Perfect Picnic Spots

Nestled beside the calm waters of Oulton Broad, Nicholas Everitt Park offers plenty of space to spread out for a picnic, with wide lawns stretching down towards the water, plenty to see on the water and lots of fresh air. Settle in close to the waters edge and watch boats passing through, or move further back beneath the trees or on the old fashioned bandstand for some dappled shade.

Oulton Broad forms part of the Broads National Park and is known for being one of the UK’s most navigable stretches of inland water, which gives the area its steady flow of boating activity. You can even venture out on a river adventure after you’ve finished picnicking, with Waveney River Tours offering sightseeing and marshland cruises on the Waveney Princess; a welcoming vessel with its own bar and comfy seats.

For the best picnic spots in Walberswick, head out past the village itself and beyond where the tourists are crabbing, follow the footpaths out towards the marshes and notice how the landscape opens into wide stretches of reedbed and dramatic sky.

The River Blyth runs quietly along the edge, with Southwold sitting across the water. Find a spot along the grassy banks, settle in and if you’re lucky, wading birds will pass through the reeds, keep your eyes peeled and you could see Marsh Harriers, Avocets and Bitterns- so be sure to take a bird identifying book as part of your picnic packing.

There’s plenty to explore at Snape Maltings, from the concert hall itself to the shops and galleries that make up the unusual complex of Victorian buildings. But as you walk behind the hall you’ll find a secret picnic spot with beautiful views out across the River Alde, and also surrounded by intriguing sculptures - a unique place for a picnic. Amongst the works on show are Antony Gormley’s Land, a series of human figures standing quietly among the grass, and Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man with its carved forms contrasting with the industrial lines of the Maltings buildings behind it.

You could even build your picnic from delicacies from the Food Hall where locally sourced bread, cheeses and deli options are delicious and abundant. 

Framlingham Castle's magnificent meare is a grand place for a picnic, with open greens circling the walls.

Inside, the castle itself is an imposing presence, simply reverberating with history - dating back to the 12th century and best known as the place where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen in 1553. The distinctive curtain wall, with no central keep, is one of the most complete in England, and you can walk the wall itself for wide views across the surrounding countryside. There are picnic benches and lots of space to picnic and plenty for kids to do before and after.

Christchurch Park is a wonderful, family friendly spot for a picnic, tucked-away just a short distance from the centre of Ipswich. With its wide open lawns, mature trees and play area, it’s no surprise that it is a Green Flag Award park.

At its centre sits Christchurch Mansion, a Tudor house dating back to the 16th century, which you can pop inside for free to take a look at the exhibitions showcasing art, antiques and historical artefacts as well as activities for children too. It’s a great place for a picnic and has enough to explore that you can really make a day of it. 

Hunker down amongst the shady trees of Rendlesham Forest for a picnic with a difference: the area is best known for the so-called Rendlesham Forest incident; one of the most famous UFO sightings in the UK, which has since become part of the area’s identity.

When you arrive, follow the dedicated UFO trail through the forest, which guides you through key locations linked to the mysterious event, and afterwards find a quiet clearing and picnic amongst the trees, you never know, look up and you might just spot something unexplainable in the sky…

Felixstowe Seafront Gardens is one of Suffolk's most charming spots to spread out a blanket and soak up the sunshine, with its beautifully maintained flower beds, sweeping sea views, and fresh coastal breeze creating the perfect picnic backdrop. The gardens sit right along the promenade, so you can watch the world go by — from families strolling the seafront to the impressive container ships making their way in and out of one of Britain's busiest ports, giving you a uniquely dramatic horizon that you simply won't find at your average picnic spot.

With plenty of open green space, benches, and easy access to nearby cafés and ice cream stalls if you need to top up your supplies, it's a relaxed, welcoming setting that works just as well for a quiet solo lunch as it does for a big family gathering.

Beccles Quay is a wonderfully laid-back spot to enjoy a picnic, nestled alongside the River Waveney where the gentle sound of the water and the sight of boats bobbing by make for an instantly relaxing atmosphere. The quayside setting gives you a real sense of being in the heart of the Broads, with the lush green riverbanks and weeping willows providing natural shade on a sunny day — perfect for settling in with a spread and taking your time. There's even a play area right on hand, so the kids can burn off energy while the grown-ups relax, making it one of those rare spots where everyone is happy at the same time.

It's a popular but never overwhelming spot, with a lovely community feel, and the nearby town of Beccles is just a short stroll away should you need to pick up anything you've forgotten — making it one of those effortlessly easy days out that the whole family will love.