Top 10 Picnic Spots in Essex

Picnics are the perfect low-cost summer activity to enjoy with friends and family, and Essex offers a delightful mix of scenic landscapes, historic parks, and hidden gems perfect for spreading out a blanket and soaking up the sunshine. Read on for our top picnic spots in Essex!

1. Lee Valley Regional Park

With a mixture of gardens, nature reserves, and peaceful riverside trails, Lee Valley Regional Park offers the perfect picnic scenery. The park boasts over 26 miles of lush green space alongside the River Lee, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The diverse landscapes – from wetlands to woodlands – make it a haven for wildlife lovers! As well as being a great picnic spot in Essex, the Regional Park is home to award-winning sport and leisure facilities, and heritage sites. 

2. Epping Forest

This 2400 hectare ancient woodland is an idyllic place to enjoy a bite to eat surrounded by nature. Bring a basket of goodies and cycle through the trees searching for the perfect spot to relax, or bring along your four-legged friends for a scenic dog walk! Other activities you can enjoy include football, golf, cricket and even boating. Why not visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge? A perfect example of a Tudor hunt standing where you can learn intriguing details of Tudor history. For information and advice on how best to explore this vast outdoor space, stop by one of their four visitor centres.

3. Hylands Estate

Hylands Estate is a must-visit picnic spot in Essex for both locals and visitors, offering 574 acres of breathtaking parkland, gardens, and woodlands. If you’re visiting with young children, the adventure playground and wide open lawns provide a great space for fun and play. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a romantic, peaceful picnic with a special someone, there are more quiet corners to enjoy your lunch and take in the trees, lakeside views, and elegant backdrop of the Grade II listed Hylands House. Many events take place at Hylands Estate throughout the year, including their Open Estate Days on every third Sunday of the month, so be sure to check out their events calendar!

4. Museum of Chelmsford

Situated in the wonderful Oaklands Park, the Museum of Chelmsford is a great day out for the whole family if you’re looking to add a bit of history to your picnic! The museum will transport you through the different periods of Chelmsford’s history, from the Ice Age to present day. When you get peckish, spread out your picnic blanket within the wonderful park that surrounds the museum. If you forgot to bring your lunch, don’t worry! There’s a fantastic café on site selling homemade treats such as sausage rolls, sandwiches and gooey brownies.

4. Saffron Grange Vineyard

We couldn’t make a list of top picnic spots in Essex and not include one of our fantastic vineyards! Saffron Grange is a beautiful family-run vineyard located on the gently sloping hills just outside the quaint market town of Saffron Walden. The vineyard produces delicious, premium sparkling wines, which have won awards since their opening in 2019. After an informative tour, enjoy a tasting of their latest releases outdoors amongst the vines, with scrumptious cheeses, seafood and charcuterie to compliment.

6. Gibberd Garden

The stunning Gibberd Garden will quickly become one of your favourite places to go for a picnic in Essex! Designed by Sir Frederick and Kady Pat Gibberd, the couple have acquired an outstanding collection of modern sculptures and architectural pieces throughout their lifetime. Children will love the various animal sculptures and moated castle, built by Sir Frederick for his grandchildren. Pack your own lunch or enjoy a bite to eat from the Barn Tearoom, staffed by friendly volunteers who also take care of this Grade II listed gem. The Gibberd Garden is open to the public from April to October each year, with a range of events that take place throughout the season.

7. Weald Country Park

Storybook lovers and families will love Weald Country Park, home to the Stick Man play trail inspired by the popular book by Julia Donaldson. This picturesque family-friendly picnic spot in Brentwood boasts 500 acres of peaceful countryside, woodlands, and lakes. Opt to enjoy your picnic under the shade of a tree or soak up the sun in one of the more open spaces. Weald Country Park is known for its spectacular wildlife – spot fallow deer, cattle, herons, mallard ducks and more! The Visitor Centre has a lovely shop where you can purchase food to feed the ducks or outdoor toys for fun family games.

8. Belhus Woods Country Park

Belhus Woods Country Park in South Ockendon is a peaceful and picturesque spot, perfect for a laid-back picnic. With ancient woodlands, open meadows, and tranquil lakes, it offers a beautiful natural setting for families, couples, and solo visitors alike. Enjoy a delicious picnic by the water, feed the ducks, or enjoy a gentle stroll along the scenic trails. The park also features a children’s play area and seasonal activities, making it a great choice for a fun and relaxing day out!

9. Cudmore Grove Country Park

If you’re looking for a picnic on the beach, Cudmore Grove Country Park is the perfect place for you. Open daily from 8am until dusk, Cudmore Grove not only features grassland and meadows, but it’s home to a beautiful sandy beach. An ideal place to relax on a hot summer day – enjoy the cooling sea breeze or dip your toes in the water! There’s also a children’s play area for the little ones to burn off some steam. As well as being a great place to lay down a blanket and enjoy some nibbles, Cudmore Grove Country Park is rich in historic features such as WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements, and a cliff in which 300,000-year-old fossils have been discovered!

10. Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park

This peaceful haven near Billericay is ideal for nature lovers, and a perfect spot for a picnic in Essex. Overlooking the beautiful Hanningfield Reservoir, the park offers tranquil views, woodland trails, and bird hides for spotting local wildlife. Families will enjoy the adventure play area and Wind in the Willows themed nature trail! With a visitor centre, café, and seasonal events, Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park is both a relaxing and enriching day out for all.

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