As the weather starts to get warmer and the spring flowers start to make an appearance, why not head out and watch the seasons change with some tasty snacks? Picnics are a great British pastime and with the abundance of outdoor space available to you in Devon – there’s nowhere better to pop down a blanket and crack open a basket of your favourite finger foods! Just remember to take all your litter with you and leave the area as you found it for others to enjoy their picnics there too!
Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy a picnic this spring.
Cockington Village
Cockington can be found just outside Torquay and is one of south Devon’s best loved chocolate box villages. The village is full of thatched cottages and is mostly car free, so it isn’t unusual to spot a horse drawn carriage ambling along the road. The village is home to Cockington Park, a sprawling country estate with a deer park attached and is a popular spot in the warmer months with walkers, sunbathers and those playing games on the grass. In the spring, you can see the new blooms coming through and if you’re lucky, you might see a deer or two.
Eggesford Forest
This forest is in North Devon and has a whole network of different pathways, as well as links with the Tarka rail line. The trees provide the perfect shade on sunnier days and there is a dedicated picnic area at Hilltown Wood carpark. If you fancy working up an appetite, explore the various trails and pathways before stopping off to eat.
Watermouth Bay
Located near Ilfracombe, Watermouth Cove is a sheltered harbour with some lovely views, ideal for refreshing after a coastal walk. While you eat your sandwiches and sausage rolls, you can take in the boats that moor at the nearby harbour and check out some of the rock pools near the shore, where you can find some interesting creatures.
Roadford Lake
Roadford Lake is a premium tourist attraction in its own right, with lots of activities to enjoy but if you fancy just taking in the nature, it’s a lovely place to have a picnic. The lake is the largest area of fresh water in South West England and is very peaceful and picturesque.
Young’s Park, Goodrington
This historic park overlooks Goodrington Sands near Paignton and is an ideal for family picnics. The park features a boating lake, where you can often spot model boat owners setting sail and a crazy golf course, which is always fun.
Grand Western Canal Country Park
The Grand Western Canal is another hugely popular tourist attraction, located in Tiverton, there is a nature reserve, canal paths and more to explore here with a variety of picnic benches dotted around. Aside from the wildlife, you can also spot horse drawn barges making their way up and down the canal (they’re some of the last in the UK!) as well as kayakers and canoeists. It’s a lovely place for people watching and seeing spring unfold.
