Picnics

Practicing the art of picnicking in the Cotswolds

The History...

Picnics have been enjoyed throughout the centuries; from medieval hunting feasts of the 14th century to Renaissance era country banquets and Victorian garden parties. The invention of picnicking is credited to the Europeans and nowadays people all around the world enjoying participating in these leisurely outings.

What ever the weather, with so much beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds, what better place to spend time in the beautiful surroundings and sharing delicious food with family and friends.

Gone are the days of limp lettuce and soggy tomato sandwiches; with an abundance of delis, farm shops and regular farmers' markets in the region, you'll never be short of something delicious to pack in your picnic hamper.

Leave the car behind...

Explore the Cotswolds by public transport and find your perfect picnic spot. Click here for public transport timetables and details of keeping your visit to the Cotswolds green. Of course, you know that you need to take your rubbish with you, so we don't need to remind you!

Location, location, location...where to enjoy your picnic

Cheltenham

• The Devil's Chimney on Leckhampton Hill - Views across Cheltenham & Gloucester. Car parking.
• Dowdeswell - Scenic woodland and reservoir.
• Pittville Park - Enjoy your picnic with views of the lake and pump rooms.

Cotswolds

• Bourton on the Water - Dangle your feet in the River Windrush on a sunny day and watch the world go by.
• Sherbourne Estate - Pick up leaflets from Ewepen car park on your way, and explore the trails until you find your ideal picnic spot.
• Hidcote Manor Garden - This National Trust property has a picnic spot that non-members are free to use as well as members.
• Neigh Bridge -Located on the edge of Somerford Keynes village, this small country park includes a large car park, children's play equipment, and a secluded lakeside walk.

Gloucester

• Westgate Leisure Area - Boating lake, pitch 'n' putt, walks and picnic area.
• Robinswood Hill Country Park - 250 acres of open countryside with a viewpoint and nature trails.

Stroud Valleys

• Coaley Peak Picnic Site - 4 miles south west of Stroud and has 12 acres of grassland with panoramic views over the Severn Vale. Picnic tables and car parking available.
• Painswick Beacon - Open upland area with fine views & walks. It is also the site of an impressive Iron Age hill fort.
• Woodchester Park - Thread your way through the woods and find a quiet spot overlooking one of the lakes.

Tewkesbury & Severn Vale

• The Severn Way - Take a walk from Tewkesbury along the Severn Way towards Odda's Chapel. There are many spots along the way to put your picnic blanket down.
• Victoria Gardens, Tewkesbury - The gardens are bordered by the river Mill Avon, which is patrolled by swans, ducks and kingfishers. Overlooking one end of the garden, next to the weir, is the beautiful Abbey Mill with its working water wheel. Beyond the Mill Avon lies The Ham, a pretty meadow area.

Pack a Perfect Picnic...

Pack a Perfect Picnic (produced by Gloucestershire Food Vision, NHS Gloucestershire & Gloucestershire County Council) gives guidance on planning a picnic from start to finish. Download a copy to find top tips such as sun safety, food hygiene, recipe ideas and places to go and enjoy your picnic in Gloucestershire.

See our Low Cost Cotswolds page for ideas of free and low cost things to do in the Cotswolds.