Picnic hotspots by the water

1. Three Mills
Surround your self in East London’s gritty history and enjoy some lovely views when you take a trip to Three Mills. You may even catch one of the many events and performances which take place throughout the year at Three Mills Island and on the first Sunday of every month, there is a craft market. Take a walk in the area and really explore the wildlife London’s east end has to offer. On the banks of the River Lee, the mills you will see have milled corn and gunpowder, among many other products. If you haven’t taken your picnic there’s no need to worry, the site has a café.

2. Rembrandt Gardens, Little Venice
In the heart of [in-your-area/london London], you will find Little Venice, a unique area in the capital with a beautiful garden tucked-away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Rembrandt Gardens are full of stunning ornaments, bright and colourful flowers. Use the guides available and see how many different types of tree you can identify. After all that looking, grab your picnic hamper and enjoy the sunshine surrounded by flowers.

3. Marbury Country Park
A picnic spot with plenty to see and do, Marbury Country Park is situated in Northwich, Cheshire. The plants and wildlife around the site are ever-changing throughout the year. Work off the calories from your lunch on a walk along one of the park’s guided trails (many of the walkways are also suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs). Kids can work up an appetite in the play area close to the picnic and BBQ site. If you don’t fancy sitting in the picnic area, why not find a nice, romantic spot and use one of the many picnic benches throughout.

4. Foxton
From the museum to the inclined plane and boat trips to the popular inn, there is so much to see and discover at Foxton Locks. Take one of the canal-side walks and explore the popular tourist destination, and discover an abundance of wildlife that have made Foxton their home. Enjoy lunch in the pub or coffee shop, or why not, get out your sandwiches and watch the ducks and swans?

5. Victoria Embankment Gardens
Recommended by waterscape.com’s editor, Victoria Embankment Gardens is in the heart of London, not too far from the Houses of Parliament. Find Robert Burns, Churchill and Captain Cook standing in the historic 19th century gardens. In the summer, pack yourself up a basket of treats and enjoy one of the many open-air concerts the gardens hold each year.

6. Bude
One of Cornwall’s treasures, Bude is a popular town for tourists to enjoy a break from the trials of everyday life. Walking along the towpath of the Bude Canal, you will be greeted with laughter from the schoolchildren learning how to canoe. Unpack your picnic hamper at one of the picnic benches near the Bude Canal museum and you will see anglers and wildlife in front of you and a lively sea to your right.

7. Tring Reservoirs
For a truly relaxing, tranquil day out, grab your picnic hamper and take a trip to Tring Reservoirs. The area has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is perfect for a day of walking or angling. There are many walks of different lengths for you to try and they are all colour-coded, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost. The area is also famous for the birds which live there, so you might want to remember your binoculars.

8. Froghall
In the beautiful Churnet Valley, Froghall Wharf is located at the end of the one of Britain’s most scenic waterways – the Caldon Canal. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in these impressive surroundings before taking a boat trip along the canal.

9. Laggon Locks
Located at the end of Loch Lochy, Laggon Locks are a great place to stop off for a fun, family picnic. The area is surrounded by wonderful landscaped woodland and has picnic tables from which you will be able to admire the view of the loch and the locks. If a picnic isn’t quite your thing, then try the dutch barge which is home to a licenced bistro, The Eagle-Inn on the Water.

10. Corpach Sealock
At the Fort William end of the Caledonian Canal lies Corpach Sealock, a dramatic site for a picnic. The location lies in the shadow of the grand Ben Nevis mountain and you can drop your car off, get out your hamper and enjoy your picnic while watching the boats coming and going along the canal.

11. Watersmeet
The views from the dramatic cliff tops of the roar of the sea below are bound to give anyone an appetite in Watersmeet. Set off along the North Devon coast, on a sunny day, you may be lucky enough to see Wales as you enjoy your picnic at this part of Exmoor National Park. Popular with walkers, put on your walking boots, take a walk between the quaint villages and stop for a well-earned break in Watersmeet.