Herefordshire’s Top Picnic Spots

Herefordshire is brimming with acres of parkland, splashing rivers and budding gardens – so why not unpack your picnic blanket and head out one summer afternoon? July is national picnic month and this is the county to escape to and explore in 2019. We are here to help you decide the best place to spend lazy summer afternoons with friends and family; presenting Herefordshire’s top picturesque picnic spots.

Symonds Yat

The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery, woodland expanses and its challenging rock faces. Canoe along the popular village wildlife spotting and bring along your picnic blankets and sit on the riverside, taking in the view. Sit and ponder the history of the ancient fishing town, or journey to Symonds Yat Rock, which towers 120 metres above the river and is home to resident Peregrine Falcons.
https://www.royalforestofdean.info/wye-valley/symonds-yat.shtml

Newbridge Farm Park

The perfect place to visit with your children from Easter through to the end of September. A combination of fun, adventure and education; this really is a fantastic summer picnic spot for all the family. Bring your sandwiches and squash to one of their outdoor benches and let your children enjoy everything from the play barn to the sandpits and zipwire. Explore the grounds and meet some furry friends – enjoying something from the picnic basket in between.
http://newbridgefarmpark.com

Newbridge Farm Park, Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

Main photo is of Newbridge Farm Park

The Brockhampton Estate

 The ancient grounds of Brockhampton are full of great picnic spots, from the damson orchards to one of the six walks around the manor house estate. A short walk away from the much-photographed house itself lie the orchards, where families are welcome to enjoy their own food and the summer sun. If you are looking for a whole day out, you could always take a stroll along one of the wild flower strewn woodland paths, until you find the perfect spot to sit down for a bite to eat.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brockhampton

Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Worcester, WR6 5TB

Queenswood

Queenswood is the place to go if you want to have lunch with a view. Settle under the cover of the arboretum’s ever-changing tall trees, perch down along one of the woodland walks or simply make use of the benches and barbecue facilities by the playground. Children can take part in the interactive Gruffalo Trail and, if you are curious to explore the many paths and trails, you’ll eventually be rewarded with the magnificent view point looking out to the Malvern Hills in the east across to the Black Mountains in the west. The 47 acre site is managed by the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and is as educational as it is beautiful.

https://www.queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org

Queenswood, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, HR6 0PY

Lea & Paget’s Wood

Situated in the beautiful village of Fownhope, Lea & Paget’s Wood is a tranquil place to escape this summer for a peaceful picnic. Admire the ancient woodland, which is complex and brimming with sessile oak trees, or sit amongst the carpets of woodland flowers. Known for its butterflies, fungi foraging, and birdwatching, the wood is also famous for its wildlife, from dormouse to bank vole. Enjoy!
https://www.herefordshirewt.org/nature-reserves/lea-pagets-wood

Lea & Paget’s Wood, Hereford, HR1 4PY

Haugh Wood

Haugh Wood is the place to bring wildlife enthusiasts for a picnic lunch where they should definitely pack their binoculars – this Site of Special Scientific interest is host to a multitude of different species. The ancient woodland spans 850 acres and is especially known for its moths and butterflies, with over 600 species recorded within it. This really is one of the best places to go for a picturesque picnic in summer 2019.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/26982/haugh-wood/

Haugh Wood, Hereford, HR1 4QX

Bodenham Lake

If a woodland picnic isn’t for you, why not visit Bodenham Lake instead? An important site and breeding area for bird and aquatic animals, this is the perfect location for a picnic or stroll through the beautiful lakeside orchards. Keep an eye out for otters and colourful birds – as more than 160 different species have been recorded there.
https://www.queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org

Bodenham Lake, Bodenham, Hereford, HR1 3JT

Birches Farm

A Site of Special Scientific Interest, you can expect a wildlife haven at Birches Farm. Pack your picnic basket and sit in one of the stunning wild flower meadows, bordered by thick hedgerows that give you the feeling of seclusion and serenity. The reserve has two ponds onsite and grazing animals all year round. From swooping birds, to tiny insects and mini mammals, this is a habitat for all. Birches Farm is the place to go to admire Herefordshire amazing countryside and enjoy a picnic with friends this summer.

https://www.herefordshirewt.org/nature-reserves/birches-farm

Birches Farm, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3EY

Bromyard Downs

Gently rising to over 700 feet, the views from the Downs across a westerly/south westerly aspect are incredibly far reaching. An important living landscape, the area of common land is very attractive to walkers and the beautiful wild flower expanses make a perfect picnic carpet. Add in the lightly wooded areas and this is an ideal place to practice your photography skills.

http://www.bromyarddowns.co.uk/

Hergest Ridge

Nestled up in the hills of Kington, Hergest Ridge is a 1,000 acre common straddling the English-Welsh border. Its highest point is 426metres, which gives you utterly tremendous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Forming part of the Offa’s Dyke Path you’ll find periodic benches with, of course, amazing outlooks, perfect for breaking into the sandwich box.

OS grid            SO254562 

For more places to Picnic and visit in Herefordshire, please see our places to visit page.