Plessey Woods
Plessey Woods near Morpeth is one of our favorite places to spend a Summer’s day with friends. there are a little cafe, visitor center and novelty shop (although check opening times), a frozen dessert van, and a tiny play park near the doorway which is surrounded by fields of grass perfect for ball games.
You can then rehearse the woods following the varied trails through the meadows and by the River Blyth. Parking is now free too.
Carlisle Park
Carlisle Park in Morpeth may be a lovely place to spend a hot day with rowing boats to rent, ducks to feed, an outsized outdoor paddling pool and sandpit, 2 play parks, and various sports pitches also because the more formal William Turner gardens, ‘Ha Hill’ and aviary and woodland walks, there’s such a lot to stay you entertained.
BBQ and Hog Roast buffet catering Northumberland
Druridge Bay Country Park
If you’re taking a visit to Druridge Bay Country Park you’ll have the simplest of both worlds – you’ll enjoy the character and countryside setting next to the Ladyburn lake where you’ll also find a visitor center, cafe, and play area or pop across the parking lot to the fantastic beach which matches on for miles and is usually deserted.
Wallington Hall
Wallington Hall is another National Trust property where you’ll enjoy an ideal picnic. The walled garden near the doorway may be a lovely sheltered place to enjoy a picnic and play games and therefore the lawn beside the most hall provides glorious countryside views. Afterward, you can take a stroll around the lake, build dens within the dedicated ‘den zone’ within the woods, enjoy the indoor play zone or play in one among the three fantastic parks dotted around the grounds. Entry fees apply.
Alnmouth Beach
We have only recently re-discovered Alnmouth beach but oh what a gem it is! Miles of deserted beaches with picnic benches and a frozen dessert van dotted along the grass verge – we’ll definitely be packing a picnic and spending the day at the beach this Summer.
Warkworth Castle
We’ve already enjoyed a picnic at Warkworth Castle this year and find it’s grounds to be particularly suited to al fresco dining. The grass ahead of the Castle keep really is that the perfect setting to enjoy a Fentimans lemonade (available chilled from the gift shop).
Alnwick Garden
Although there are some fabulous dining options available at Alnwick Garden (the Treehouse and Pavillion cafe are both fantastic), a picnic shouldn’t be overlooked. it’s wonderful sitting on the grass outside the Grand Cascade and enjoying a scone whilst watching the fountains dance. Some friendly ducks will probably waddle past and your children can play on the garden tractors as you pack your picnic away before exploring the remainder of the garden.
Hadrian’s Wall
Our favorite spot for a picnic on Hadrian’s Wall is Chesters Roman Fort. There are many picnic tables near the doorway and therefore the countryside setting is gorgeous. Plus you’ll grab a hot drink from the recently opened tearoom. I really like walking right down to the viewing platform by the river too. Entrance fees apply to some sites.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Pack a picnic, park your car at Craster and luxuriate in the scenic walk along the coast towards Dunstanburgh Castle. you will have aroused an appetite and there are a couple of picnic tables dotted around the castle for you to enjoy your sandwiches whilst taking within the spectacular views. Admission charges may apply.