Perfect picnic spots in the North East

Make the most of the summer sun 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 day outdoors eating alfresco.

Families enjoying a picnic by the lakeside

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
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 after a busy day’s exploring.

Relax with a picnic at Wallington
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
a family enjoy a picnic in front of the chapel at Gibside

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.

Tuck into a picnic at Gibside
Sycamore Gap, voted England's Tree of the Year 2016

Hadrian's Wall  

Work up an appetite as you search for the perfect spot for a bite to eat along the Wall. It could be the famous Sycamore Gap 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
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.

Enjoy a coastal picnic at Souter Lighthouse
Visitors at Penshaw Monument, Sunderland

Penshaw Monument  

Penshaw Monument, isn’t just Wearside’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