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Perfect picnic spots in Wales

A family is sitting on a blanket and having a picnic at The Kymin, Monmouthshire. A child is reaching out to accept some food from another family member.
A family having a picnic at The Kymin | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Whether you’d like a view of coast or countryside, or the garden of a magnificent mansion or castle, you’ll find the perfect place to eat al fresco in one of the many places we care for. From wooded parkland to Italian terraces and sweeping lawns discover where you can enjoy a picnic in Wales.

Top picnic spots in North Wales

A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales: two little children on top of a parent
A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
With 80 acres of garden to explore a refreshment stop is a must, and there are plenty of places to unpack your picnic basket. Lay out a blanket in the sunshine of the Old Park meadow, seat yourselves by a rustic log table in the wooded Yew Dell or head for the picnic area beside the lake in the Far End.Visit Bodnant Garden
Erddig, Wrexham
You can enjoy a picnic in the pretty Orchard Car Park, beside the pond or out in Big Wood before you even enter the ticket office. Once inside the grounds there’s seating in the Midden Yard, in the Wolf’s Den natural play area and along the walled garden, lined with spring blossom or autumn fruit. If it’s sunny, why not bring a blanket and picnic on the great lawn?Visit Erddig
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
After exploring the 19th century castle, railway museum and 60 acres of garden and grounds, the sweeping lawns are a perfect place to relax with a picnic. Enjoy breathtaking views over Conwy Bay and Snowdonia while young explorers run, roll and cartwheel nearby to their heart's content.Visit Penrhyn Castle and Garden
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey
For stately surroundings, it's hard to beat Plas Newydd with its backdrop of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia’s mountains. Stroll through the ornate terrace gardens and wander along the garden paths to find your picnic spot. You may even see the resident red squirrels dining at their very own feeding stations.Visit Plas Newydd House and Garden
Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula
Relax on the sand outside a historic fishermen’s pub taking in the sights and sounds of the seaside. After lunch, you could dip your toes in the water or set off on a walk to explore the beautiful and wildlife rich Llŷn coastline. Or simply sit back and enjoy the picture postcard view.Visit Porthdinllaen

Top picnics in Mid Wales

Family playing on the lawn at Powis Castle Garden in Powys, Wales
Family playing in the garden at Powis Castle | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Powis Castle and Garden
Perched high on a hillside, this medieval fortress looks down on world-famous Italian and French styled terraced gardens, filled with dramatic yew topiary and classical statues. There’s much to take in, and there are plenty of places to sit and picnic in the garden as you plan your visit or gather your thoughts.Visit Powis Castle and Garden

Top picnic spots in South Wales

Family enjoying a picnic at The Kymin, Monmouthshire, Wales
Family enjoying a picnic | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Explore the formal garden and wooded grounds, transformed from an industrial past into a haven of nature. You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to roll out your blanket with shaded woodland, sweeping meadows and the banks of trickling steams all competing for the perfect spot for you to enjoy your leisurely picnic.Visit Colby Woodland Garden
Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire
Earn your refreshment on the estate trail at Dolaucothi. This 3-to-4-hour walk takes you to the highest spot on the estate with the reward of spectacular views, and maybe a sighting of a red squirrel or pine marten on your journey. You'll find many other tranquil picnic spots around the car park and mines too but pre-booking is required to join a tour of the mines themselves.Visit Dolaucothi
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff
These 55-acre gardens feature intimate garden rooms including a rose garden, Pompeian Garden, several ponds, and an arboretum. Choose your spot on the great lawn to take in the display of colourful seasonal bedding – the perfect accompaniment to a good old-fashioned picnic.Visit Dyffryn Gardens
The Kymin, Monmouthsire
The grounds of this romantic Georgian round house, with its naval history, have always been popular with picnickers in times past, with famously lavish spreads. If you can’t fit the chandeliers in the boot, why not bring a period-inspired dish and recreate your own aristocratic culinary experience?Visit The Kymin
Tredegar House, Newport
The extensive wooded parkland, sweeping lawns and lake are the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tredegar's grounds are popular with picnic lovers, or those who just want a moment of quiet and a breath of fresh air.Visit Tredegar House
View of Powis Castle, perched above its terraced gardens, Powys, Wales, in autumn.

Discover more in Wales

A Celtic land with an industrial past steeped in myth, legend, poetry and song. Croeso i Gymru.

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View of daffodils in the garden with Powis Castle on the hill in the background in Powys, Mid Wales.

Gardens and parks in Wales 

Visit an amazing collection of gardens and parks in Wales. From walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates, there’s plenty to explore.

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Family days out in Wales 

With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had in Wales. Explore vast Welsh castles, tick off some ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, or let off steam in natural play areas.

The Centenary Viewpoint, Dinas Oleu, Wales

Coasts and beaches in Wales 

Explore 157 miles of Welsh coastline protected by the National Trust, from long golden beaches to rugged clifftops.

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Dog-friendly places in Wales 

From mountains and beaches, to gardens and parklands, find a dog walk in Wales that both you and your four-legged friend will love. Here’s your guide to some of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Wales.

View of the north east front of Tredegar House, Newport on a sunny day

Houses and buildings in Wales 

Explore magnificent Welsh mansions and their collections, from ancestral homes to buildings designed by renowned architects. Discover the history and tales from bygone days, in breath-taking settings across Wales.

The exterior of Penrhyn Castle on a sunny day

Castles and forts in Wales 

Step into a medieval fortress with dungeons at Chirk or visit the home of the Welsh princes at Powis Castle. Discover some of the finest and most famous castles in Wales.

Walkers admire the view across Llyn Ogwen to the Cwm Idwal Valley on a sunny day, with a body of water visible in the valley and mountains in the distance

Countryside and woodland in Wales 

Explore dramatic and beautiful valleys, ancient woodlands and river walks or have an adventure through the wild Welsh mountains and visit some of the country’s most iconic peaks.

Someone slicing into a Victoria sponge cake

Places to eat and shop in Wales 

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hot drink or the perfect gift, you’ll find something at our cafés, tea-rooms and shops in Wales.