Appreciating the pleasures of a picnic

The days are now getting warmer and longer, but still not too hot and humid, and the pollen isn’t too high yet; perfect conditions we reckon for that traditional staple of any British childhood, the humble picnic. If being inside feels like a waste of good sunshine, a picnic is a great way to bring family and friends together in the great outdoors without breaking the bank. An enjoyable few hours dining al-fresco is also easy to prep at short notice. Here’s a few tips for making it a success:

Pick your location

Many of our towns and cities boast some very attractive parks and open spaces so urban dwellers won’t have to travel too far to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its surprising how long you can live somewhere without taking a bit of time to appreciate the green spaces practically on your doorstep, so get down to a local park for a bit of a break from the norm.

If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast, ideal picnic locations won’t be too far away. Whether you’re in search of a peaceful and quiet spot of beach far away from the crowds or if you like a traditional seaside town with all the entertainment that goes with it, the beach is the place to be on a hot sunny day. Some beaches allow dogs so there’s no reason you can’t share the enjoyment with your four-legged friend – just make sure to look out for dog-friendly signs as you could face a fine if you take your pup onto beach that doesn’t allow them.

A picnic could be just the reward after, or during, a countryside walk. Check out what nature spots, meadows or country trails are within reach. If you have a map of the local area to hand, take a good look for public footpaths and points of interest - you never know what you might find. If you’re with the family it can be a great way for the younger ones to get some exercise and to get acquainted with the natural surroundings.

Food for thought

You don’t need us to tell you what food you’d like to bring on your picnic, it’s very much up to you, but aside from sandwiches, crisps and a few sausage rolls you might be in search for a bit more inspiration to make it a little more special. You could try making a quiche, pre-cut into slices to save on bringing extra knives out with you. A dressed salad with your favourite meat or cheese can help keep things light. Sharing out a nice pasta dish or rice salad are good options if you’re not going with sandwiches. A refreshing fruit salad might do just the trick if you want something sweet that won’t melt during a nice day. Remember to keep your chilled food cold with ice packs, and use a cool-box or a chill-bag if you have one so your food and drink won’t spoil after a nice long walk.

Waste not

We recommend taking re-usable plates, cups and cutlery and to avoid using disposable single-use paper plates; perhaps take an extra bag with you to put all your used plates and cutlery in after you’ve had your picnic to avoid getting things messy in your picnic box/bag. Be respectful of your surroundings by making sure you don’t leave any discarded rubbish around and taking everything back with you or using nearby bins.