The best places to picnic in Essex this summer

2nd June 2021

As the weather gets hotter, we are all looking to make the most of the great outdoors. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is to appreciate the beautiful green spaces that surround us, and how better to do this than with a picnic? Anyone can have a picnic, they are affordable and can be adjusted to suit you. Also, Essex offers some amazing spaces, so why not grab a blanket and visit some of the best places and parks in Essex and celebrate 'National Picnic Week' with your loved ones; whether it be family-friendly, romantic or boozy! So, why not consider the following places for your next picnic adventure?

Hylands Park is based in Chelmsford and is a great local park with extensive grounds and flower gardens for everyone to explore. They have three cafes carefully positioned within the grounds, so you can grab yourself a hot coffee, or a sweet treat to accompany your picnic. It is a family friendly park that will keep you busy with a large wooden children's play area, a lake where you can feed the ducks and occasional events which have previously included V Festival and The National Flower Show.

A great spot situated in Maldon on the sloping bank of the river Blackwater, that has a range of things to do and eat, suitable for all picnic needs! It is a popular destination for many reasons including the petting zoo, crazy golf, a splash park, occasional visits from the fun fair and plenty of food including ice cream parlours and a wonderful nearby pub. Promenade Park is the ideal place for a day out, and enjoy a picnic for lunch, so whether you want to sit and enjoy the great views of the river, or find a more secluded spot on the grass there is lovely scenery that alongside lots of great amenities makes Promenade Park an ideal location.

At Lake Meadows, which is located in Billericay, there is plenty of open space for you to throw down your blanket and relax. This large outdoor space would be the perfect place to bring an outdoor game, so why not bring a football or a bat and ball and enjoy some friendly competition. There is also a colourful play area, that can be seen from the outside terrace of the park cafe. Lake Meadows is also an ideal location for you to go on a nature walk and enjoy the fresh air.

Ingatestone Hall is a 16^th century manor house, that is a special historic gem! It is opened to the public for visits during summer (on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon) so if you wanted somewhere a little different for your picnic this is for you as picnics are permitted in their meadow car park. Ingatestone Hall is situated within beautiful gardens that you can take a stroll around, and there is also a small cafe if you forget any of your picnic essentials.

Are you wanting to take a short break from the urbanisation of Romford? Then have a wonder around Bedfords Park. With deer, a fishing lake, woodland, meadows, a visitors centre, gift shop, small cafe and plenty of space to play and relax, there is nothing not to like! It is a great place to check out the wildlife, especially through the activities organised by the visitor centre. It would make a great picnic destination especially in the summer sun.

If you wanted a change of scenery because you took far too many lockdown strolls through your local parks, the Paper Mill Lock in Chelmsford would be a lovely place to picnic! It is a lovely setting beside the canal with a great tearoom where you can grab a slice of cake. There is plenty of seating with umbrellas, so you can enjoy this spot through all sorts of weather. There is also a great opportunity to hop on a boat and enjoy the many boat trips offered, or alternatively, you could stretch your legs and walk along the towpath.