Is there a more optimistic British pastime than a picnic? The sun makes a fleeting appearance, and suddenly we’re loading up a cool bag, dusting off the picnic blanket and convincing ourselves this will be the year we master outdoor dining without getting sand in the sandwiches.

With it being National Picnic Week (Mon 15 – Sun 21 Jun), there’s no better excuse to head outdoors and make the most of Norfolk’s glorious open spaces. Whether you’re planning a romantic lunch for two, a family day out or a long, lazy catch-up with friends, the county is packed with picnic-perfect locations. So stock up on strawberries, don’t forget the napkins and pray the weather gods are feeling generous. Here are the best picnic spots in Norfolk.

COASTAL

Winterton Beach

Winterton Beach is the perfect coastal escape if you’re looking to dodge the crowds. With miles of golden sand and rolling dunes to explore, there’s plenty of space to spread out your picnic blanket and claim your own little patch of paradise. It’s a favourite with dog walkers, but thanks to the sheer size of the beach, finding a peaceful spot is rarely a problem. Keep an eye on the waves, too – you might even see one of Winterton’s famous seals popping up to say hello.

Blakeney

Ah, beautiful Blakeney. Nestled within North Norfolk’s stunning coastline, this much-loved spot is best known for its resident grey seals, excellent crabbing and vast skies. But it’s also one of the county’s most scenic places to unpack a picnic. For something a little more adventurous, hop on a boat (or, if conditions allow, walk) out to Blakeney Point, where wild dunes, sweeping coastal views and a blissful sense of remoteness make for an unforgettable alfresco lunch. Just be sure to check the tides before setting off.

Cley-next-the-Sea

If you prefer your sarnies without a side of sand then Cley-next-the-Sea beach is the picnic destination for you. A mile down the road from Blakeney, the pretty shingle beach is spacious and dog-friendly – just don’t forget the picnic blanket to sit on as those pebbles get uncomfortable after a while.

Ringstead Downs

Ringstead Downs is one of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in the county, with an incredible range of plants and flowers as well as around 20 species of butterfly. Sitting close to the North Norfolk coast, this rural idyll is less than a 10 minute drive away from all the amenities, amusements and stripy cliffs of Hunstanton (above).

PARKS & GARDENS

Norfolk Lavender, Heacham

It’s officially lavender season, and the seas of proud purple should stay in bloom until the end of August. Head to Norfolk Lavender where you can take in the huge flower garden with 100s of different species of lavender before setting up your picnic by the animal gardens and play park. There’s a tearoom onsite should you require extra sausage rolls.

Eaton Park, Norwich

Eaton Park is the perfect place for a picnic in the heart of the city. It’s great for the kids as there is so much for them to do – including a toy boating lake, mini golf, a large play area, a skateboard park and loads of paths for little ones to scoot and cycle along.

The Plantation Garden, Norwich

The Plantation Garden is a fantastic Victorian sunken garden in Norwich, with all sorts of gothic grottos and magical walkways to explore. It’s practically in the centre of the city, but it feels like a hidden little secret – perfect for a romantic lunch al fresco.

WOODLAND

Thetford Forest

There are soo many lovely spots around Thetford Forest to pitch a picnic. Pre or post woodland walk there’s Two Mile Bottom with its beech trees, play area and picnic tables making it a great all-rounder, Lynford Arboretum for its flora and fauna, Great Hockham for serious walkers (and serious picnic-ers) and the Lynford Stag a favourite with the kids for obvious reasons – the large deer statue joining you for lunch! You’re not far from all the fun of High Lodge either if you still have balls of energy to burn off.

HERITAGE SPOTS

Castle Acre Priory

This site is really exciting for history buffs, as it’s one of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England – dating back to 1090! There’s some really beautiful architecture to look at, and you can enjoy the wonderful grounds before you stop for a nibble. Castle Acre is part of English Heritage, so members can get in for free.

Blickling Estate, Blickling

Blickling Estate offers all sorts of options, whatever your picnic style – from manicured lawns or lakeside spots to wild undergrowth and kaleidoscopic gardens. With over 4,600 acres to sprawl out on, you don’t have to worry about anyone nicking your spot!

Sheringham Park, Sheringham

Sheringham Park is another National Trust property – with miles of coastline views, nuggets of interesting architecture as well as lots of comfy grass to set up camp. Enjoy sweeping parkland, glorious flowers as well as a huge amount of woodland creatures for the little ones to spot.

St Benet’s Abbey

St Benet’s Abbey is in an isolated, atmospheric ancient monastery that lies deep in the very heart of the Broads. It’s still part of a working farm, so you might be able to spot some lambs or other little cuties while enjoying your snacks.

Sandringham Estate

For a more fancy affair, picnic like royalty on the Sandringham Estate. Spoilt for choice with over 243 hectares of pretty parkland to choose from, your chances of spotting King Charles are pretty slim but at least you won’t be bothered by hoards of other picnic goers. Naturally there are some fab facilities too with a café, gift shop, loos and walking trails should you need to walk off that last Scotch egg.

WATERSIDE

Caen Meadow, Wroxham

Shhh! Caen Meadow is a hidden gem in Wroxham, the capital of The Broads. It’s perfect for the kids to splash around in the river (just mind the swans) and surrounded by green space and woodland. A truly blissful family picnic spot (you’ll find it just off Church Lane). Do bear in mind that there is no parking or toilets at this site.

Santon Downham, Thetford Forest

Santon Downham is a beautifully quiet village on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Nestled nearby is St Helen’s picnic place, a super-popular picnic spot on sunny days with lots of room in the river, sandy banks, deeper pools, and longer quieter stretches.

Whitlingham Country Park, Trowse

Whitlingham Country Park feels like a proper country spot, so it’s hard to believe you’re only a five minute drive from busy Norwich. If you’re feeling extra energetic, you can hire a variety of nautical crafts at Whitlingham Adventure – and the cake in the flint barn information centre and café is rather lovely, too.

The best picnic spots in Norfolk: 15 gorgeous places to roll out a blanket this summer

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