Britain’s best picnic spots<\/strong><\/p>

Longer summer days and warmer weather marks the start of picnic season. Unroll the blankets and dust-off the hampers, and head to one of the 20 best picnic spots in Britain<\/a><\/p>

Plus, try one of these tasty picnic recipes:<\/p>

Recipe: Smoked trout, watercress and horseradish quiche<\/a><\/li>
Healthy hiking food for the trail and easy recipes ideas<\/a><\/li>
Summer recipe ideas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
5) Take a steam train ride<\/h3>
$\"One$
The Jacobite Steam Train crossing on Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands.\/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Tootling through woodland, hills and valleys on a vintage train with steam billowing above and besides is a lot of fun. There are many spectacular rail options out there, including the Jacobite<\/em> steaming over the Glenfinnan Viaduct<\/a>, a journey made world-famous by the Harry Potter films, and the Vale of Rheidol Railway<\/a> in Wales.<\/p>
Where is Harry Potter filmed?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
6) Visit Portmeirion, Gwynedd<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Portmeirion is a resort village in northern Wales designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Wales\u2019s strange Italianate village, created by the architect Clough Ellis-Williams, looks incredibly intriguing. Ellis-Williams bought a neglected mansion in the wilderness in 1925, and over the following 51 years, the extraordinary Mediterranean-style village with sub-tropical gardens came into being.<\/p>
7) Walk Wainwright\u2019s Coast-to-Coast path<\/h3>
Have you seen the film Downhill<\/em> (2014)? It might inspire you to walk this well-known route. Or not. Either way, it’s very entertaining. The coast-to-coast route itself is a beauty, devised by walking legend Arthur Wainwright – 192 miles across three national parks – the Lake District<\/a>, the Yorkshire Dales<\/a> and the North York Moors<\/a>. Most people start at St Bees in Cumbria, and finish with a dip in the North Sea at Robin’s Hood Bay in North Yorkshire. Our author Vivienne Crow tackled it last year and created a handy guide to the coast-to-coast route<\/a>.<\/p>
8) Learn to identify five mushrooms<\/h3>
$\"Turkey$
Turkey tail mushrooms grow on fallen broadleaf trees, occasionally dead conifer \/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The British Isles are home to 15,000 species of fungi, so admittedly, identifying them all is no easy feat, but being able to name five is definitely doable. Our guide to British fungi looks at some of the most common species<\/a>, including oyster mushrooms, chicken of the woods, turkey tail, giant puffball and the poisonous fly agaric. You’re welcome.<\/p>
9) Search for sea glass<\/h3>
It\u2019s so calming to scour the seashore for these beautiful washed-up gems. Broken bottles and jar become smooth, wave-sculpted, translucent stones that catch the eye. Although I harbour dreams of one day turning these finds into jewellery, just wandering the beach and idly spotting these coloured beads is a nice exercise in mindfulness<\/a>. <\/p>
10) Attend a nature retreat<\/h3>
$\"A$
Surf, rest and play at Rewilding Surf Retreat<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Nature retreats offer wonderful solace and soul-soothing time – it’s a joy to get away with a like-minded group of people. The good news is that there’s something for everyone, whatever floats your boat and whatever budget you’re on, whether you long for surf and yoga by the sea or wild wanderings on the moors. Discover some great getaways in our guide to Britain’s best nature retreats<\/a>.<\/p>
11) Venture to Cape Wrath<\/h3>
$\"Cape$
Cape Wrath in Scotland’s far north-west.\/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The most north-westerly point of Scotland has an epic, daunting and appealing name. <\/p>
“The whole coast north to Cape Wrath is remarkable, with huge cliffs, tottering sea stacks, wave-lashed skerries, hidden coves and pebble beaches,” writes our author Chris Gee in his guide to Scotland’s North West Highlands<\/a>. “The screaming of seabirds is a constant accompaniment. In winter, watching the grey sea crashing on the rocks, it\u2019s easy to imagine the Viking longboats coming around Cape Wrath.” <\/p>
12) Read a nature book<\/h3>
Nature writing is running wild these days, in a good way, though it can be hard to keep up with the vast number of books coming out. Here’s a round-up of great nature books to read this year<\/a>.<\/p>
13) Go on a mindful walk<\/h3>
Walk silently, peacefully, while absorbing the world around. In BBC Countryfile Magazine’s<\/em> series \u2013 the A to Z of mindfulness \u2013 we look at the various ways that nature and the countryside can be used to help improve physical and mental wellbeing, starting with A is for Awareness<\/a>. <\/p>
14) Swim in the Scilly Isles<\/h3>
$\"\"$
Samson Island in the Scilly Islands.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dip into the glittering waters of the striking Scilly Isles<\/a>, lying just off the coast of Cornwall<\/a>. <\/p>
15) Marvel at Malham Cove, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
$\"Rocks$
Malham Cove, Yorkshire\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove<\/a> is topped by extraordinary cobbled slabs, creating a dramatic landscape that makes a guest appearance in Harry Potter<\/a>. <\/p>
16) Cycle the Tarka Trail<\/h3>
$\"Family$
Family cycling on North Devon’s Tarka Trail near Fremington Quay.\/Credit: Getty – Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
At 180 miles, the Tarka trail is the longest rail to trail route in Britain. From Braunton, enjoy 30 miles of traffic-free cycling on a smooth path through glorious Devon landscapes. What a ride. Learn more about the Tarka Trail and four other inspiring long-distance route.<\/a><\/p>
17) Visit a Dark Sky Park<\/h3>
$\"A$
A starry night in Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.\/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Behold the beauty of a black, black sky festooned with brilliance.<\/p>
18) Learn to identify five constellations<\/h3>
I’d like to work out what I’m actually staring at while stargazing. Thankfully, help is at hand with this stargazing guide<\/a> on the best locations to stargaze in Britain, advice on star spotting, and basic stargazing equipment to get started.<\/p>
19) Learn to play the ukulele (or instrument of your choosing)<\/h3>
It\u2019s light and lovely to listen to; a great travelling instrument. A few of us have set up a ukulele<\/a> club at work and strum-yodel our way through any songs that appeal (thankfully we rehearse in a soundproof room). But if jazz flute is more your vibe, don’t let anyone stand in your way.<\/p>
20) Spend the night in a bivvy bag<\/h3>
It\u2019s time to try the joys of sleeping outdoors<\/a> without a tent.<\/p>
21) Cook a meal outdoors<\/h3>
$\"Kettle$
Our bodies may have physically adapted to consume cooked food\/Credit: Naftizin\/Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Get fired up. Nothing tastes better than food cooked and eaten outside.<\/p>
22) Climb Pen-y-Fan<\/h3>
My five-year-old son raced happily up Glastonbury Tor<\/a> recently, so it would be great to test his stamina and see if he’d like to conquer his first mountain, Pen Y Fan<\/a>, the highest peak in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).<\/a><\/p>
23) Canoe camp or paddleboard along the Wye<\/h3>
$\"Maria$
Maria Hodson takes a break from paddleboarding on the River Wye<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Paddle along this great winding river, stopping overnight at lovely campsites. Check out our podcast featuring a paddleboard adventure along the Wye<\/a>, and our guide to wild camping by canoe<\/a>.<\/p>
24) Attend a summer festival<\/h3>
Not to big, not to small, just right. Whether it’s celebrating music, literature or food, Britain is dancing with festivals over the summer months, so we can take our pick.<\/p>
25) Walk under a waterfall <\/h3>
How cool to wander behind a wall of water, such as Sgwd Yr Eira in the Brecon Beacons.<\/p>
Britain’s best waterfalls<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>
26) See a starling murmuration<\/h3>
$\"Pier$
The starlings flying over Brighton’s Old Pier at sunset. \/Credit: Philip Reeve, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Hundreds of thousands of starlings dancing en masse in the sky at dawn or dusk is a truly exhilarating spectacle. Here are some of the best spots to see starling murmurations<\/a> in Britain.<\/p>
27) Make sloe gin<\/h3>
Collect sloes and turn them into something quaffable. I’ve had a batch of foraged sloes in the freezer for a long time. I want to make something of them – or finally admit defeat. Luckily, there’s a recipe for the perfect sloe gin<\/a> to hand.<\/p>
28) Learn to identify five butterflies<\/h3>
These beautiful, fluttering winged insects brighten spring and summer walks. From tortoiseshell to Adonis blue and red admiral, spot the difference<\/a>.<\/p>
29) Travel in a camper van<\/h3>
Living the dream, man, living the dream.<\/p>
30) Go wild swimming<\/h3>
$\"Swimmers$
Swimmers drift merrily along during the Bradford-on-Avon slow swim.\/Credit: Maria Hodson<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Take any opportunity to get in the water<\/a>, from rivers and lakes to the sea. Last year’s Bradford-on-Avon slow swim<\/a> was a highlight, so that’s on the wishlist again this year.<\/p>
31) Spot an otter<\/h3>
$\"Otter$
Otter on the river.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
One of Britain\u2019s most entertaining but most reclusive animals. Hopefully this is the year to spot one. See our guide to Britain\u2019s otters: history, their return and where to see them.<\/a><\/p>
Beaver vs otter: what’s the difference between these charismatic river dwellers?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
32) Explore Thor’s Cave<\/h3>
$\"Looking$
Thor’s Cave from Manifold valley in Staffordshire.\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In a limestone crag in Britain’s most popular national park, Staffordshire Peak District<\/a>, lies a vast natural cavern, named after the Norse god. Who could resist? It’s popular with families – just be aware that surfaces can be slippery and there are some steep sections.<\/p>
33) Eat a roast in a great country pub<\/h3>
One of life’s little joys. The year will be a failure if this doesn\u2019t happen.<\/p>
34) Dance a jig at a ceilidh<\/h3>
Just jolly good fun.<\/p>
35) Go on a glow-worm walk<\/h3>
Watch these little critters illuminate a summer night.<\/p>
36) Go cider-cycling in Herefordshire<\/h3>
Make a pilgrimage by bike to the county\u2019s orchards and cider farms. I used to do this regularly but it’s fallen by the wayside. Time to get back in the saddle and wheel my way around those golden lanes.<\/p>
37) Send a vintage postcard<\/h3>
$\"\"$ <\/figure>
Post a classic scene of a pretty village or famous landmark to a friend.<\/p>
38) Have fish and chips by the sea<\/h3>
The classic seaside experience. Just\u2026 YES.<\/p>
39) Listen to folk music in a pub<\/h3>
An ale, a fire and some fine music, please.<\/p>
40) Learn to identify five new birds<\/h3>
$\"Girl$
Birdwatching\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There’s more to life than pigeons.<\/p>
41) Have a cream tea<\/h3>
The joy of this classic English treat speaks for itself. It’s a must for many perusers of stately homes and grand gardens. It’s a staple of National Trust cafe menus. But there’s controversy here too – jam before cream or cream before jam? Don’t scoff, this REALLY matters…<\/p>
Britain’s best cream teas <\/a><\/li><\/ul>
42) Sketch a landscape<\/h3>
Combine contemplation and concentration while drawing a fine view. Just let the picture do what it will – as Bob Ross insists, “we don’t make mistakes, we have happy accidents”.<\/p>
43) Write a poem<\/h3>
Try channeling nature into lyrical beauty, like Mary Oliver or Wendell Berry. Our readers often send in poetry inspired by nature, so let’s give it a whirl. <\/p>
44) See a kingfisher<\/h3>
$\"Kingfisher$
Kingfisher with a minnow in its beak. \/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Catch that flash of blue. These beautiful birds brighten the waterways with their speedy antics. Discover where they nest and what they eat in our kingfisher guide<\/a>.<\/p>
45) Paddle the Norfolk Broads<\/h3>
There’s wonderful wildlife on these waters. Check out our guide to the Norfolk Broads<\/a><\/p>
46) Visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs<\/h3>
Packed with forests, lochs, mountains, rivers and hills, the landscape of this accessible Scottish national park is stunning. Find out more in our guide of things to see and do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs<\/a>.<\/p>
47) Fly in a hot-air balloon<\/h3>
$\"An$
An aerial view of the Cuckmere River in East Sussex. \/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
What a rush, to see the land so spread about beneath.<\/p>
48) Learn to identify five trees<\/h3>
Give our big friendly giants a name. Perhaps this tree guide<\/a> will help?<\/p>
49) Adventure in a narrowboat<\/h3>
Watch the world go slowly by while navigating our canals. And maybe visit one or two waterside pubs<\/a> while at it.<\/p>
50) Walk the Northumberland Coast<\/h3>
$\"Beautiful$
Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland in the evening light. \/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
With castles, kippers and a magnificent coast, graced with sandy beaches and lovely Lindisfarne, there’s nowhere quite like Northumberland<\/a>.<\/p>
Track your excursions and see how many experiences you can tick off this year – and remember, there’s no shame in not getting it all (or any) done, they can always roll over to another year. But we have high hopes… Keep us posted as to your intentions and adventures this year, we’d love to know what you get up to. Email us at editor@countryfile.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Best outdoor adventure ideas<\/h2>

34) Dance a jig at a ceilidh<\/h3>Just jolly good fun.<\/p>

35) Go on a glow-worm walk<\/h3>Watch these little critters illuminate a summer night.<\/p>

36) Go cider-cycling in Herefordshire<\/h3>Make a pilgrimage by bike to the county\u2019s orchards and cider farms. I used to do this regularly but it’s fallen by the wayside. Time to get back in the saddle and wheel my way around those golden lanes.<\/p>

38) Have fish and chips by the sea<\/h3>The classic seaside experience. Just\u2026 YES.<\/p>

39) Listen to folk music in a pub<\/h3>An ale, a fire and some fine music, please.<\/p>

42) Sketch a landscape<\/h3>Combine contemplation and concentration while drawing a fine view. Just let the picture do what it will – as Bob Ross insists, “we don’t make mistakes, we have happy accidents”.<\/p>

43) Write a poem<\/h3>Try channeling nature into lyrical beauty, like Mary Oliver or Wendell Berry. Our readers often send in poetry inspired by nature, so let’s give it a whirl. <\/p>

34) Dance a jig at a ceilidh<\/h3>
Just jolly good fun.<\/p>

35) Go on a glow-worm walk<\/h3>
Watch these little critters illuminate a summer night.<\/p>

36) Go cider-cycling in Herefordshire<\/h3>
Make a pilgrimage by bike to the county\u2019s orchards and cider farms. I used to do this regularly but it’s fallen by the wayside. Time to get back in the saddle and wheel my way around those golden lanes.<\/p>

38) Have fish and chips by the sea<\/h3>
The classic seaside experience. Just\u2026 YES.<\/p>

39) Listen to folk music in a pub<\/h3>
An ale, a fire and some fine music, please.<\/p>

42) Sketch a landscape<\/h3>
Combine contemplation and concentration while drawing a fine view. Just let the picture do what it will – as Bob Ross insists, “we don’t make mistakes, we have happy accidents”.<\/p>

43) Write a poem<\/h3>
Try channeling nature into lyrical beauty, like Mary Oliver or Wendell Berry. Our readers often send in poetry inspired by nature, so let’s give it a whirl. <\/p>