Forestry England's top 10 picnic spots to soak up the summer solstice sun
With warm weather finally arriving across most of England just in time for the solstice and National Picnic Week, Forestry England reveals its top 10 picnic spots to enjoy in the nation’s forests. Picnicking is a great way to explore the forests, and no matter where you are in the country, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy your food while taking in the spectacular landscape. From babbling brooks to quaint open heathland and lofty crags, you’re sure to find an alfresco dining spot unlike any other.
So, pack up your picnic rug and sandwiches, leave your BBQ at home, and discover the captivating beauty and spiritual significance of the summer solstice at one of Forestry England’s top picnic spots:
Enjoy these perfect picnic spots:
Lodge Pond Trail, Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire
Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful picnic at Lodge Pond. The Lodge Pond Trail passes through beautiful mixed broadleaf woodland and mature pine forest. Created by Medieval monks to breed carp, the pond is now home to wildlife such as moorhens, great crested grebes, roe deer, dragonflies, and butterflies. Picnic tables are available.
Victory Glade, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
In a secluded clearing between Main Drive and Loop Walk, you’ll find the picturesque Victory Glade, named after a Douglas fir planted in 1856 to mark the end of the Crimean War. It's a perfect picnic spot where you might even see a roe deer walk by.
Mortimer Forest, Herefordshire/Shropshire
Straddling the border of Herefordshire and Shropshire, Mortimer Forest is ideal for summer visits. Look for the spectacular goshawk, butterflies, reptiles, and the unique long-haired fallow deer, found only here. There are three car parks, each offering great picnic spots.
The Elephant Trail, Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
This ancient woodland between Northampton and Milton Keynes is perfect for an al-fresco feast. Named after circus elephants that helped move timber during World War II, the trail is a great place for a walk and a picnic. The on-site Grounds Cafe offers food and drinks if you arrive without a picnic.
The Blue Walk, Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk
Lynford Arboretum, near Thetford, is known for its birdlife, summer flowers, and over 200 tree species. Starting from the Lakes car park, the Blue Walk takes you through Sequoia Avenue, planted in the 1800s to honor the Duke of Wellington.
Staindale Lake, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Located in the heart of Dalby Forest, Staindale Lake is a perfect spring picnic spot. The Lakeside Walk offers an accessible trail with plenty of summer sights and sounds, including migrating birds.
National Pinetum, Bedgebury, Kent
Picnic under giant redwoods or in grassy glades at Bedgebury Pinetum. Just a short walk from the visitor center, you’ll find giant redwoods perfect for picnicking. Explore the meandering pathways through rare acid grassland, home to wildflowers like goldenrod, devil’s-bit scabious, and common spotted orchid.
Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria
Picnic in Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest. Enjoy winding paths and scenic views, including red squirrels and the stunning Bob’s seat viewpoint, offering vistas of Grizedale Pike, Keswick, and beyond.
Notes to Editor
- Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 291 million visits in 2022/23. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality, predominantly broadleaf woodlands
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media contact:
Rebecca Ulewicz, Media Relations Officer | media@forestryengland.uk