Ultimate guide to summer picnic spots near you

A man, woman, and two young boys wearing summer clothes holding ice creams as they sit on a picnic table in a forest setting.

Shady picnics in the forest

Looking for a shady picnic spot near you?

The nation’s forests are a patchwork of glorious landscapes. From peaceful woodland clearings to family-friendly sites with play areas, picnic benches and cafes for picking up last minute supplies, there’s a picnic spot for everyone.

Find your nearest location with our handy regional picnic spot guide. Plan your visit, pack a picnic hamper with some tasty treats and get ready to spend time together in nature.

Help protect the nation's forests by never lighting any fires or barbecues and by taking any litter away with you.

Find your nearest picnic spots

A smiling woman wearing a summer hat pours a drink from a flask, on a picnic blanket with two children.
Blog
23 June 2026

Discover some of the best, shady picnic spots at Forestry England sites across the North East of England.

Picnic table surrounded by trees
Blog
23 June 2026

Discover some of the best shady picnic spots at forests and woodlands across the North West in this Forestry England blog.

A woman and young children smiling over a wicker picnic hamper, with trees in the background.
Blog
24 June 2026

Looking for the perfect picnic spot in the Midlands? Forestry England forests are full of beautiful places to pause, from quiet woodland glades to open spaces ideal for family days...

A young girl smiling as she eats crisps at a picnic bench.
Blog
24 June 2026

Discover some of the best picnic spots in the South East, where Forestry England forests offer the perfect mix of scenic views and space to unwind.

A family of six people sitting around a picnic blanket spread with food, in a woodland setting.
Blog
24 June 2026

Discover picture-perfect picnic spots in the South with Forestry England. Find scenic woodland locations for relaxing, family days out and time in nature.

A woman and young boy sitting on a wooden picnic bench in a forest. The child is eating crisps.
Blog
24 June 2026

Explore picture-perfect picnic spots in the South West with Forestry England. Find scenic woodland locations for family days out and relaxing time in nature.

Looking for shade after lunch?

Bristol Suspension Bridge - Avon Gorge
Blog
07 June 2025

Looking for some shaded forests to explore near you in Bristol? We’ve got the ultimate guide to beating the city heat.

Open space with trees
Blog
26 June 2019

Beat the heat | Top spots near London to cool down this summer

Blakemere lake with leaves from trees around the edge of the picture
Blog
22 July 2019

Escape the city heat with one of our top spots near Manchester

The Angel of the North sculpture with blue skies
Blog
04 June 2025

Escape the city this summer with a shady forest walk