Top Picnic Spots in Herts
Oh the joys of laying out a blanket and getting back into nature with a basket of food and your favourite people (probably a few ants too). The act of picnicking has been around since medieval times and since then it has blossomed into one of Britain’s favourite ways to spice up any meal setting. Whether you’re enjoying an alfresco feast or laid-back lunch, eating outside requires the perfect location to add that extra oomph to your meal. And, lucky for you Visit Herts have come up with a list of the top picnic locations in Hertfordshire to gobble up your sandwiches…
Tewinbury
Pack a big lunch and maybe a bottle of fruit punch and discover the wonders of Tewinbury, a wildlife reserve nestled in the Mimram Valley. There are a diverse range of habitats from wet meadows to chalk streams and willow pollards to tall fen, so there are plenty of views to delight the eyes while you tickle your taste buds with delicious foods. During the summer, it’s birdwatching galore, an absolute haven for the bird enthusiasts among us and if birds aren’t your thing you can see voles swimming amongst the reeds of the lagoon.
Memorial Garden
Next stop is to Tring’s Memorial Garden, set in the grounds of Tring Park which is home to one of the country’s leading performing art schools. The garden is only a few steps away from Tring high street where you can stock up on all your picnic essentials, and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle. Follow the winding path to a tranquil lake brimming with life and seek shade under the surrounding trees.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Have a teddy bear’s picnic at the award-winning nature reserve, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, abundant in wooded walks, lakes and lush green open spaces to lay out your picnic blankets. While you unpack the Tupperware the kids can let off some steam in the huge adventure play area next to Batchworth Lake. After lunch you can join a guided walk or get a little more active and canoe on Bury Lake. Or if you like to take things a little easy simply grab a coffee at the timber-framed Café in the Park.
Hatfield House
How does munching in a meadow, cucumber sandwiches in hand, with the backdrop of an elegant Jacobean house sound? Delightful right? Well lucky for you, you can enjoy a picnic party in the park surrounding Hatfield House. If you want to spice your picnic platter up, there is a BBQ in The Coach House Restaurant during summer so you can tuck into a warm sausage butty with your salad.
Knebworth House
Knebworth House welcomes you to picnic in its historic deer park which covers 250 acres of magnificent land that surrounds the Grade II listed house. See if you can spot the Red and Sika deer that roam around the park and if you want to bring your trusted four legged pal along, make sure they’re on the lead or you’ll be shouting ‘Fenton’ across the park!
Cassiobury Park
Head to one of Watford’s most popular attractions, Cassiobury Park where there’s plenty of fun in the sun to be had. Cool off at the splash park, let the kids run wild on the playground and zip wire, jump around on the trampolines and lose yourself in the stone maze. After a day filled with fun and adventure with the kids you can settle down anywhere in the 190 acres of green space and open up the picnic basket.