Brimming with scenic spots and pretty parks, as well as plenty of places to pick up food to enjoy alfresco, Gloucestershire is perfect for summer picnics — whether you’re going all out with the sandwiches and sausage rolls or firing up the barbecue.
So, roll out the blankets and get feasting in some of the most gorgeous picnic spots in the county…
Picnics at Westonbirt Arboretum
Tuck into your sarnies under the canopy of a magical tree garden at the family-friendly Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury. Work up your appetite with a stroll along the 300-metre Tree Top Walkway before rolling out your blanket and tucking into a well-deserved lunch – and if you don't fancy packing your own, head to The Pantry to pick up tasty treats like homemade sandwiches, freshly baked cakes, coffee and ice creams.
Picnics in the Forest of Dean
With several visitor sites in the Forest of Dean, Forestry England has picnickers covered for sunny days. Paddle in the brook at Wenchford, right by the shaded picnic area; book a barbecue for a family cookout at Beechenhurst; or make a beeline for Cannop Ponds, where there’s a grassy area that’s ideal for outdoor lunching.
Picnics at Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham
A pretty spot for a picnic, with manicured lawns and bright bedding plants, Imperial Gardens can be found just behind the Town Hall in central Cheltenham. With lots of amenities nearby, lunchers can jazz up their picnic with drinks from the Garden Bar, pick up pastries from The Artisan Baker, or venture down Regent Street to collect a sushi platter from KIBOU to enjoy in the sunshine.
Picnics at Rodborough Common near Stroud
Boasting views over the Severn Estuary, Rodborough Common offers a picturesque spot to unfurl your picnic blanket and while away an afternoon. It’s also home to local favourite, Winstones Ice Cream, so indulging in a scoop or two from the parlour shop is a must when picnicking on the common.
Picnics at Cotswold Country Park and Beach
When the sun is blazing and you’re looking for a sandy spot to recreate that holiday feeling, pitch up at the UK’s biggest inland beach, Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Little ones will enjoy paddling in the lagoon and exploring the adventure playground, while grill masters can hire a barbecue for the ultimate summer feast.
Picnics at Pittville Park in Cheltenham
As the largest park in Cheltenham, Pittville Park offers an abundance of outdoor space, so there’s plenty of room to enjoy a picnic. Pick a prime spot outside the scenic Pump Room or head towards the lake and spot the swans — with takeaway treats available from its trio of cafes.
Picnics at Hidcote Manor Garden in Chipping Campden
If you’re a fan of horticulture, combine an alfresco lunch with a visit to the stunningly colourful Hidcote Manor Garden. Wander around the intricate outdoor spaces to admire the beautiful blooms, before tucking into a picnic under the lime avenue where you can soak up panoramic views. There’s the option to buy light refreshments from the on-site Winthrop’s Cafe, too.
Picnics in Frampton on Severn
Roll out your picnic blanket on what is said to be England’s longest village green in Frampton on Severn, with approximately 22 acres of green space to enjoy an outdoor lunch. Walk it off with a stroll along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, which runs to the west of the village, or wash it down with a refreshing pint at The Bell Inn which sits on the green.
Picnics at the Abbey Grounds in Cirencester
Behind Cirencester’s central Market Place and parish church, picnickers will find lots of open space to enjoy an alfresco lunch in the Abbey Grounds. The town is packed with places to pick up takeaway coffees and food to go, too.
Picnics at Robinswood Hill Country Park
With 250 acres of countryside, there’s heaps of open space at Gloucester’s Robinswood Hill Country Park to pause for a peaceful picnic. For those feeling extra energetic, the views from the summit are well worth the effort — stretching as far as the Severn Bridge and the Malvern Hills on a clear day.
Picnics at Cheltenham Lido
There’s no nicer way to cool off on a hot day than with a dip in the pool at Cheltenham Lido, followed by a picnic on the lawns. Bring your own or grab breakfast, lunch or snacks from the on-site cafe. The lido regularly hosts open-air theatre and outdoor film screenings in the summer months, too, if you need an excuse to indulge.
Picnics at Stratford Park in Stroud
Offering 56 acres of luscious green space, Stratford Park in Stroud is a popular spot with local picnickers. The park has all kinds of recreational facilities for families to make a day of it after polishing off their picnics, including a play area and skate park, miniature railway and even its own Museum in the Park.
Picnics in Lower Slaughter
One of the Cotswolds' prettiest gems, Lower Slaughter is a top choice for romantic picnics — with plenty of room to lay your blanket on the grassy banks of the River Eye, against the backdrop of honey-hued cottages. The equally adorable village of Upper Slaughter is just a 20-minute stroll up the river for a scenic post-picnic walk.
Picnics at Westgate Park in Gloucester
Affectionately known as the Boating Lake, Westgate Park serves up green space by the river in Gloucester city centre, along with a dedicated picnic area. With footpaths leading to Alney Island, picnickers can work up an appetite wandering around the wetland nature reserve before digging in.
Picnics at Hailes Abbey near Winchcombe
Enjoy an atmospheric picnic in the shadow of Hailes Abbey, after taking in the ruins of the former Cistercian abbey on a guided tour. After lunch, check out sculptures, stonework and other archaeological finds in the museum or pick up the Cotswold Way footpath to explore more of the surrounding countryside.
Picnics at Crickley Hill Country Park near Gloucester
Immerse yourself in Gloucestershire’s glorious countryside, with waymarked trails and impressive views over the Severn Vale at Crickley Hill Country Park. There are lots of great picnic locations, complemented by a cafe that stocks wildlife-friendly producers from the local area, including the likes of Cotteswold Dairy and Jess's Ladies Organic.
Picnics at Painswick Rococo Garden
Full of colourful follies and bursting with blooms, Painswick Rococo Garden is a delightful spot for a picnic. Pack a blanket and a basket, then set off around the gardens to find a secluded spot – or grab a sandwich and a sweet treat from the cafe to enjoy alfresco.
Picnics at Tewkesbury Abbey
Enjoy your sandwiches and sausage rolls in the shadow of the 900-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey, with lots of flat ground around this historic building to roll out your blanket. Enjoy a pre- or post-picnic stroll along the nearby Severn Ham to soak up gorgeous riverside views.
Picnics on Cleeve Hill
As the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill is a particularly scenic spot for picnics. The hike to the top is sure to get tummies grumbling, but the views from the summit, stretching out across the Cotswolds and beyond, are well worth it – especially at sunset. Just make sure to keep an eye out for people playing a few holes on the golf course!
Picnics at Woodchester Park
Woodchester Park near Stroud is a beautiful National Trust site that's home to one of Gloucestershire's most mysterious places – the famously unfinished Woodchester Mansion. Admire its gothic architecture and ponder over why it was abandoned, seek out the boathouse by the lake, then stop off at the picnic area at Tinkley Gate, which also has a cafe serving home made foccacia, pizza and ice cream.
