Paw-sitively excited to venture out into the great outdoors with your furry friend? Well, pack your basket and put on your adventure boots, because we have sniffed out some of the most tail-wagging picnic spots across the UK! In collaboration with our partners at Admiral Pet Insurance, we have curated a list of 12 picturesque locations that are sure to make both you and your furry-legged companion jump for joy.
Peace of Mind on Your Adventures
While enjoying these fabulous places and ensuring safe and respectful walks with your dog, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. That’s why Admiral’s pet insurance policies include PawSquad, a service that allows you to take a virtual vet anywhere you go. With PawSquad, you have free access to 24-hour veterinary advice from qualified, UK-registered vets. So, alongside comprehensive pet insurance, PawSquad ensures worry-free adventures for you and your furry companion.
1. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye are a sight to behold. Set amidst a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, the pools are renowned for their crystal-clear blue waters cascading through the glen. Put on your hiking boots and venture along the footpaths with your dog. The enthralling scenery is a perfect backdrop for enjoying a picnic with some classic Scottish delicacies such as pork pie and piccalilli.
2. Cawsand to Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, England
This picturesque route starts in the idyllic village of Cawsand and leads right across to Whitsand Bay in Cornwall. With stunning coastal views and gentle sea breezes, it’s the perfect place for a coastal walk and picnic with your dog. The path is dotted with spots to lay down a blanket and enjoy the panorama of the ocean.
3. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland is well-known for the stunning castle that dominates the skyline and is believed to have been built in the 6th century. The beach is dog-friendly all year round and also has some interesting rock pools and a small lighthouse. With its majestic backdrop and the invigorating sea air, it’s an ideal location for a beachside picnic with your pooch.
4. Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
This award-winning beach is an unspoiled paradise. With golden sands and turquoise waters, Barafundle Bay offers plenty of space to play and relax by the ocean. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a seaside picnic with your dog, so pack a blanket, some sandwiches, and don’t forget the doggy treats!
5. Saint Herbert’s Island, Cumbria, England
This picturesque island in Cumbria is steeped in history and surrounded by the natural beauty of Derwentwater lake. The island is accessible by boat and offers serene spots for an alfresco lunch. The tranquil surroundings and local history of Saint Herbert make it a unique picnic destination.
6. Buttermere, Lake District, England
Buttermere, with its reflective lake and towering mountains, is an idyllic spot. The area, beloved by the poet William Wordsworth, offers a range of walking trails. Find a scenic spot along the lakeshore, lay down your picnic blanket, and enjoy the view with your furry friend.
7. Gibside, Newcastle, England
Gibside offers a taste of grandeur with its historic Gibside Hall and landscaped gardens. It’s a National Trust site with miles of woodland and riverside walks, perfect for exploring with your dog. The classical chapel and column of liberty are must-see landmarks. Settle in the walled garden for a leisurely picnic.
8. Nantcol Waterfalls, Snowdonia, Wales
Nestled in the Snowdonia National Park, Nantcol Waterfalls is known for its enchanting waterfalls and lush valley. It has been voted as one of the most Instagrammable picnic spots in the country. The area offers various walking trails that are perfect for exploring with your pooch before settling down for a delightful picnic by the waterfalls.
9. Padley Gorge Trail, Peak District, England
Padley Gorge is a mystical woodland with ancient trees and a bubbling brook. The trail leads through a fairytale-like forest, making it an ideal place for a woodland picnic. Pack some sandwiches, perhaps a bottle of champagne, and let yourself get lost in the beauty of the forest with your four-legged companion.
10. Jephson Gardens, Leamington, England
Jephson Gardens is a beautiful, award-winning park in the heart of Leamington Spa. It boasts stunning flowerbeds, a serene lake, and 14 acres of maintained gardens. It’s a dog-friendly space, where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the vibrant colours of the garden.
11. Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire, England
The Wimpole Estate is a majestic location featuring Gothic architecture, a grand hall, and extensive gardens. The estate transports you back in time with its historical ambiance. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens with your dog, and pick a spot on the vast grounds for a royal picnic experience.
12. Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley, England
The ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are a remarkable piece of history set within a tranquil valley. The serene atmosphere and impressive architectural remnants make it an excellent place for a picnic. Enjoy the lush green surroundings as you and your dog explore the grounds, and settle in for a picnic amidst the historical setting.
Where Will You Picnic This Summer?
When planning your picnic, remember to pack a mix of snacks for both you and your dog, and bring plenty of water. It’s essential to respect the local wildlife and keep your dog on a lead where required. Also, always remember to leave the place as you found it, taking any litter with you.
Where will you picnic this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
