Pack up your picnic basket and head outside to enjoy the Cotswold sunshine! There are so many tempting spots to lay down your blanket for riverside sandwiches or hilltop pasties. Bring the children and the dogs and leave the trouble of finding a pet friendly pub behind. You can also let the little ones play without worrying about them disturbing nearby tables.
A picnic is a great way to get up close to nature, surrounding yourselves with wildflowers, fresh air and views of this picturesque part of the country. Take your time to relax and spread out, savouring the slow sips of a summer mocktail and locally made produce. Packing your own picnic can help cut costs for a family day out and is a lot more fun playing games like eye-spy and flying a kite. When you’ve had your fill, make sure you take everything away with you so we can keep the Cotswolds as beautiful as possible!
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When you picture the Cotswolds, it’s probably a village like Bourton-on-the-Water that comes to mind. Surrounded by rolling hills and filled with a scattering of golden stone buildings, the River Windrush flows through its centre. On sunny days get there early to lay down your blanket ahead of the tourist rush. It is an unbelievably beautiful spot with willows hanging low over the river and arched bridges spanning its flow. The children will love being visited by ducks and dipping their toes in the water. Spend a few lazy hours here before exploring everything else that Bourton-on-the-Water has to offer.
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If you love being lakeside, Cotswold Water Park is the perfect choice for your next picnic. With over 180 lakes joined by crisscrossing walking paths there are endless spots to choose from. At the heart of the water park, Cotswold Country Park and Beach is perfect for families. Pack up your snacks and sarnies and choose the perfect lakeside location, there are covered picnic benches available or stretch out on the sand. They ask you not to take glass containers and you must book access in advance.
For a wilder lunch, there are picnic areas scattered across the water park, from Clayhill Meadow to Neigh Bridge Country Park. Follow one of the footpaths to build up an appetite before taking a break surrounded by the wetland wildlife.
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Rodborough Common
For some of the best views in the Cotswolds, Rodborough Common is the place to be. Overlooking Stroud and the Severn Vale it is known for its range of rare wildflowers and butterflies. If you’re looking for a romantic picnic spot this is the one. Lay down your blanket and wicker basket filled with locally made produce, and perhaps pop a bottle of champagne as you watch the ever-changing scenery before you. You can get lost in the views for hours and take advantage of the high position by flying a kite! For dessert pop over to Winstone’s Ice Cream on the common for some award-winning treats.
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Pittville Park
On a bright summer’s day, Pittville Park is a buzz of activity. Children love the play area and aviary where they can watch the flitting birds. Dogs have plenty of space to stretch their legs and play fetch, while the grownups can absorb the surrounding architecture and lakeside views. At the top of the park sits the old pump room, a beautiful columned spa room where people would take the healing waters which made this town famous. Today it hosts regular events, including a monthly market hosting Cotswold artisans. With something to keep everybody entertained you couldn’t ask for more. Sausage rolls and pork pies are on the menu as you soak in the sun at this quintessentially Cheltenham hotspot.
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Blenheim Palace Park
Add a sprinkle of luxury to your picnic and head to stunning Blenheim Palace, making the most of the sometimes hard to find British sun! While the palace is the main attraction, the park is filled with charming gardens, lakes and picnic spots. Spend the day exploring the grounds following one of the routes through the formal gardens, passing the queens pool or the 2-hour route around the park perimeter. Stop off for lunch with a spectacular view of the palace, spreading the blanket and laying out the salads, pasta, rolls and bottle of fruity fizz to enjoy this undeniably British pleasure.
Bolthole Retreats guests receive 20% off their entry tickets!
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Lower Slaughter
The Slaughters are a bit off the beaten track when it comes to Cotswold destinations. Despite their rather gruesome name, Upper and Lower Slaughter encompass one of the most beautiful spots in the Cotswolds. One of the best ways to soak up the rural atmosphere here is with a classic country picnic. Starting in Upper Slaughter, follow the Warden’s Way along the path of the River Eye to Lower Slaughter. This serene riverside walk lets you relax, slow down, and literally smell the flowers. Stop off where the view captures you and take a break with finger sandwiches and a flask full of tea.
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This beautifully secluded wooded valley disconnects you from your busy life. Wander amongst the trees, along the lake edge and through lush green meadows, finding the hidden unfinished mansion at the heart of the park. Bring your picnic and spread out amongst the grass, gazing up at the clouds above as you share crisps and dip with friends. Woodchester Park is a buzz with nature, the lake fills with carp in the summer and the resident belted Welsh black cattle graze the meadows. It is a hidden picnic retreat where you can step back from the modern world and most likely not get any mobile reception, a blessing of silence!
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Cleeve Hill Common
Stretch your legs and pull on your walking boots to head up Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds. You are rewarded with a spectacular view from the summit which stretches before you for miles. Spot Cheltenham racecourse and the Malvern Hills far in the distance! It is the perfect place for a picnic with so much room to spread out. Bring a blanket or a couple of chairs, fill your basket with your favourite picnic staples and make a day of it. Fly a kite and spot the resident wildlife from adders and rabbits to skylarks flitting above.
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This iconic landmark overlooks the picturesque Cotswold countryside above the gorgeous village of Broadway. Paying a small fee, you can access the grounds and take a picnic for a fantastic country feast. Pop into Broadway beforehand to pick up supplies! The tower dominates the skyline and was designed by landscaper Capability Brown. It was a holiday retreat for artists, with William Morris being one of its regular guests. Follow a circular walking route around the park passing the red deer and the shop at Tower Barn to pick up some locally made gifts.
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At the heart of Dyrham Park sits a spectacular 17th century house. The surrounding parkland covers 270-acres with so much to discover. A play area, formal gardens and woodland await you. As you explore the park you might meet the deer which call Dyrham home! It is a beautiful location with spectacular views across to Wales and the Black Mountains. Make the most of a visit and bring food for the family with a picnic basket bursting at the seams with goodies. There are areas specifically dedicated to picnicking including amongst the orchard in the West Garden.