Picnic season: the best family picnic spots and deli stops

The best family picnic spots combine soft grass, a playground nearby, toilets and a café for back-up, plus a good deli or farm shop on the way to fill the hamper. With the May bank holidays here and long, light evenings ahead, picnic season has officially begun. Here are our favourite family picnic spots in London, the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cumbria and Edinburgh, along with deli stops worth the detour.

Why kid-friendly picnic spots matter

A picnic is the cheapest, most relaxed way to eat out with children, as long as the spot is right. Kids can run between bites, nobody minds crumbs and you can stay as long as you like. A good picnic spot has space to play, shade, toilets nearby and a café for coffee or ice cream.

In May, the weather can turn quickly, so it helps to choose a park or garden with a café or indoor option close by.

What makes picnic spots family-friendly

Look for flat grass, a playground, toilets, shade and a café or deli within walking distance.

• Space: wide lawns for running, ball games and kites.
• Playground: a play area nearby keeps kids happy after eating.
• Toilets and baby change: essential for a long afternoon.
• Shade: trees or a shelter for hot or showery days.
• Café or deli: for coffee, ice cream or forgotten essentials.

Family picnic spots and deli stops by region

Royal parks, botanic gardens and big estates make the best picnic spots, and farm shops and food halls nearby are perfect for filling the hamper. Check opening hours, picnic rules and prices on the official website before you go.

Price: free = no charge, £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£30, £££ = over £30 per family. Rough guide only, prices change.

Find parks and playgrounds in London on the Kid.ooo map

London. Greenwich Park has lawns with views over the river and a playground at the bottom of the hill. Hampstead Heath offers wild meadows and playgrounds near Parliament Hill. For a special treat, pick up picnic goodies from Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly.

Cotswolds and Gloucestershire. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum has wide glades and play trails. Stock up at Daylesford or the farm shop at Gloucester Services on the way.

Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Roundhay Park in Leeds is one of the biggest city parks in Europe, with lakes and play areas. The parkland at Chatsworth is perfect for a picnic by the river.

Cumbria and Scotland. Tebay Services on the M6 has a farm shop deli ideal for a Lakes picnic. In Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is free and peaceful. Many National Trust parks across the UK welcome picnics too.

Find family-friendly cafés in Leeds on the Kid.ooo map

Seasonal treats this month

May brings the first British strawberries, asparagus, new potatoes and elderflower. Pack strawberries, a pot of cream for dipping and homemade elderflower cordial. Mini sausage rolls, cheese scones and pasta salad are easy crowd-pleasers.

Tips for a calm picnic with kids

Pack simple food, bring a ball and plan your exit before everyone gets tired.

• Choose a spot near the playground and toilets.
• Use a waterproof-backed blanket for damp grass.
• Pack wet wipes, bin bags and a small first aid kit.
• Bring a frisbee, bubbles or a kite.
• Keep a warm layer and sun cream handy, as May weather changes quickly.

For more food ideas, see our guides to motorway farm shop stops and kids eat free deals. Pair your picnic with a visit to one of the best adventure playgrounds in London.

For London family days out, take a look at @kidrated on Instagram.

Rate your favourite picnic spot in Kid.ooo

Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents add and rate parks, playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Use it to find playgrounds near me and kid-friendly cafés near me for your next picnic, and leave a rating to help other families.

Find and rate picnic spots on the Kid.ooo map

Missing your favourite picnic spot or deli? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents enjoy picnic season.