Enjoying a picnic with family and friends is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious food, spend time with people you love, and get that satisfyingly healthy feeling from being in the great outdoors! Ready to discover some great Picnic Spots in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight?
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have some perfect places for picnics within their many great attractions. Enjoy a bite to eat amongst beautiful surroundings and wide-open spaces!
Picnic spots near the New Forest
Not only does Paultons Park offer over 70 rides and attractions within the ticket price, but the family theme park also spreads over 140 acres and offers a great range of beautiful gardens and perfect picnic spots in Hampshire for your family!
Peace, beauty, and maritime history… settle back and relax at one of the most peaceful spots in the New Forest. The historic village of Buckler’s Hard once provided ships for Nelson’s Navy but is now a tranquil haven. Sit and wave to passing boats, explore the historic village, and learn about its history in the Maritime Museum.
Why not enjoy a family picnic nestled in a secret woodland garden in the heart of the New Forest? With rare and unusual plants and over 40 fairy doors, there is something for everyone in Furzey Gardens!
Fantastic picnic spots in Hampshire
Gilbert White & The Oates CollectionsGilbert White & The Oates Collections is the perfect place for a picnic in Hampshire with 25 acres of garden and parkland. You can picnic with views of the famous Selborne hanger, or nestle in one of Gilbert White’s secret alcoves, and with a great cafe on site if you forget anything the museum has you covered!
The Watercress Line has two glorious picnic areas at Alresford and Ropley stations, both south-facing with plenty of space. You can watch the steam trains chuff past while enjoying your picnic, or treat the children to a delicious picnic box from their buffet at Alresford.
Staunton Country Park is a great place for a family picnic in Hampshire! The picturesque walled garden is a great place to visit for a moment of solitude and they’re dog-friendly.
Head to Chawton and Enjoy the open space at Chawton House followed by Parkland walks or be inspired like Jane Austen and soak up the atmosphere at Jane Austen’s House with a picnic on the green.
The Army Flying Museum’s fabulous airfield views mean you can enjoy watching aircraft in action whilst tucking into your picnic. Why not enjoy some freshly prepared sandwiches and delicious cakes from the Apache Café? There is plenty of outdoor space and a fun children’s playground to keep young ones entertained.
Places for a Picnic in Portsmouth
Butser Ancient FarmRelax amongst the ancient buildings of Butser Ancient Farm, cosy up beside a roaring fire and enjoy a tasty picnic on one of their many outdoor picnic tables. The small cafe at Butser Ancient Farm offers a selection of takeaway snacks, cold and hot drinks, and ice cream to supplement your feast, plus the farm is dog friendly so four-legged family members don’t need to be left out! View more great farms in Hampshire here.
Clarence Pier in Southsea is situated opposite to one of Britain’s award-winning best picnic spots, Southsea Common, with its vast open space. The area is adjacent to the popular seafront promenade and beach, which is ideal for kite flying, picnics, and informal ball games. Southsea Common in Hampshire is a great place to hang out with friends or family and enjoy the view of the beach or watch the ships passing. Southsea Common is also a fantastic place to bring the kids to play at over the summer or have a picnic with a couple of friends.
Fort Nelson’s picnic benches are set in acres of history, with panoramic views and plenty of outdoor space to explore. Fun family activities include a sandbag maze and a dynamite monster hunt. So bring a pack-up and enjoy all the Fort has to offer. Pre-book your free visit.
Southampton picnic spots
Bring a blanket and picnic within Exbury’s beautiful woodland gardens. Take in the stunning surroundings beside one of Exbury’s many ponds, contemplate the boats on the Beaulieu River from Home Wood, or watch the steam train chug across the top of the Rock Garden. Picnic benches are also available.
With woodland, riverside, and open space, River Hamble Country Park has a wide variety of picnic spots! You can also hire a BBQ for a celebration, social gathering or just to make your visit extra special! So, take a gentle ramble in the countryside and enjoy the beauty of Hampshire’s countryside.
Royal Victoria Country Park is the place for a picnic by the water with its stunning views across the Solent. If sea views are what you are after then head over to Lepe Country Park.
Picnics are welcome at the arboretum, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, within the 180-acre space. You’ll be in good company with the 42,000 trees and shrubs!
Picnic spots on the Isle of Wight
Osborne HouseHeading over to the sunny and beautiful Isle of Wight? You will be pleased to know that there’s an excellent range of family-orientated eateries. Also with indoor kids’ corners and outdoor playgrounds to enjoy! The spectacular scenery on the Island is perfect for family picnics.
Step back in time and picnic with wonderful views of Carisbrooke Castle, with good-sized lawned areas, benches, and picnic tables.
You may also be interested in the glorious gardens & country parks for days out in Hampshire blog! Don’t forget to share your favourite picnic spot with us using #hantsdaysout! To stay up to date, be sure to check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. You’ll never be short of day-out ideaPicnic Spots in Hampshire and the Isle of Wights!