Discover the best picnic spots in Sussex and Surrey for scenic outdoor feasts
Looking for the best picnic spots in Sussex or Surrey? From Ashdown Forest to tranquil lakeside, explore top picnic locations perfect for sunny summer days and family outings.
Blanket? Check. Picnic? Packed. Sunshine? Fingers crossed!
Whether you’re dreaming of a lazy afternoon with a lakeside breeze or a shady woodland retreat, Sussex and Surrey offer some of the UK’s most charming picnic destinations. From family-friendly favourites to hidden countryside gems, it’s time to plan your perfect outdoor escape.
Here are some of the best picnic spots in Sussex and Surrey to help you make the most of the sunshine this summer.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Step into the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh at Ashdown Forest, famously known as the inspiration for A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood. This stunning natural reserve offers wide open views, quiet wooded trails, and peaceful glades ideal for a relaxing picnic.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Literary charm, panoramic views, and great walking trails
- 🚗 Good to know: Free parking in multiple locations and well-maintained paths
- 📍 Location tip: Head to Gills Lap for iconic views and a touch of Pooh magic
Wakehurst Place, West Sussex
Tucked away in the heart of Sussex, Wakehurst Place is a wild botanical haven, managed by Kew Gardens and home to the Millennium Seed Bank. With 500 acres of global gardens, woodlands, and water features, there are plenty of peaceful places to roll out your rug.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Colourful floral displays, lakeside views, and peaceful picnic spots
- 🐾 Dog-friendly: Yes (except in the formal gardens)
- 📍 Location tip: Settle in near Mansion Pond or the quiet nooks in The Walled Garden for a scenic lunch
- 🚗 Good to know: On-site café, toilets, and paid parking; seasonal nature trails for families
Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex
Looking for breathtaking coastal views and one of the most iconic backdrops in the UK? Seven Sisters Country Park is hard to beat. With chalk cliffes, open grassland and meandering rivers, it’s a haven for walkers, wanderers and wildlife.
- 🧺Why we love it: Epic cliff views, serene riverside paths, and birdwatching
- 📍Location tip: For that postcard-perfect shot, cross Cuckmere River to Seaford Head
- 🚗 Good to know: Visitor Centre with toilets and parking; well-marked trails
- 🐑 Nature note: Look out for grazing sheep and migrating birds along the way
Box Hill, Surrey Hills
One of Surrey’s most popular beauty spots, Box Hill is all about stunning views and fresh air. It’s ideal for a scenic walk followed by a picnic on one of its grassy plateaus or viewpoints.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Sweeping landscapes and great facilities
- 🚗 Good to know: National Trust parking, picnic benches, and café available
- 📍 Location tip: The Stepping Stones walk adds adventure to your outing
Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
A National Trust favourite, Sheffield Park combines colourful gardens, reflective lakes, and ancient trees. It’s an elegant setting for a relaxed lakeside picnic.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Carefully curated gardens and tranquil picnic spots
- 🚗 Good to know: Paid parking, café, and accessible paths
- 📍 Location tip: For quieter corners, wander to the far side of the lake
Frensham Great Pond, Surrey
If you love a waterside picnic, Frensham Great Pond is the perfect spot, with its sandy shores and calm waters, It’s perfect for family days, complete with shallow paddling and shaded grass areas.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Natural beach vibes and open space for all ages
- 🚗 Good to know: Parking can fill quickly on sunny weekends; arrive early
- 📍 Location tip: The southern end of the pond is often quieter
Tilgate Park, West Sussex
Close to Crawley, Tilgate Park is a popular country park packed with family-friendly features—think lakeside lawns, nature trails, and a petting zoo.
- 🧺 Why we love it: Perfect for kids, big open spaces, and loads to explore
- 🚗 Good to know: Paid parking, toilets, and a café available
- 📍 Location tip: Try the Peace Garden for a tranquil bite to eat
Reigate Hill, Surrey
High above the Surrey countryside, Reigate Hill offers postcard views and picnic-perfect spots along the North Downs Way. It’s ideal for walkers wanting a peaceful rest with a view.
- 🧺Why we love it: Open skies, peaceful vibes, and hidden picnic areas
- 🚗 Good to know: Free parking at Wray Lane car park
- 📍 Location tip: The Inglis Memorial adds a scenic route
Petworth Park, West Sussex
Designed by Capability Brown and dotted wild deer, Petworth Park is a peaceful slice of parkland. It’s one of West Sussex’s best-kept picnic secrets, with wide open views and quiet corners.
- 🧺Why we love it: Historic grounds and grazing deer
- 🚗 Good to know: National Trust facilities and plenty of space to explore
- 📍 Location tip: Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for wildlife
Happy Picnicking!
From wild cliffs to garden retreats, the picnic possibilities in Sussex and Surrey are endless. Whether you’re watching waves crash at Seven Sisters or relaxing by a pond at Wakehurst, it’s time to embrace the sunshine and get outdoors.
Where will you roll out your blanket next?
