7 picture perfect picnic spots in the South

Picnic table surrounded by trees

Picnic spots near you in the South of England

There’s no better pairing than eating delicious lunch rolls surrounded by rolling hills and towering trees. Here are the perfect picnic spots in the South of England to do exactly that this summer.

Cycling trails at Moors Valley

1. Moors Valley, nr Ringwood

Fancy a spot of lunch in peaceful surroundings? Rest up lakeside or walk to the lookout point to admire sweeping vistas that stretch out for over 800 acres. All ages and abilities are catered for in this cherished setting. Let the little ones blow off some steam after lunch on the fantastic play trail and popular play areas.

2. Alice Holt, Farnham

Under the heat of the sun, or the shade of the clouds, there’s joy to be found in this fabulous outdoor area. What can you expect? A day trip full of discovery and delight with enough activities to keep the whole family happy… alongside the picnic food of course.

Four picnic tables in the forest
Beech woodland generic

3. Micheldever Wood, Winchester

Let your to do list melt away as you make yourself at home in Micheldever. Your only worry will be whether you packed cheese and pickle or coleslaw sarnies. Between the blooming wildflowers, you may spot roe deer enjoying their own forest foods too.

New to our forests? Leave no trace of your visit and follow the Forest Code.

4. West Walk, Wickham

Travel back in time to enjoy finger food in the largest remaining fragment of the ancient Forest of Bere. Tranquil walks under tall pine trees await you! Reach out to touch the bark and feel the powerful secrets that this historic woodland holds.

Pine tree forest
Trunk of large old oak tree with gnarled bark

5. Parkhurst, Newport

Join the garden warblers, nightjars, woodcocks and long-eared owls at this lesser-known picnic spot on the Isle of Wight. Whether lunching solo or with family or friends, there is ample opportunity to absorb the wonders of this ancient woodland and heathland.

6. Bourne Wood, Farnham

Are you a film fanatic? Bourne Wood has featured on your television screen more times than you know! Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows stumbled through this mystical woodland on the search for Horcruxes. The magic of the wizarding world remains and is palpable when you visit! Disclaimer: chocolate frogs will not be provided with your picnic.

Treeline seen in the horizon
Mother and baby having lunch at picnic table

7. Stoke Park Wood, Eastleigh

Great views and serene walks are guaranteed in this quaint mix of ancient woodland and newly planted trees. Stay hydrated under the sun and rally the family round for a summer picnic extravaganza. Jam or cream first on the scones? We’ll let you debate that one.

Explore all of these forests and more with Forestry England national membership

You may also like...

Picnic Bench in the Forest
Blog
20 June 2023
Dust off your picnic blanket, slap on the sunscreen and head down to these stunning picnic spots near you in South East this summer.  
Three wooden picnic benches in a forest clearing surrounded by trees
Blog
02 June 2023
Dust off the chequered blanket and dig out the napkins. Here are the perfect spots for a picnic in the South West this summer.
Picnic table at sunrise
Blog
06 July 2020
Whether you are planning your next family adventure or looking for a way to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite forest themed picnic ideas to treat your taste buds.
A road passing through Snake Woodlands on a misty day
Blog
30 July 2020
From the moody to the mystical, these are the best Instagram accounts to inspire your next adventure.