Picnic spots in Devon and Exmoor

There are plenty of picnic spots to soak up the scenery around Devon and on Exmoor. Pack a hamper and enjoy a socially-distanced sunny day outside with friends and family surrounded by sea views, wooded walks and sandy beaches. Don't forget to take your rubbish with you when you've finished to help keep these places special, and maintain social distancing measures to keep safe. We've indicated the places where you'll need to book ahead before visiting - just visit the property web page to book your visit.

The view of the Mewstone from the top of Coleton Fishacre garden
Coleton Fishacre   Devon

Picnics at Coleton Fishacre

With a climate as mild as South Cornwall created by the great trees sheltering this garden in a coastal valley, exotic and tender plants thrive in Coleton Fishacre garden. Enjoy a picnic anywhere in the garden, with views out to the sea. Please book ahead before visiting.

Coleton Fishacre garden
Children enjoying their picnic on the grass
Killerton   Devon

Enjoy your picnic at Killerton

Feel the grass between your toes or find shade under a canopy of trees. There's plenty of perfect places for an outdoors feast at Killerton; here's four of our favourites. Please be aware that you'll need to book ahead before visiting.

Plan your picnic
Children enjoying a picnic on the stables lawn at Knightshayes
Knightshayes   Devon

Picnic spots at Knightshayes

Here's a list of the top spots to roll out the blanket at Knightshayes. Please be aware that you'll need to book ahead before visiting.

Roll out the rug
Family enjoying a summer picnic
Buckland Abbey   Devon

Best picnic spots at Buckland

There are loads of great spaces to enjoy a picnic at Buckland both in the garden or on the estate. Follow the yellow walking route or pick a nice spot on the main lawn for the best views of the Abbey. Please book ahead before visiting.

Plan your visit
Purple camassias in the gardens at Arlington Court
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum   Devon

Arlington Court

Picnic on the lawn at Arlington Court, surrounded by the sound of buzzing bees enjoying the herbaceous borders. Please book ahead before visiting.

Picnic spots
Wildflower bed in front of the house at Saltram

Picnic at Saltram 

With striking colours, scents and majestic trees, the garden at Saltram is great for a picnic. Stretch out on the lawn and admire the garden overlooking the House, Chapel, and beautiful beds full of interesting plants from around the world.

Picnic at Saltram
National Trust working holiday Exmoor Lynmouth
Heddon Valley   Devon

Best picnic spots in North Devon

Pack a picnic and head to these spots across North Devon. There are great options from views over Lynmouth and woodland for hot summer days.

Plan your trip
View across Peppercombe and Portledge
Bideford Bay and Hartland   Devon

Peppercombe Valley

Far away from the crowds, in a magical world, the Peppercombe valley is rich in wildlife.

Discover more
The spring flowers bloom along the coast path near Soar Mill Cove
East Soar   Devon

Soar Mill Cove, Devon

Follow the coast path down to the golden sands at Soar Mill Cove near Salcombe in the South Hams for a secluded picnic on the South Devon coast. Only reached by foot or boat, this is a sheltered, peaceful beach away from the crowds. Look out for rock samphire, sea beet and rare rock sea-lavender on the lower cliffs.

Get away from it all

Places to visit in the South West 

See the full list places we care for in the South West which are open by county.

Find out where you can book to visit in the South West

Latest visiting update 

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open. Many houses are also open to visit. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

More details on what's open