Best Picnic Spots in the Parks

Escape the hustle and bustle and head to Belhus Woods where you’ll find lots of relaxing picnic spots.

From the wide open forest glade to the musical play area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A big favourite is the gazebo spot, offering an undercover area with picnic benches close to the toilets, car park and café.

Find out more about Belhus Woods Country Park here.

Soak up the sea air this summer at Mersea Island’s Cudmore Grove.

Children will love the nautical themed play area which is surrounded by picnic benches and welcome shade. Not only can you enjoy the sandy coastline, there’s also acres of wildflower meadows to explore.

Find out more about Cudmore Grove Country Park here.

Nestled between Chelmsford and Maldon, Danbury Country Park offers history, serenity and open green spaces.

Pick a quiet bench and enjoy the calming sounds of nature beside one of the three large lakes or head to the meadow where you’ll discover a large grassy area that’s perfect for picnics, cartwheels, summer games and more.

Find out more about Danbury Country Park here.

Work up an appetite for your picnic with Sky Ropes, our bookable climbing activity, before settling down with some much earned refreshments on Great Notley’s main picnic field.

Handily located close to the parking area, take the bags back to the car before heading off again to enjoy the lakes and Essex’s longest play trail.

Find out more about Great Notley Country Park here.

Active families who want to exercise and explore before pitching up should visit Hadleigh Country Park.

Enjoy the many walking or cycling trails before heading uphill for the most scenic picnic spot. Once there you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Hadleigh Castle, the Thames Estuary and winding tracks of the park.

Find out more about Hadleigh Country Park here.

Sunseekers will love watching their children play on the main grassy hill area near the deer enclosure and Stick Man trail.

Fly kites, kick balls and enjoy ice cream before heading down to the lake where children can feed the ducks. For those who prefer a proper seated area close to the car park and facilities, head to the historic Belvedere area of the park which offers an all-weather sheltered picnic area.

Find out more about Weald Country Park here.

Find The Gruffalo and discover the deep dark wood at Thorndon Country Park before heading over to Thorndon South – the walk will certainly work up an appetite in preparation for a picnic.

Head back to the picnic benches under the shade of the trees or soak up the sun on a picnic blanket in our big open spaces.

Find out more about Thorndon Country Park here.