's always nice to find different places to go... for free! Love this post!!
Sue
Ready For Ten team
20 April, 2010
@Ellen & Rosie - thanks for suggestions! Just suggesting a picnic place makes you want to rush off immediately and have big picnic day out!
20 April, 2010
@Ready for Ten admin - yes quite right - a picnic location with toilets is even better! :)