Roadside assistance experts The AA have revealed the UK’s ultimate park picnic destinations through a comprehensive ‘Picnic Perfection’ index. Analysing the top scenic locations across the country, the study considers Google search demand, review ratings, Instagram popularity, parking costs, sunshine hours and average temperatures to determine the nation’s most idyllic spots for lunching al fresco.1,2,3,4,5
With longer days and rising temperatures, appetite for the great British picnic is growing. Not only are there 118.3k global TikTok tags for #picnicaesthetic,6 Google searches for ‘picnic ideas’ have more than doubled in the UK, with ‘picnic’ searches forecast to peak at around 33,100 through to July. Specifically, ‘picnic recipes’ (+86%) and ‘picnic spots near me’ searches are also on the rise this quarter (+39%), whilst year-on year data highlights the three locations which have seen the biggest increase in Google popularity as Cannock Chase Country Park (Staffordshire) with a five fold increase, Hastings Country Park Mature Reserve (Hastings) where searches have nearly tripled and and Lee Valley Country Park (Greater London) where searches have more than doubled.1
For The Cost-Conscious Motorist
Whilst London’s Hampstead Heath is the most expensive for car parking, costing an eye-watering £58.40 for 8 hours, many of the top-ranking destinations are free to access and park at, or offer affordable day rates. 29 of the locations actually offer free parking – visit The AA website for a full list of these – including alternative London spots like Richmond Park and Bushy Park, which also had the highest scoring average Google Reviews at 4.8 out of 5, making them accessible options for cost-conscious motorists in the capital. Scotland offers the most free-to-park locations (12 parks), followed by the South East (6 parks), and the Midlands (5 parks).
Mapped: The Perfect Picnic Spots By Region
Focusing on the three regions placed in the top 20, the best-scoring parks were:
The South East: Richmond Park, London (Score: 91.75 / 100) – No. 1 in the Top 20
Richmond Park stands out as the ultimate picnic destination thanks to its vast open spaces, ancient woodlands and iconic free-roaming deer. Visitors praise its peaceful atmosphere despite its London location, with plenty of secluded spots for a blanket and a basket. Its elevated viewpoints, including King Henry’s Mound, offer stunning skyline views, making it ideal for both relaxation and scenic photography. It’s also free to park!
The East: Nene Park, Peterborough (Score: 57.34) – No. 14 in the Top 20
Set along the River Nene, this expansive park is one of the biggest in the region and home to multiple lakes. It offers scenic waterside views and wide-open meadows perfect for plotting a picnic. Alongside its pretty walking trails, activities on offer include children’s play areas, cycling, watersports, and fishing, making it a great choice for an active day out. Parking costs £7.50 for the day.
The North West: Heaton Park, Manchester (Score: 56.95) – No. 16 in the Top 20
One of the UK’s largest municipal parks with over 600 acres, Heaton Park boasts wide views across Manchester and toward the Pennines. Encompassing vast green spaces, woodlands and a scenic lake where you can hire boats, it’s ideal for a relaxed picnic setting. The addition of children’s play areas, an animal centre, Zip-World tree top adventure, golf course and vintage tramway (summer weekends only) makes this a firm family favourite, where parking costs just £3.50 for the day.
Don’t Get In A Pickle; Rain or Shine – You’ll Dine!
The British weather can be unpredictable, but don’t let April showers scupper your picnic plans – the car can be a great backup when the weather turns! Lee Morley, AA Patrol of the Year, advises how to stay safe if you do need to eat in the car:
1. Don’t eat while driving – “It might be tempting to tuck into your picnic on the move, but eating behind the wheel can be considered ‘driving without due care and attention’. If it distracts you, you could face fines, penalty points, or even prosecution in more serious cases.”
2. Make sure you’re properly parked – “If you’re stopping to eat, always park safely and legally. Avoid stopping on verges, double yellow lines, or in unsafe lay-bys. If you’re in a designated car park, check signage to ensure picnicking in your vehicle is permitted.”
3. Turn off the engine – “Idling while you eat might seem harmless, but it can be illegal in some areas and contributes to unnecessary emissions. Switch off the engine once parked – not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it also avoids potential fines. Also, charging your mobile phones and tablets, or keeping the car radio switched on, can flatten the car’s battery. Instead, try to use a portable radio or power bank to power your devices.”
4. Avoid any alcohol intake – “A picnic often includes many delicious drinks from fruity Pimms to tangy lemonade, but if you’re the designated driver, I’d avoid any alcohol to ensure you stay within the legal alcohol limits. Even small amounts can impair your judgement.”
5. Keep your windscreen and controls clear – “Food packaging, drinks or condensation can obstruct your view or interfere with controls. Make sure everything is tidy before setting off again.”
6. Stay visible and safe – “If you’re parked in a remote or rural spot, ensure your vehicle is visible to others and not causing an obstruction. At night or in poor weather, use hazard lights if necessary.”
7. Plan ahead for comfort and emergencies – “Pack essentials like napkins, wipes and a bin bag in the car to keep it clean and ensure you take your rubbish home with you. Lastly, if you don’t have breakdown cover, I’d also advise getting some because more car breakdowns occur in the hotter temperatures due to overheating.“
