National Picnic Week returns this June from 17th-25th which means it is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors for a good old-fashioned British classic. To help you find the best spot for a picnic this National Picnic Week, here are some of the highest-rated picnic spots across the county.
The Byes, Sidmouth
4.8 star rating
The highest rated spot according to Google reviews was the Byes in Sidmouth. The Byes is made up of fields and follows the route of the River Sid, Devon’s smallest river. There are plenty of spots for enjoying a picnic along the route and its beautiful whatever the season.
Cockington Country Park, Torquay
4.7 rating
If you’re looking for a traditional chocolate box village, Cockington near Torquay is the place to go! The Country Park are the grounds of the manor house and is a lovely spot for a picnic, especially in the summer.
Grand Western Canal Country Park, Tiverton
4.7 star rating
This scenic park and nature reserve is a haven for those that love being active, there are walking trails, cycling trails and even a horse-drawn barge that you can ride down the canal! At various points along the route are picnic benches which give you a lovely view of the canal and the surrounding greenery.
Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot
4.6 star rating
With 14 acres of woodland, lake, marsh, heathland, grassland and known as a designated dragonfly hotspot this is a great option for a day out, let alone a picnic. The nature reserve has a variety of facilities, including trampers for hire and has car parking on site.
Riverside Valley Park, Exeter
4.6 star rating
Managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust and just a mile from Exeter Quay is this lovely park with views across the city. It’s a good spot for bird watching and there are grazing animals around in the summer months, so make sure to take your litter with you
The Maer, Exmouth
4.5 star rating
Close to the sea front, this is a secret haven for wildlife and is known for being home to insects and skylarks which are becoming rare in other parts of the UK. Just be aware that you might come across swarms of bees and certain types of wasp while picnicking.
Colyton Picnic Area, Hillhead
4.5 star rating
This area of Colyton is dedicated to the memory of a local doctor and is a popular spot in the town for picnics. If you’re planning to make your way there on foot, look out for the Doctor’s Stone, a stone seat just along from the picnic site which is a good place to rest your feet on the climb.
Coombe Valley Local Nature Reserve, Teignmouth
4.5 star rating
This valley is a network of paths and has several seats and benches that are perfect for a picnic. Teignmouth and its neighbouring Dawlish have a host of lovely nature reserves to explore and are a good spot for a picnic. Combe Valley can be found in the more residential area of Teignmouth, so are often quieter than the others that can be found in the tourist areas of the town.
Watermouth Bay, Ilfracombe
4.5 star rating
With a natural shelter and picturesque views, this bay is a lovely spot to stop while exploring the North Devon coast. You can find it between Hele Bay and Combe Martin and isn’t far from Watermouth Castle, which is now a tourist attraction in its own right.
Rock Park, Barnstaple
4.5 star rating
Known as Barnstaple’s urban park, you’ll find several listed monuments and structures here, including an obelisk that identifies the park’s entrance. It’s an ideal spot for people watching and is a good spot for a rest and some refreshment after exploring Barnstaple.
Where will you be heading for your picnic during National Picnic Week? Let us know!
