Perfect places for a picnic in Hampshire

June is the month of National Picnic Week (17-25 June 2023) so there is no better time to pack up your hamper, prepare those sandwiches, rustle up some cakes, and chill the bubbly for a traditional English picnic.

No picnic is complete without the perfect alfresco surroundings so we’ve put together some picturesque outdoor eating spots in Hampshire where you can roll out your blanket on the grass or sand at one of the top picnic spots in the county.

For wildlife spotting – The New Forest

You’ll be spoilt for choice of picnic spots in the New Forest National Park, from open heathland to pretty rivers and ancient woodland perfect for seeking out a shady spot on a hot summer day.

Try Rhinefield Ornamental Drive near Brockenhurst to dine amongst ancient and magnificent trees or Wilverley Plain for a wide-open space where the whole family can run around and enjoy some games together.

Wherever you pick for your picnic in the New Forest, you’re likely to spot some of the National Park’s wildlife but remember not to feed them however tempted they may be by the contents of your hamper!

For rolling hills with sweeping views – South Downs National Park

For the ultimate countryside views while you tuck into your sausage rolls, head for the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, located within the South Downs, is home to the highest point of the national park at Butser Hill with panoramic picnic views of the surrounding countryside. The Park also has designated picnic and barbeque areas.

For an awesome historical backdrop – Winchester Cathedral or Odiham Castle

The green space in front of Winchester Cathedral is always a joyful place on a sunny day, where families, city workers, and street artists congregate to enjoy lunchtimes under the cathedral’s majestic silhouette.

Pick up some healthy and sustainable salads from the Open House Deli and some tasty takeaway treats from The Winchester Orangery to give your picnic a tasty local twist.

In the north of the county, follow the Basingstoke Canal to find Odiham Castle. Sit amongst the tranquil ruins and imagine the time when King John also ate and stayed here during the days leading to the signing of the Magna Carta.

The Forest Foodie, Lymington 

For dining on the water – Lymington

Hampshire’s coastline is the perfect place to take to the water for a picnic with a difference. For a luxury picnic experience, charter a boat from Solent Rib Charter or Escape Yachting in Lymington to explore the coastline, discover secret coastal spots, and dine on the water.  

The Forest Foodie delivers delicious picnic hampers and seafood platters packed with locally sourced, fresh produce to holiday cottages, locals and yachts around Lymington and the New Forest.

For a traditional seaside experience – Southsea

Southsea Common was once awarded Warburton's Best Picnic Spot, and not only is it an accredited national picnic location, they’ll be plenty to keep you entertained – Southsea Common is also home to beach volleyball courts, Southsea Tennis Club, pitch and putt, Southsea Splash Pool, and Southsea Skatepark.

Southsea has traditional British waterfront charm, with a fresh air of trendiness brought by the increasing number of independent shops and eateries that now reside in this special slice of seaside England.

After your picnic, have some traditional seaside fun at the Clarence Pier Amusement Park and South Parade Pier, or go on an undersea safari at the Blue Reef Aquarium.

For sand between your toes – Highcliffe, Barton on Sea, and Milford on Sea

If you enjoy sand between your toes and don’t mind a bit of it in your sandwiches, then head to one of Hampshire’s beaches for a picnic with splendid sea views. The beaches at Highcliffe, Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea have views out to the Isle of Wight and their waters are perfect for a post-picnic dip.

Wilds Events, The Greyhound, Stockbridge 

For a picnic packed with local produce – Stockbridge

The Test Valley town of Stockbridge is a hub for local food and produce with the crystal waters of the River Test running beneath its pretty High Street dotted with local restaurants, pubs, and delis.

Stock up on local produce at the Thyme & Tides Deli or have a home-made locally sourced Kingfisher hamper prepared for you by Wilds Events before finding a spot by the river to tuck into your tasty local feast.

For riverside beauty – Whitchurch, Bucklers Hard, or the River Hamble

Follow the attractive waymarked Mill Trail along the River Test from Whitchurch which passes five historic mills – including the Whitchurch Silk Mill – and pick a picnic spot on the banks of the River Test along the way.

Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River, Buckler’s Hard is a beautiful place to enjoy a summer’s afternoon. Pick a spot to sit down and take in this pretty and historical shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built and discover the fascinating story of the village in the Maritime Museum.

The River Hamble Country Park between Southampton and Portsmouth is a stunning riverside place for a picnic with abundant wildlife to enjoy.  If you’re feeling adventurous, pack your picnic into a drybag and hire a stand up paddle board to find a secret picnic spot along the river’s banks.

Make a weekend of it

Make the most of your picnic by booking a night or two to stay in Hampshire.

Hampshire has a variety of places to stay – from quaint self-catering cottages to holiday centres and the best glamping sites. If you are looking to get the family together or maybe treat them to a getaway – we are sure that you will find the perfect break in Hampshire.

Visit our accommodation page and browse a range of hotels, campsites, glamping sites, and self-catering properties. 

We’d love to see your photos of picnicking in Hampshire on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook pages.  Tag us in your pics by using #VisitHampshire.