Pack your scotch eggs and the obligatory lashings of ginger beer - let's head to these outdoor beauty spots across Norfolk to enjoy lunch al fresco!

Are you all about a beautiful wicker basket packed with fizz and crustless sandwiches – or a glorified packed lunch with mountains of Tupperware and sausage rolls? (Guilty as charged!) Fear not, our Muddy guide to the loveliest local picnic spots will at least ensure the location is perfect – and the food could be too with £500 of free Ocado deliveries up for grabs (well hello, M&S Deli range).

Coastal 

Winterton Beach

Winterton Beach is a great coastal option for those who want to get away from the crowds, with both the beach and the dunes to explore. It’s popular with dog walkers, but the beach is huge – so it’s not hard to find a nice little exclusive spot. Plus, you might spot a seal popping up to say hello.

Blakeney 

Ah, beautiful Blakeney – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Norfolk coast. Famous for its grey seals and crabbing, Blakeney is also home to wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the coastline. For a truly unique, unspoilt and wild picnic spot you can take a boat (or walk) out to Blakeney Point – but you’ll have to time it just right with the tides.

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 twenty 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 and amusements of Hunstanton.

River, Lake & Broad 

Caen Meadow, Wroxham

Sshhh – 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.

Whitlingham Park, Trowse

Whitlingham 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 cafe is rather lovely, too.

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.

Historic 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! The site has 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 Hall, 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.

City Parks & Gardens 

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.