Perfect picnic spots in the North East

Embleton bay with Dunstanbugh Castle in the distance — A walk along the beach below the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle

Embleton and Newton Links Northumberland

Northumberland Coast

Pack a picnic and explore the beautiful Northumberland Coast this summer. There are loads of places to lay down your blanket and enjoy your sandwiches at the seaside but one of our favourites is Embleton Bay. Its long sandy beach was recently voted BBC Countryfile Magazine's Beach of the Year and it's the ideal place for a paddle after your picnic.

Picnic and paddle on the Northumberland Coast

A unique venue for your event at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas — The iconic Lighthouse set along The Leas

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas Tyne & Wear

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne and Wear

With spectacular coastal views and wildlife to spot, plenty of fresh air and miles of open grassland, The Leas is an ideal spot to sit, eat and contemplate. There are 2.5 miles of coastline to choose from or you can find a picnic bench at Souter Lighthouse.

Enjoy a coastal picnic at Souter Lighthouse

a Sycamore tree nestled in Hadrian's Wall — Visit the iconic tree at Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort Northumberland

Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort

Work up an appetite as you search for the perfect spot for a bite to eat along the Wall. It could be Sycamore Gap made famous in the Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, or one of the many vantage points offering panoramic views north and south of the wall near to Housesteads Fort.

Pack a picnic and explore Hadrian's Wall

Cragside Northumberland

Cragside

Cragside offers loads of outdoor picnicking opportunities from lakeside dining to feasting among the trees and shrubs. The tea-rooms offer family picnics to take out so you don't need to worry if you haven't packed your own.

Pick up a picnic at Cragside

Two visitors walking over the bridge over the River Wansbeck, Northumberland — Stretch your legs and explore our huge estate

Wallington Northumberland

Wallington

With its beautiful Palladian mansion fronted by a vast grassed courtyard, acres of woodland, walled garden, landscape lawns, river frontage, enchanting children’s play train and fabulous wooden fort, there’s plenty of room to escape the crowds and settle back for an al fresco meal after a busy morning’s exploring.

Relax with a picnic at Wallington

Visitors at Penshaw Monument, Sunderland — Walk anywhere in the British Isles and you're never far away from a place of legend

Penshaw Monument Tyne & Wear

Penshaw Monument

At 70ft high, this folly based on Athens’ Temple of Hephaestus isn’t just Wearside’s most beloved landmark, but can be seen for miles around. The views across Tyneside and Wearside from the monument are stunning, which makes it the perfect place to unpack your picnic hamper.

Picnic with a view at Penshaw

Visitors with the Orangery in the distance, at Gibside, Tyne and Wear — Visit Gibside for a fantastic run, a game of volleyball or to try your hand at a variety of other sports

Gibside Tyne & Wear

Gibside

Find a spot at Gibside for Derwent Valley views, refreshing open spaces, historic buildings and wildlife aplenty. Gibside is home to the North East’s largest beer garden open on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer. Enjoy our local ale and bring your own picnic if you'd like - or pick up a freshly made wood-fired pizza.

Tuck into a picnic or a pizza at Gibside