As National Picnic Week falls in June, we thought we’d recommend some local picnic spots, so you too can get involved! Just remember, to take your litter with you when you leave, so we can maintain the beauty of East Devon.
The Byes
Located between the Toll House in Sidmouth and the village of Sidford, which is just next door and also well worth a visit, this area features beautiful riverside walks, meadows and green areas which are perfect for a picnic. You can easily walk to the Byes from the centre of town and it is dog friendly, so everyone can enjoy a visit!
Whitecross Picnic Site
You can find this site at the end of the East Hill Strips. The site features an area of woodland and has some amazing views across the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is grassland and benches to choose from, so even those that are sensitive to grass can enjoy a nice picnic.
Blackmore Gardens
Located within the centre of town on the grounds of Blackmore House, this is now a public space with some lovely seasonal plants. The gardens are a tranquil place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and there is an aromatic garden, providing a wonderful sensory experience.
Connaught Gardens
Above Jacob’s Ladder Beach and full of seasonal plants, this is a wonderful place to sit and while away the hours. During the summer months, the town band takes over the bandstand and there are several festivals that make use of the gardens too.
The Ham
This recreation field has lots of facilities to keep the kids entertained while out and about in Sidmouth, you’ll even find a zipline there! There’s a huge space, so everyone can find a spot to play, eat and sun themselves.
Core Hill Wood
With some lovely views looking down on Sidmouth town centre, this wooded area is around 2 miles from the centre of town and is managed by the woodland trust. The public footpaths offer some scenic walks and you can find some shady spots to keep out of the sun
Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve
Found within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can explore secluded valleys, cliff tops and heathland, so there are lots of options for a picnic.
Sidmouth Town Beach
The beach is one of our favourite places in the town and there is something quite special about eating a picnic while listening to the waves lapping against the shore. This is one of the busiest places to stop for a picnic, especially on a summer’s day, but we still love setting down our towels and tucking into a sandwich.
Salcombe Hill
There is a carpark here which features a couple of places where you can have your picnic either before or after you embark on the walking trails around the hill. Salcombe Hill is great for walks and is dog friendly and accessible for prams and wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy a day out.
Have we convinced you to enjoy some al fresco dining while in Sidmouth? Make sure to tag us in your post, we’d love to see where you choose.