Top Ten Pretty Places to Picnic on the Great West Way

There's nothing nicer than a picnic on a sunny Summer's day, surrounded by gentle English countryside. It’s the perfect way to get away from the crowds, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. So pack your hamper, grab a picnic rug and come with us to explore some of the nicest green spaces to picnic along the Great West Way. 

If you’re planning a picnic here on the Great West Way this summer, please remember to take all your litter away with you and only have a BBQ if you’re in a designated BBQ area.

Alexandra Park, Bath

If you’re visiting the beautiful city of Bath during your trip along the Great West Way, we recommend walking up to Alexandra Park. It’s a steep climb, but once you reach the hilltop park you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views across the city of Bath. The 11-acre park offers a peaceful, tranquil space away from the bustle of the city centre - and you will definitely have earned that picnic!

Donnington Castle, near Newbury

Overlooking the market town of Newbury, and located bang in the middle of the Great West Way are the remains of Donnington Castle. This picturesque ruin with wide open views across the Berkshire countryside makes for a very pleasant picnic spot.

Wilton Windmill

Built in 1821, Wilton Windmill is a historic Wiltshire landmark near Great Bedwyn in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated on a hillside overlooking stunning open countryside, you’ll certainly have a pretty backdrop for your picnic. Guided tours of the windmill are only available during opening hours, but the picnic area itself is accessible at all times.

Windsor Great Park

With 5,000 acres of open space, you'll never struggle to find a quiet spot to lay out your picnic spot in Windsor Great Park. After you’ve eaten, why not go for a stroll around the Deer Park and see if you can spot the resident deer.

Cotswold Water Park

With 170 lakes set over 40 square miles across the countryside of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire, the Cotswold Water Park offers lots of fabulous countryside to explore, with glorious lake views and plenty of secluded spots for your picnic. There are a number of different car parks and picnic sites at the Park, so make sure you Know Before You Go by checking the details of the specific location you’re planning to visit.

The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is often said to be Britain’s oldest road – parts of the route have been used by travellers for 5,000 years. Today, you can walk all the way from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon, or simply choose a section for a shorter walk. Whichever part of the Ridgeway you head to, there are lots of lovely places to stop and picnic along the way. We would recommend Barbury Castle, Avebury stone circle, or the Wantage Memorial as great places to stop for a bite along the route.

The Downs, Bristol

You might not expect to find a huge area of open green space within walking distance of the attractions in Bristol city centre - but Clifton Down and Durdham Down offer just that. Relax on the grass, enjoy something to eat and then wonder over towards Clifton village for views of Avon Gorge and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Richmond Park

At the Eastern end of the Great West Way route you'll find Richmond Park, just a stone's throw from central London. Here there are wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds - an ideal location for a lazy weekend picnic.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is a remarkable place for people to enjoy and learn about trees. There are 15,000 trees from all over the globe growing here, with plenty of places to walk and picnic.

Prospect Park, Reading

The largest park in Reading, Prospect Park offers 120 acres of wide open green space - giving you lots of choice to find the perfect picnic spot away from the crowds. If you're visiting with young children, look out for the minature railway that runs once a month. 

While you’re out and about enjoying the green spaces along the Great West Way, you might also like to look at the Best Places to get Active, 15 photos of stunning English countryside along the Great West Way and Top 10 Picturesque Places to Enjoy Nature.