Salisbury's perfect picnic spots!
Tomorrow (Sunday 19th June) is the beginning of National Picnic Week, so why not pack up a basket and enjoy a spot of alfresco dining this weekend.
With lots of wide open, green spaces, our city in the countryside is the perfect location for a picnic.
Here are some of the best places for picnics in Salisbury:
Old Sarum
Climb the ramparts of Old Sarum and enjoy a fantastic view of Salisbury and its cathedral spire. Visitors can picnic anywhere on the English Heritage site. Both the inner and outer baileys are covered in grass making them ideal for a gathering of friends or family whilst exploring over 2,000 years of history.
Queen Elizabeth Gardens
On warm days, Queen Elizabeth Gardens is a popular choice for picnicking families and with leveled access it’s a good spot for wheelchairs and scooters. Sit on the banks of the River Avon, enjoy a paddle and let the kids exhaust themselves in the play area. From here, you can also take a walk along the Town Path and through the water meadows where you get an uninterrupted view of Salisbury Cathedral and can see wildlife at play.
The Greencroft
The Greencroft is a grassed area with a children’s play park and basketball court near Bourne Hill. In spring, a stunning display of daffodils attracts additional interest from visitors. If you want a quieter location for a family picnic, this is a good option. It also has good access for wheelchairs and scooters.
Salisbury Cathedral Close
If you like a picnic with a view then you can't get much better than the lawn at Salisbury Cathedral. Sit back and marvel at the tallest spire in the country while tucking into your nibbles. There is plenty of green space for the children to run around, and if you want to add an ice-cream or hot coffee to your picnic then the Bell Tower Tea Room offers many take-away options during the summer months.
Churchill Gardens
For families, Churchill Gardens has it all: grass areas for games, two play areas (one for the younger children and one for the older children), a skate park, Disc Golf and some outside gym equipment. It is also framed by the River Avon, which creates an ideal location for riverside picnics, looking out for wildlife, and having fun. Disabled access is also good here, with paths laid to tarmac.
Harnham Recreation Ground
Harnham Recreation Ground is a beautifully tranquil spot with stunning views towards the Cathedral. The River Nadder, which flows through the grounds, and a wildflower area enhance the natural beauty of the area and make it a perfect setting for a picnic and afternoon stroll to spot wildlife. It is just to the south west of the city and can be easily reached via the Town Path from Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
Whichever spot you choose, Salisbury has a range of fantastic shops and takeaways where you can pick up the perfect picnic products.
And, please remember to either put your picnic rubbish in a bin or take it home with you because we love our city and want to keep it looking beautiful!