Picnic Sites

It occurred to me that it was very difficult to think of places to go out for the day with the van for a picnic. By that I mean parking up in a pleasant spot and setting up with canopy, table, chairs whatever, and not have to park up in a tarmac car park with hundreds of others. I can only think of Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire off the top of my head. Does anyone have any suggestions?

We've set up in the car park at Arnside Knott but you're right, it's hard to think of places. 

There are quite a few places scattered around the New Forest

kiteman wrote:

There are quite a few places scattered around the New Forest

Scooby doo agree - we go there between Christmas and the New Year for a 'picnic'.

In the summer months we also go along to Bournemouth a few times and have a 'picnic' by the sea.

Getting to park up not on tarmac can be hard but getting away from the masses can be done, it just takes some exploring. Spend some time studying a large scale map, you'll be surprised what you'll find. Otherwise pack the picnic up and strike out on foot.

I think it's the romance of not having to strike out in foot that appeals. Just being able to pull over, get the chairs out and have a picnic by the van is blissful.

Plenty of car parks around the North and South Downs in Surrey where you can just stop and picnic. Look at Ordanance Survey maps.

We have a lovely picnic site we visit at Pegwell bay next to the Viking Ship , bit far away for our northern friends , has a nice walk down to the sea for the dog too.. Think i've some pics somewhere on my facebook page will try and locate...

Agree with Matt and Tim, as you can see, I love O/S maps   , these cover the South West.




The information on them is great, and you can read them like a book.

When we set off, I grab 3 or 4 that cover the area we are going to, together with the relative county A - Z which also show parking areas, and start the adventure.

If you don't want to lug maps about, I believe ' O/S apps are available that fit on a tablet' whatever that means, hopefully a younger member will enlighten me.  

We did Polesden Lacey, Surrey with greenjc90.

top of wessenden head heading out of holmfirth has fabulous views....and a great walk in front of you down to a place called Marsden.

Timmm mentions above the village of Marsden

This is where Ivan Hurst spent his retirement years.
Ivan Hurst

osg

Agree with Dizzy, always take an O/S map for the area we are going, you will always find somewhere to stop using one. That's how we found one of our favourite spots albeit near Charmouth, Cogden beach, beautiful place for a picnic.

OSG, hope Ivan had a synchro.... if youve ever been to Marsden, youd know why.

Timmm said

Quote :

OSG, hope Ivan had a synchro.... if youve ever been to Marsden, youd know why

Was brought up very near to Marsden. Certainly lots of hills, but then always lots of lovely views across a valley. Have seen the house where Ivan Hurst lived. It is low down in the valley - used as a Wedding Venue now.
osg

There is a website highlighting picnic sites with suggestions and reviews -

http://www.picnicbooks.com/

Hmmm, none in Lancashire apparently. And that, on Lancashire Day, of all days.

The new BBC drama Remember Me was filmed in Marsden among other places oop north.

reet place