22 March 2017
Things to know before you go, tips to plan a great trip and help us look after the landscape you love.
Picnics are one of the great British traditions of the Lake District. This portable snack is quick and easy to pull together if you’re staying in a caravan, hostel or bunkhouse and is the perfect accompaniment to a day exploring the fells and lakes.
Here’s our top ten picnic spots in the Lake District. See how many you can tick off!
Head to Coniston where you can relax on a secret shore around one of England’s most iconic lakes. Take residence on a picnic bench or enjoy a walk along the lake shore. Once refuelled why not hire a bike or row a boat at Coniston Boating Centre, it’s the perfect way to explore the lake.
Tarn Hows is one of the most beautiful and accessible areas in the southern Lake District, making it perfect for picnics. Just a short 3km circular walk makes this a family favourite.
Often described as a ‘mountain in miniature’ Orrest Head is a must-see viewpoint in Windermere, providing stunning views for any picnic-goer in the south lakes. It’s a short walk to the summit from the town centre for glorious views across England’s largest lake and to the fells beyond.
Overlooking Keswick town, this accessible fell serves up a magnificent view alongside your picnic. With surfaced paths, it is accessible to all, so everyone can join in the hike. On a clear day, see if you can spot Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
Situated in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, Lanty’s Tarn is a short walk that will reward you with magnificent views. Perfect summit to break out the butties.
This is the ideal family walk, slightly off the beaten track. Perfect for picnic spots with magnificent views of Windermere, Morecambe Bay and the Coniston and central Fells.
Nestled on the shore of Windermere, Brockhole is a wonderful place to start your Lake District adventure and plenty of places to settle down with a picnic. From the adventure playground, mini golf and rowing boats through to the beautiful gardens and scenic views across the Langdales, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Brockhole.
No visit to the Ullswater area would be complete without a trip to the stunning waterfalls of Aira Force. Tucked away amongst ancient woodland, the spectacular falls provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic.
The easy, circular route of High Dam, Finsthwaite, makes this a perfect south Lake District adventure for those who aren’t looking to scale the high fell tops. There are plenty of secret woodland spots for families to carve out an afternoon enjoying a picnic next to the tarn.
Visitors to Buttermere are rewarded with a stunning expanse of lake shore dotted with little beaches to make your own while dining al fresco. The 4.5mile circular walk is easily accessible and walkers will enjoy the tranquillity offered by one of the quieter parts of the Lake District.
As views go, Castlerigg Stone Circle takes some beating. Offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding fells in Keswick, the stone circle dates back to the Neolithic period 4-5000 years ago. Just 1.5miles from Keswick, this is a fantastic walk for families and the perfect stop off to refuel with a picnic.
