Perfect picnic spots in the North East

Make the most of the sunshine and find the perfect place to put down your picnic blanket. Whether you're looking for a spot on the beach, some woodland shade or somewhere with a view, there's plenty of special places to chose from in the North East. So gather friends and family, pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch outdoors.

Families enjoying a picnic by the lakeside

Cragside  

The huge fantasy landscape at Cragside offers loads of picnicking opportunities, from lakeside dining to peaceful picnics among the trees. Pack your sandwiches and head off on an outdoor adventure or, if you prefer, stop by the tea rooms in the visitor centre to get lunch to takeaway or grab a drink or snack from Crozier's kiosk next to the play area to fuel your exploration.

Enjoy a picnic in a fantasy landscape at Cragside
A family enjoying a picnic

Gibside  

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life at Gibside, with its acres of gardens, woodland and countryside. You'll find plenty of picnic spots in the wide open spaces and can enjoy Derwent Valley views, historic buildings and wildlife aplenty while you tuck into your sandwiches. Pick up some sweet treats from the Market Place cafe when you arrive to add to your lunch or grab a coffee to go from the kiosk next to Strawberry Castle play area.

Tuck into a picnic at Gibside
Visitors walking alongside Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall  

Work up an appetite as you search for the perfect spot for a bite to eat along Hadrian's Wall. It could be near the famous tree at Sycamore Gap or at 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
A couple enjoying a picnic on the beach

Northumberland Coast  

Pack a picnic and explore the golden sands of the Northumberland Coast this summer. Enjoy your sandwiches on the long beach of Embleton Bay, or follow the Craster to Low Newton trail and find your own perfect resting spot for lunch.

Picnic and paddle on the Northumberland Coast
Visitors at Penshaw Monument, Sunderland

Penshaw Monument  

Penshaw Monument isn’t just one of the North East's most beloved landmark, seen for miles around, it also has great views across Tyneside and Wearside, which makes it the perfect place to unpack your picnic hamper.

Picnic with a view at Penshaw Monument
Enjoy a picnic on the lawn

Seaton Delaval Hall  

There are plenty of places to picnic at Seaton Delaval Hall - choose from the Oval, the South Lawn, the Secret Garden or the Formal Gardens. Simply bring a picnic blanket and enjoy soaking up the sun as you eat. You can also pick up tasty treats, light bites and drinks in the new Brewhouse Cafe or take your pick of the ice cream flavours in the Summer House in the Privvy Garden.

Roll out your picnic blanket at Seaton Delaval Hall
Two visitors sit in the sunshine with Souter Lighthouse in the background

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

With 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. If you've not packed a picnic, you can grab a takeaway lunch from the Lighthouse Cafe to enjoy.

Enjoy a coastal picnic at Souter Lighthouse
Enjoying a picnic

Wallington 

With its big grassed courtyard, acres of woodland, tranquil walled garden and miles of walks, there’s plenty of room to escape the crowds at Wallington and settle back for an al fresco meal during a busy day’s exploring. Pick up some tasty pasties from the Clocktower Cafe to take on your adventure or round off your picnic with a slice of cake or a scone and a cuppa.

Relax with a picnic at Wallington