12 of the Best Pretty Picnic Spots

When the weather is glorious, there’s nothing better than enjoying food outdoors. We’ve thought of 12 beautiful picnic spots for you to enjoy lunch al-fresco, so all you have to do is pack your favourite snacks!

Marazion Beach, West Cornwall This has to be one of the most picturesque places in Cornwall. Marazion has a long sandy beach which is very safe, with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount. After your picnic, why not wander over to the mount? At low tide you can stroll across the granite causeway, once walked by pilgrims. Or if the tide is high, you can take a boat trip over to the historic castle on the island.

**Coverack Beach, West Cornwall ** The quaint Cornish fishing village of Coverack has a small sand and pebble beach, perfect for those quieter afternoons. Enjoy your picnic with beautiful sea views and then go for a paddle or play frisbee on the beach.

Hannafore Point, Looe, South East Cornwall With delightful views of Looe Island, this is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day. Hannafore lies about half a mile west of Looe and has a sandy shingle beach with a rocky reef and footpath, uncovered at low tide, with fascinating rock pools to explore. After your picnic, why not go for a cliff-top stroll? Hannafore has easy access to the South West Coast Path and you can walk all the way to Talland Bay whilst enjoying the spectacular views of the coastline.

**North Cliffs, Godrevy & Portreath National Landscape, West Cornwall ** North Cliffs forms part of the Godrevy to Portreath National Landscape. The coastal path connects Hayle and Godrevy Beach past dramatic parts of the coastline such as Deadman’s Cove and Hell’s Mouth. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the walking, find a sheltered spot on the cliffs where you can gaze at Godrevy lighthouse in the distance and breathe in the salty sea air.

Roughtor, Bodmin Moor, Bodmin & Tamar Valley
The largest National Landscape in Cornwall is Bodmin Moor, a vast expanse of grassland and heather. Roughtor is a great spot for a picnic because you can park nearby and wander across the moorland to find your ideal spot. Most of the moorland lies at 200 metres, but this rises to 400 at Rough Tor, which is the second highest point, providing breathatking views of the rugged landscape. You will also be able to see the highest point, Brown Willy, which stands at 420 metres. After your picnic, explore the moor and discover the beauty of this wild and remote place in the heart of Cornwall.

Cardinham Woods, Bodmin
Cardinham Woods is a beautiful 650-acre area of mixed woodland located in the valley of Cardinham Water river. It’s popular with walkers and cyclists and there’s a fantastic picnic area located close to the river. The Woods Café can also be found in the very heart of the woods serving delicious lunches, fresh bakes and steaming coffees. Dine al-fresco in a beautiful woodland setting and then go for an adventure on foot or by bicycle.

Daymer Bay, North Cornwall
Place your picnic blanket on golden sand and gaze out to sea whilst you eat. Daymer Bay is a stunning beach that at low tide forms long stretches of golden sand backed by dunes from Daymer Bay to Rock with superb views across Camel Estuary. The perfect spot for a relaxing picnic and a dip in the sea!

Carne Beach, The Roseland, South Cornwall
Carne Beach is situated on the beautiful Roseland peninsula, one the most tranquil areas of Cornwall. At high tide there is a little beach but when the waters retreat some nice sand and shingle with rocks at either end are revealed. This beach is really popular with families and great for building sandcastles, beach games and paddling.

Kit Hill, Callington, Bodmin & Tamar Valley
Kit Hill is the highest point in the Tamar Valley and has over 400 acres to explore and to find your perfect spot for a countryside picnic. Kit Hill is an ideal place for a wide range of activities including bird watching, kite flying and walking. Dramatic views stretch across the Tamar Valley toward Dartmoor in the east and Plymouth and the sea to the south. This part of Cornwall is generally a bit quieter, so it's a great place to escape the crowds and have a relaxing lunch.

**Summerleaze, Bude, North Cornwall ** A great place to spend the whole day, Summerleaze Beach is less than five minutes’ walk from the centre of Bude and the large car park leads directly to the sand dunes. There’s a sea pool nestled at the foot of the cliffs, sandy play area and beach café, making it a popular spot with families, and it also has great surfing conditions.

**Loe Bar, Helston ** This large expanse of sand gives you plenty of space to spread out the rug and fill it full of goodies. You can either view the sea or the pool behind, whatever takes your fancy! Walk along the South West Coast Path from Porthleven or down through the Penrose estate from Helston. Please note: do not swim at this beach due to tidal currents.

Prussia Cove, West Cornwall If you’re looking for a spot for a romantic picnic, then Prussia Cove could be your perfect choice. This secluded cove only has a small car park but you can reach it via the coastal path from Perranuthnoe and Praa Sands. It is a small, quiet and intimate place which could not support larger numbers without being ruined. Choose your spot either on the sand, rocks or up on the cliff-top for an elevated view.