The best picnic spots in Northumberland


Today I am sharing with you our favourite picnic spots in Northumberland. We LOVE a good picnic and would love to hear if you have any suggestions.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland


Plessey Woods


Plessey Woods near Morpeth is one of our favourite places to spend a Summer's day with friends. There is a small cafe, visitor centre and gift shop (although check opening times), ice cream van and little play park near the entrance which is surrounded by fields of grass perfect for ball games. 

You can then walk through the woods following the various trails through the meadows and by the River Blyth. Parking is now free too. Read all about our last visit to Plessey Woods and their free art trail here. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Plessey Woods


Carlisle Park


Carlisle Park in Morpeth is a lovely place to spend a hot day with rowing boats to hire, ducks to feed, a large outdoor paddling pool and sandpit, 2 play parks and various sports pitches as well as the more formal William Turner gardens, 'Ha Hill' and aviary and woodland walks, there is so much to keep you entertained.  Carlisle Park Website.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Carlisle Park, Morpeth
Love this photo from Carlisle Park from New Girl in Toon 

Cragside


We are actually heading to Cragside for a picnic this weekend as hubby has decided he would like a 'picnic by a lake' for his birthday. The grass by the lake outside of the tearooms at Cragside makes a beautiful setting, especially when the fountains are set to 'dance'. 

Afterwards, we like to climb the hill to the lovely play area (you can drive if you're not feeling up to the hike) where the children can burn off some energy and we can enjoy a nice cup of coffee as we watch. Entry fee's apply. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | National Trust Cragside, Rothbury

Druridge Bay Country Park


If you take a trip to Druridge Bay Country Park you will have the best of both worlds - you can enjoy the nature and countryside setting next to the Ladyburn lake where you'll also find a visitor centre, cafe and play area or pop across the car park to the glorious beach which goes on for miles and is often deserted. Read all about our last trip to Ladyburn Lake here. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Druridge Bay Ladyburn Lake


Wallington Hall


Wallington Hall is another National Trust property where you can enjoy a perfect picnic. The walled garden near the entrance is a lovely sheltered place to enjoy a picnic and play games and the lawn beside the main hall provides glorious countryside views. Afterwards yo can take a stroll around the lake, build dens in the dedicated 'den zone' in the woods, enjoy the indoor play zone or play in one of the three fantastic parks dotted around the grounds. Entry fees apply. Read all about our last trip to Wallington Hall here. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | National Trust Wallington hall near Morpeth


Alnmouth Beach


We have only recently re-discovered Alnmouth beach but oh what a gem it is! Miles of deserted beaches with picnic benches and an ice cream van dotted along the grass verge - we will definitely be packing a picnic and spending the day at the beach this Summer. Alnmouth Beach Website.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland  | Alnmouth Beach

Warkworth Castle


We've already enjoyed a picnic at Warkworth Castle this year and find it's grounds to be particularly suited to al fresco dining. The grass in front of the Castle keep really is the perfect setting to enjoy a Fentimans lemonade (available chilled from the gift shop). Entry fee applies. Warkworth Castle Website.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Warkworth Castle

Alnwick Garden


Although there are some fabulous dining options available at Alnwick Garden (the Treehouse and Pavillion cafe are both fantastic), a picnic should not be overlooked. It is wonderful sitting on the grass outside the Grand Cascade and enjoying a scone whilst watching the fountains dance. Some friendly ducks will probably waddle past and your children can play on the garden tractors as you pack your picnic away before exploring the rest of the garden. Entry fees apply. Alnwick Garden Website.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Alnwick Garden

Hadrian's Wall


Our favourite spot for a picnic on Hadrian's Wall is Chesters Roman Fort. There are plenty of picnic tables near the entrance and the countryside setting is gorgeous. Plus you can grab a hot drink from the recently opened tearoom. I love walking down to the viewing platform by the river too. Entrance fees apply to some sites. Take a look at our post featuring 10 places to enjoy a picnic along Hadrian's Wall for more suggestions of where to stop for a bite to eat. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Hadrian's Wall


Dunstanburgh Castle


Pack a picnic, park your car at Craster and enjoy the scenic walk along the coast towards Dunstanburgh Castle. You'll have worked up an appetite and there are a few picnic tables dotted around the castle for you to enjoy your sandwiches whilst taking in the spectacular views. Admission charges may apply. Read more about our walk to Dunstanburgh Castle here. 



Warkworth Beach


Warkworth beach features miles of long sands and is a lovely place to enjoy a walk. There are picnic tables in the dunes or near the car park - both ideal places to stop for a bite to eat. Read more about our trip to Warkworth Beach here.




Blyth Beach/Ridley Park


Blyth Beach is a fantastic spot for a picnic. There's an ice cream van (alongside an ice cream parlour and fish and chip shop), two large play parks, good toilet facilities, lots of grass to run around on, picnic tables, beach huts to hire and of course the beach. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Blyth Beach huts and park

Walk a mile or so along the sea front towards Blyth and you'll find Ridley Park which is a fantastic place to spend the day with the kids. There's a large water play area to play in, a cafe, 2 play parks and loads of space to run around in. It's a real sun trap on a sunny day and very popular - make sure you pack swimsuits! 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Ridley Park, Blyth

Our guide to the best picnic spots in Northumberland including Ingram Valley, Bamburgh Castle and Plessey Woods | Ridly Park Blyth

Kielder


When you visit Kielder, you do feel as if you could be in the middle of nowhere. If you're looking for a peaceful picnic spot, this could be the place for you. Whether you choose one of the picnic spots by the reservoir, a table by Kielder Castle or a spot in the forest, pretty much everywhere in Kielder is beautiful. Read more about Kielder here. 

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Kielder Reservoir Castle


Bamburgh Castle


Bamburgh Castle has to be one of the most picturesque spots in the North East. It's famous too! You may have spotted the castle in Macbeth, The BFG and it will make an appearance in the upcoming Transformers movie. The best place for a picnic is outside the castle walls so you can admire both the coastal and castle views but don't forget to visit the castle once you've eaten. It's truly stunning inside with lots of treasures to discover.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Bamburgh Castle



Ingram Valley


Ingram Valley in Northumberland National Parks offers neverending countryside views and is a lovely place to spend the day. I have fond memories of spending weekends here as a child and paddling in the river Breamish. Find out more about visiting Ingram Valley here.

The best picnic spots in Northumberland | Ingram Valley


Northumberlandia


Northumberlandia is a unique sculpture not far from the A1. This special lady in the North has been sculpted using materials from the nearby Quarry. There are a few benches dotted around the walk which are an ideal place to stop for a cup of tea and some sandwiches. There are also a few picnic tables at the site entrance. It's FREE to visit (car park charges may apply).

Our guide to the best picnic spots in Northumberland including Ingram Valley, Bamburgh Castle and Plessey Woods | Northumberlandia


Holy Island


My last suggestion for a picnic in Northumberland is Holy Island. Make sure you check tide times before crossing the causeway. Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice every day and is a lovely place to escape and get away from it all. You can visit Lindisfarne Castle and Priory and try some of the island's favourite mead before finding a nice quiet picnic spot. You'll probably spot lots of wildlife during your trip - we noticed lots of seals basking in the sunshine during our last visit.

Our guide to the best picnic spots in Northumberland including Ingram Valley, Bamburgh Castle and Plessey Woods | Holy Island Lindisfarne Castle


So that concludes our guide to the best picnic spots in Northumberland. Have I mentioned any of your favourites or missed any?

Looking for more idea? Check out these posts: 


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Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , wash hands regularly and use alcohol hand gel (especially before eating), respect the local area. leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date. If you have any Coronavirus symptoms, please stay at home and follow NHS advice. 

Always check updated opening hours / protocols / parking advice and charges with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed since this post was published. 

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The best picnic spots in Northumberland





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53 comments

  1. I don't think we've had a proper picnic for 2 Summers, which is just wrong! I like to go to the Fenwicks Food Hall to stock up on goodies for our basket!

    Hope you have great picnic weather tomorrow x

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    1. Thanks - after a shaky (aka rainy) start we are going to head out soon - we will have to organise a picnic together over Summer x

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  2. allenbanks. It's free. And beautiful. and the kids can play in the river after the eating is done.

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    1. Yes! That was on my original list but I didn't have a photo :-( Love it x

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  3. What a fab list, I've not been to plessey woods in ages, we should have another picnic meet at one of these lovely places

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  4. We got a beautiful wicker pic nic basket for Christmas so dying to use it this summer, it even had a chilled compartment for your wine! Cragside and Alnmouth both look lovely! X

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  5. We went to Belsay hall,castle and gardens you can stay around the hall and picnic on the surrounding grass or walk up to the castle ruins,through the woods and and sit under the castle,there is refreshments there up at the castle,you can climb to the top of the castle and explore the ruins,kids activities on most days we planted a pumpkin seed and are growing it,for those who are successful to return in October to carve it,But if that fails you can get one off them or buy your own.it English heritage propriety to entrance fee apply for non members...

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  6. Down by the river, in the woods of Slayley!

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  7. we have just moved from kent to the North east so don't have a favourite spot yet but will be definitely looking for some good spots x

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  8. I've never been but would love to go x

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  9. Walkworth Beach looks like a really lovely picnic spot

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  10. I don't drive so have never been lucky enough to visit. Hoping that I will soon, though.

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  11. my favourite picnic spot there would have to be Kielder Forest

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  12. I once had a lovely picnic on Lindisfarne.

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  13. I've never been there, I'm not based in England, I'm in Guernsey.

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  14. On the rocks near Dunstanburgh Castle

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  15. Natalie Burgess1 March 2019 at 21:11

    Allenbanks xx

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  16. Lindifarne is perfect. peaceful and idyllic

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  17. Love going for picnics. Jesmond dene was one of my favourites a couple of years ago

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  18. I have never been, but we do go for a lot of picnics

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  19. I love the beach at Bamburgh Castle -windy but so beautiful

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  20. What a fab hamper!! Would love to take it out on a picnic with the whole family this summer

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  21. Mine is at Cragside, we once at a fantastic picnic there, it's such a lovely place.

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  22. never been but would love to go

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  23. Loved Lindisfarne when we visited - the picnic by the sea was amazing!!

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  24. I've never been but would love to go and visit.

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  25. We love Druridge Bay to picnic when the weather allows

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  26. Sadly I've never been to Northumberland. I t looks beautiful though.

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  27. Lindisfarne stands out to me

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  28. Annaloa Hilmarsdottir16 March 2019 at 20:59

    Lindisfarne, so magical.

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  29. Can't decide between the Gardens at Alnwick or the beach at Bamburgh.Like Kielder as well!

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  30. Lindisfarne but I haven’t been for years

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  31. I've never been to Northumberland, so can't comment

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  32. We loved both Alnwick Gardens and Lindisfarne.

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  33. Never been, but is on our bucket list of places to visit

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  34. I have not yet visited Northumberland but I have been told that Alnwick is very beautiful!

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  35. Never been to Northumberland, looks nice though

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  36. Carlisle park is a beautiful spot for picnics

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  37. I've never actually been to Northumberland, so I don't have a favourite picnic spot

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  38. I've not been yet but really fancy Lindisfarne for a lovely picnic!

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  39. I've never been there but would love to visit!

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  40. havent been but looks so beautiful so many lovely places to visit

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  41. I’ve never been but looks lovelt

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  42. Marsden Bay, South Tyneside. ...

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  43. We loved having a picnic near Bamburgh Castle, close to the cliffs so we could see the waves crashing on the shre

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  44. I have been to Carlisle Park. It was lovely

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  45. I've never been to Northumberland but it sounds as though it has many interesting places to visit.

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  46. I haven't been there but would love to go.

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