6 Beautiful Picnic Spots Worth A Day Trip From London

The sun is finally out to play after an incredibly disappointing spring and that can only mean one thing. Picnics! With domestic travel well and truly open, you can venture further than your back garden to enjoy some alfresco dining with, get this, OTHER PEOPLE! While there are many great spots in the capital to lay down your gingham blanket, we thought it would be nice to share some fabulous picnic spots worth a day trip out of London.

Richmond Hill – Ok, ok, Richmond is technically still a London Borough (just) but we thought this beautiful place deserved a mention as it’s a great option not only for proximity but incredible views. Perched just above the town centre, Richmond Hill offers picnic-ers the opportunity to watch the sun kiss the River Thames as it sets in the distance. There are benches right at the top for the best view but we’d suggest heading a bit further down to the grassy area to set up shop. We’d also recommend a post-picnic stroll along the river.

Windsor Great Park – Starting to head slightly further afield, Windsor Great Park is a lovely spot to watch wildlife and chow down on some strawberries and cream! Windsor Great Park is steeped in history having previously been a private estate for the royal family. It was when the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip became the park’s Ranger that it was decided it should be a place for everyone to enjoy. With the most delightful farm shop on site selling produce from the estate, you barely need to pack your own picnic!

Henley-on-Thames – Follow the river far enough and you’ll stumble across the pretty town of Henley-on-Thames. A popular spot for those looking to escape the city and, of course, home to Henley Royal Regatta, this riverside town is an ideal place to picnic and wander around on a lazy summer weekend. With plenty of gorgeous boutiques and antique shops to browse around, this is one of our favourite places to visit for a day trip out of the city.

Eynsford – Kent is a beautiful part of the UK to visit and has many picturesque towns and villages to cast your eye on. One spot worth visiting if you’re looking for a beautiful place to set up a picnic is the village of Eynsford. It’s a bit like Kent’s answer to the famous Bourton-on-the-Water in The Cotswolds, just a bit smaller and less touristy. It has a pretty stream perfect for paddling and cooling off in, making it a lovely place for families. We’d suggest parking near the village of Shoreham and walking the Darenth Valley Path to Eynsford to work up an appetite. Shoreham is so pretty too and you can take turns picking your favourite cottage! This footpath will take you past fields and fields of lavender, you’ll think you’re in Provence!

Painshill Park – An absolute gem of Surrey, Painshill Park is a truly stunning place to visit. Used as a filming location for Netflix sensation, Bridgerton, you can unleash your inner duke or duchess as you picnic in true Regency style! With sprawling gardens and picturesque lake, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to set up your parasol and enjoy your cucumber sandwiches!

West Wittering – For a beach setting that, if you set off early, is doable in a day, West Wittering can’t be beaten for scenery. With white sand in between your toes and whimsical beach huts painted in every colour of the rainbow, it’s a fantastic place to base yourselves on a gloriously british summer day. Pack everything from towels, suncream, swimming cosies and big parasols for some welcome shade in midday heat and you can spend all day here. Close by is the town of Chichester, which is worth a stroll around too if you have time.