Best spots to celebrate National Picnic Week 22-27 June

Best spots to celebrate National Picnic Week 22-27 June

Best spots to celebrate National Picnic Week 22-27 June

If you’re not already gearing up for National Picnic Week 2021 next month then regard this blog post as a reminder.

At the same time, if you happen to be living in – or heading towards – Cambridge around the week of 22 to 27 June, here are some of the best spots to unpack your picnic basket in.

Here are our favourite Cambridge picnicking spots:

 

Grantchester Meadows

This lovely spot, beloved of Pink Floyd fans (after which one of their songs is named) provides plenty of pretty spots to slumber and picnic at.

Sitting to the south of Cambridge, you can get there by walking across Lammas Land by the River Cam.

From Paradise nature reserve, follow the road called Grantchester Meadows to the actual wildflower meadows. You’ll also find the footpath to the pretty village of Grantchester there.

 

Lammas Land

Sitting by the Fen Causeway, Lammas Land is an excellent picnic spot in itself and is within walking distance of the city centre.

This is a great place to picnic with kids since there’s a paddling pool and large play area little ones can run around in.

Adults can work off the calories afterwards with a round of tennis or enjoy a few leisurely games of bowls.

 

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

With plants and animal species spread out over a huge 40 acres, the Botanic Gardens is one of the jewels of Cambridge’s crown.

This is especially the case during the light evenings of July when you’ll also find live music playing here (who says you can’t have a picnic at night?).

There’s lots to see, do, and smell here. It’s worth a visit at any time, even a picnic. Did we mention that it’s over 180 years old?

Best picnic spots
Having a picnic

Midsummer Common

Pretty much in the centre of Cambridge and with the River Cam down one side, Midsummer Common isn’t exactly a long walk away so good for toddlers and their little legs.

This huge, open piece of ancient grassland has been used to house fairs and outdoor exhibitions in the city for centuries.

At one time it was used as grazing land and now and again you’ll still be able to spot the odd herd of cattle, heads bowed, and tucking in.

Milton Country Park

The last favourite spot in Cambridge to make our Top 5, Milton Country Park is 95-acres of greenery, lakes and woodland trails sitting just north of the city.

As well as picnicking here, you can also do a bit of paddleboarding, canoeing or open water swimming – if you remember to bring along the wet suit.

If for some reason, you forget your picnic well, there’s always a café to satisfy your hunger pangs (as well as a visitor centre to have a wander around).

Finally, if you’re wondering what to put in your picnic basket then super-chef @jamieoliver has the answer: “Think about recipes that are fun and colourful to keep kids interested and are big enough on flavour that the adults will love them, too. Try homemade hummus with crunchy veg for dipping or gorgeous grilled chicken skewers.”

Get more inside information on the best Cambridge spots at our website CheckedInn.