Picnic spots in Devon and Exmoor

There are plenty of picnic spots to soak up the scenery around Devon and on Exmoor. Below are are some of our top spots for summer picnics in 2021. Check back here nearer the time for some picnic spot inspiration in 2022.

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.

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.

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.

Roll out the rug
Family picnic on the grass
Lydford Gorge   Devon

Summer picnics and wildlife at Lydford Gorge

Enhance a beautiful summer walk with a picnic in one of our favourite spots.

Plan a picnic
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.

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.

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 by county.

Find out where you can visit in the South West

Keeping the South West special

Walking along the coast in autumn

Visiting coast and countryside in the South West: what you need to know 

We look forward to welcoming you to the coast and countryside around the South West. We care for beautiful countryside, from Cornwall's sandy beaches to Dorset's heathland, and you can help us to keep them safe and enjoyable by following a few simple guidelines during your visit and observing the Countryside Code.

Campervan

No overnight camping and parking 

No overnight camping or parking is allowed at the places we care for. More information on why we don’t permit visitors to stay overnight at our car parks can be found here.

Walker on the coast path at East Soar, Devon

Follow the Countryside Code 

With more people than ever enjoying our coast and countryside places, we’re asking for your help in looking after them during your visit. Please help us protect wildlife and landscapes by following the Countryside Code, which includes taking any litter home with you and not lighting a barbecue or campfire.