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Devon’s top picnic spots

25th March 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Now that spring is here and the weather is getting warmer, it is the perfect time to grab some snacks and enjoy the great outdoors. As more and more restrictions begin to be lifted on the government’s map out of lockdown and we’re able to enjoy more of the county, why not get some fresh air and dine alfresco in some of the region’s best picnic spots?

When thinking about wide open spaces, your mind probably heads straight for Dartmoor – which is good because the moor has loads of space as well as dedicated areas perfect for picnics!

For those of you who love a waterside picnic, Burrator Reservoir might be a good spot for you. It’s a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, so there are plenty of footpaths and flat surfaces, making it accessible for everyone and there are loads of grassy areas next to the water’s edge for you to set up a blanket and enjoy a picnic overlooking the water.
Alternatively, Spitchwick is on the banks of the River Dart and is known for its popularity with picnickers and families.

Image: Dartmoor

If you’re after something a little more rural, well you’re not short of those on Dartmoor! Haytor is a good spot as it is easily accessible from Exeter and Torquay and is one of the most popular tors on the moor. There are lots of low level rocks for you to use to stabilise any food and drink and you have amazing far reaching views of the coastline as well as Hound Tor and the open landscape. Plus, you might spot a Dartmoor Pony or two! Just remember, don’t feed them and don’t approach them, they are wild animals after all.

Dartmoor isn’t the only place that offers amazing picnic spots. For those of you visiting North Devon, why not head to Watermouth Bay? This cove near Ilfracombe has a sheltered harbour so you can be free of any pesky gusts of wind that might seek to ruin your fun and there are picture perfect views across the harbour and Sexton’s Burrows.
Or, for something a little more beachy, you could stop off at Instow Beach on the outskirts of Barnstaple. This beach is also sheltered in comparison to many of the more popular beach resorts and there may or may not be an incredibly popular award winning ice cream parlour there. You know, in case you fancy dessert. If romance is in the air, this is another great spot, it’s one of the best places to catch the sunset in North Devon so set up at dusk and watch the magic happen.

Image: Grand Western Canal

The Mid Devon region is great for those of you who want to be within easy reach of everything Devon has to offer but it also has some pretty spectacular places to hold a picnic. For instance, Tiverton’s Grand Western Canal is a peaceful place with dedicated picnic benches as well as more rustic spots. The canal offers a host of flat, level walking and cycling paths as well as a host of wildlife and of course, later in the year, you’ll be able to enjoy the canal boats making their way up and down the water.

Further south you have the English Riviera and Plymouth, both of which are hugely popular with tourists but have a whole host of places perfect for a spot of alfresco dining. If you want to escape the everyday and enjoy a blast from the past, head to Cockington on the outskirts of Torquay. The village has cobbled streets, thatched cottages and a grand country estate surrounded by parkland where you can set up your own spot and maybe see one of the resident deer.

This part of Devon is well known for its family friendly seaside resorts, so if you want the beach but with a little more privacy, head to Mill Bay in the South Hams region. It’s a lovely sheltered cove in Salcombe that is welcoming to families, couples and solo diners and has amazing views and the kind of sand perfect for sandcastles. Bigbury On Sea is also nearby and is a good spot for beachside picnics, especially if the tide is out so you can walk across to Burgh Island and back. Also, it is always fun watching the sea tractors transporting people across to the island.

Image: Plymouth Hoe

If you’ve chosen to base yourself in Plymouth, there are plenty of opportunities for a picnic here too. Plymouth Hoe is a must visit, it has a large green area so you can easily space yourselves out and makes for an amazing photo spot, especially with Smeaton’s Tower, the Sound and Drake Island all visible from there.

Where are your favourite spots for a picnic in Devon? You can let us know on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to share your photos with us on Instagram, @visitdevon. If you’re planning a picnic this spring/summer as restrictions begin to lift, make sure to leave the area exactly as you found it and to take all litter with you. You can find out more about the latest guidelines on restrictions and advice at gov.uk/coronavirus