The Best Picnic Spots in the Lakes
Summer in the Lake District would not be complete without a picnic. Whether it is a full foodie affair with all the family, a quick sandwich at the top of a fell, or a family feast in the car while it is raining, these picnics will give you memories for years to come.
One of the best spots to have private picnic in the Lake District is the gardens or outside space of your Lake District Cottage. Most of our cottages have outside space for you to relax in the summer sun away from the crowds in your own space, prepared in your own fully equipped kitchen!
If you are looking to venture further afield then here is a quick guide to some lovely spots to stop for a picnic:
1. Loughrigg Tarn
Head north of Windermere and you’ll find Skelwith Bridge village. At the foot of this beautiful place is Loughrigg Tarn, a natural lake which is not only great for a gentle walk but perfect for a picnic.
It’s out of the way compared to many tourist spots in the Lake District and you can often find yourself the only people there, especially in spring and autumn. During summer, the glassy blue water becomes swamped with elegant waterlilies, and you’ll see everything from squirrels rushing up the surrounding trees to amazing butterflies and dragonflies.
2. Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows lies between Coniston Water and Hawkshead and is quite a popular destination for picnic enthusiasts. Like Loughrigg Tarn, it’s a small body of water surrounded by countryside. The walking path is suitable for people of all abilities and there are plenty of picnic spots along the way.
The enchanted woods were initially owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter until later sold to the National Trust. Look carefully, and you’ll see the odd Peter Rabbit scrambling around.
3. Gummer’s How
Another brilliant place near Windermere ideal for summer picnics is Gummer’s How which is above the lakeside. It offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside without too much climbing. If you like the fresh breeze off the sea and a sense of calm, this is the ideal location to set up a blanket and some tasty food.
4. East shore of Coniston Water
Perhaps you’ve got members of your party with reduced mobility or maybe you are looking for a picnic spot where you don’t have to carry cumbersome hampers and chairs very far. If so then Coniston Water offers wonderful waterside places to picnic with a view. The east side of Coniston Water has plentiful access points along its 5-mile length. And with the road closely following the lake shore, it makes for an ideal place to park up and picnic with minimal walking required. Just pick a spot along the pebbled beach and enjoy the glorious views across the lake.
5. Orrest Head
If you walk north along a signposted, accessible footpath from the town of Windermere, it takes you around half an hour to reach Orrest Head and some wonderful views of the lake below. This is the perfect high location for a picnic and is a popular choice both for locals and tourists.
For those who fancy a little exercise before their picnic, there’s a gentle circular walk of about 4 km with plenty of places to stop on the way.
6. Wray Castle
The Lake District is home to many historic buildings and there are quite a few to choose from with spots where you can set up on the ground and have your picnic while enjoying the view. One of the most popular is Wray Castle near Lake Windermere. With its gothic architecture and the surrounding hills and blue waters, it’s an amazing location to visit on a warm summer’s day or evening.
