Top family walks and picnic spots in the UK

Picnic – Richmond Park, Surrey

Richmond Park has plenty of deer to spot and gorgeous open spaces to charge around in, play ball or simply lie back in the grass. There’s also a playground at Petersham Gate. Visit Royalparks.org.uk.

East Anglia

Walk – Flatford Mill to Dedham on the River Stour, Suffolk

Gather up your family and take a walk along the open water meadows along the banks of the beautiful River Stour. Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Picnic – Holkham Beach, Norfolk

With three miles of flat, golden sand you won’t have any trouble finding a quiet spot here. The beach is also part of Holkham National Nature Reserve, and you might spot some natterjack toads. Visit Holkham.co.uk.

Midlands

Walk – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

For a scenic walk head to one of England’s few remaining ancient forests, which contains some beautiful lakes. Children will love searching for wildlife including mandarin ducks and fallow deer. See visitforestofdean.co.uk

Picnic – Ragley Hall , Alcester, Warwickshire

Ideal for a fun family day out, this stately home has an Adventure Wood, 3D maze with boating on Ragley Lake, water zorbing, pony rides and a Woodland Walk. Visit Ragley.co.uk.

North West

Walk – Townley Park Sculpture Trail, Burnley

Take an easy walk through the woodland of a country estate. This route takes you through a culture trail, past the front of the large hall and finishes at a picnic site and playground – perfect for the whole family. See Visitburnley.com.

Picnic - Formby Beach, Merseyside

This beautiful beach is ideal for families, with a large car park, picnic areas and paths to the beach, dunes and woods. So you can enjoy a picnic with amazing sea views. Plus, children will have a great time trying to glimpse a rare red squirrel in the pine woods at the edge of the beach. Visit Nationaltrust.org.uk

Scotland

Walk – Balloch Castle Country Park, Loch Lomond

This easy walk has spectacular views over Loch Lomond. There’s also a walled garden and a playground to explore. See VisitScotland.com.

Picnic – Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow, Scotland

Nestled high in Bathgate Hills near the historic town of Linlithgow, Beecraigs has plenty to do once you’ve finished your sandwiches. Have a go at archery, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering and skiing. There is also a beautiful deer farm and fishery. Visit Westlothian.gov.uk.

London

Walk – Battersea Park, London

It might be an inner city park but there is plenty of birdlife for little ones to spot on a stroll. After feeding the ducks, look out for herons, cormorants and grebes. Visit Batterseapark.org.

Picnic - Somerset House, Strand, London

Escape the hustle and bustle by stepping off The Strand into this 18th Century palace. It has a huge courtyard where you can sit and relax, and plenty of space for children – they’ll love running in and out of the fountains. Visit Somersethouse.org.uk.

South West

Walk – South Milton Sands to Hope Cove, Devon

Stroll along the coastal path to the picturesque village of Hope Cove, which was once a thriving fishing village and is famous for it’s crabs and lobsters. You’ll find a sandy beach, as well as shops and cafes to keep your little ones entertained. Visit devon-online.com.

Picnic – Avon Valley Country Park, Bristol

Covering 50 acres of countryside adjoining the River Avon, this park has peaceful riverside trails to walk and beautiful picnic spots. Children will love the adventure park, which has a mile-long junior assault course. Visit Avonvalleycountrypark.com.

Wales

Walk – Llyn Mair, Gwynedd, North Wales

Take an easy walk through the woodlands along the edge of the picturesque lake, then take a ride on the historic Ffestiniog Railway. Visit Ffestiniograilway.co.uk.

Picnic - Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire

This little-known Welsh beach has been ranked among the best in the world, thanks to its sand dunes, steady drop into the sea, rock pools and caves for children to explore once the tide has gone out. Perfect!

Yorkshire

Walk – Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Children will love a wander through the deer park and along a beautiful water garden in the historic Fountains Abbey. Visit Fountainsabbey.org.uk.

Picnic – Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire

Nostell Priory is the ideal lunch spot. Discover the grounds by following the sensory trails, or explore lakeside walks, the orchard, and an adventure playground. Visit Nationaltrust.co.uk.