12 Perfect Picnic Spots in Kent

As the weather starts to improve over the next couple months, you might want to get out, go for a picnic and take a break from technology in nature.

1) Lullingstone Country Park

Lullingstone Country Park is home to hundreds of ancient trees, some of which are thought to be 800 years old! With beautiful grassland speckled with wild flowers throughout the summer months, this picture-perfect country park is the ideal spot if you’re looking for stunning Kentish countryside. 

2) Trosley Country Park

Covering 170 acres of woodland and chalk downland, Trosely Park is the perfect choice for stunning views of the Kent Downs. There are 3 walking trails if you fancy stretching your legs before settling down for a picnic (including the Trosley Trail which is an easy access route). 

3) Shorne Woods Country Park

Shorne Woods Country Park is one of the most popular country parks in Kent. With 300 acres of woodland, meadows and wetlands to explore, it’s easy to see why! Take a walk around the natural haven by following one of the walking trails and bring out the sandwiches in an idyllic private spot.  

4) Brockhill Country Park

The peaceful Brockhill Country Park surrounds a stunning river and lake, the perfect recipe for a picnic! There is also plenty of wildlife and flora and fauna to spot at the park, alongside woods, meadows and dedicated picnic and play areas. 

5) Grove Ferry Picnic Site

Looking for the perfect water-side spot? Grove Ferry Picnic site is the ideal stop off point on a walk down the River Stour, or, if you’re looking to make a day of it, why not take a boat ride along the river before enjoying your picnic? 

6) Penshurst Place Parkland

Go for a picnic with a view at Penshurst Place Parkland! After exploring the stunning Penshurst Place, you will end up wandering through the vast parklands surrounding the manor house. With cycle routes that have been featured in Visit England's top 10 scenic routes in the country, this is certainly a grand spot for a picnic!

Find opening times and admissions prices here. 

7) Knole Park

There are over 1,000 acres of land to explore at Knole Park. After roaming the grounds looking for wild deer (of which there are around 350!) and admiring the impressive country house, you can take a well-earned rest with a picnic in the outdoor seating area. 

Find prices and opening times on the website.

8) Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Yet another grand garden to add to your list, Sissinghurst is a favourite for avid picnickers due to the panorama views of the Kentish countryside that can be seen from the dedicated picnic spot. They’re serious about picnics here; you can even borrow blankets and play big games!

Find opening times and admission prices.

9) Chartwell

The grassy meadow of Chartwell is the perfect picnic spot. With views of the Kent Weald on one side and the majestic home of Winston Churchill on the other, it’s got something for everyone! Explore the house, roam around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a walk across the estate. 

Find prices and opening times on the website.

10) Haysden Country Park

Haysden Country Park of Tonbridge, offers you a peaceful walk around the water reserve and a great view for you to dig into your picnic supplies.

11) Hever Castle

If you fancy a picnic in a more historical area, Hever Castle is the choice for you, with beautiful scenery, as well as historical buildings. It is located in the area of Hever, near Edenbridge.

Find prices and opening times on the website.

12) Bough Beach Reservoir

If you do not fancy driving all the way to Hever, then why not go to Bough Beach near Ide Hill, in between Sevenoaks and Edenbridge, an often overlooked and forgotten location. It is an extremely big reservoir, that attracts a number of wildlife, including birds, which is one of the main reasons people come to visit.

Sources:

https://www.visitkent.c.uk/visit-kent-blog/top-picnic-spots-in-kent/

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/perfect-picnic-spots-in-kent

Why not check out our blog '8 Steps to Packing the Perfect Picnic' for more picnic inspiration!