Iona Bain, author of ‘Young Money Blog’ – a personal finance blog for young people – shares her favourite UK spots for a cheap, romantic picnic date.
If you’re going on a hot date soon, make it even hotter by suggesting a summer picnic. After all, why swelter in a restaurant or blow your wages on a lavish night out when you could be soaking up the rays, sharing delicious food and keeping some money in your pocket for a rainy day?
The beauty about romantic picnics is that they are an easy and cheap way to show you’re thoughtful, intrepid and enjoy the finer things in life. There is no better way to woo on a budget without your newest admirer ever suspecting. The most extravagant date in the world can’t beat a blissful afternoon in beautiful surroundings, really getting to know that special someone. If you need some inspiration, here is my pick of the UK’s most romantic picnic spots.
London
Don’t head for the most obvious destinations like Hyde or Green Park. If you want people-watching without huge crowds, try the Italian Gardens opposite Lancaster Gate. A little-known gem in the heart of the capital, its decorative sculptures elevate it above the rest. If you’re based in East London or Essex, make a trip to Victoria Park, which was given a facelift for the Olympics and even boasts a beautiful pagoda. Or you can hop on a boat along the Thames and enjoy everything that Greenwich Park has to offer, including quirky markets and a spectacular view of the City.
Scotland
In Scotland you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations for a romantic picnic. Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh offers one of the best vantage points of the city’s varied and iconic architecture. You could also walk up Corstorphine Hill – where you’ll have a more intimate but equally breath-taking view out onto the city. Similarly Glasgow also boasts some stunning picnic venues, the exotic Botanic Gardens offer a splendid backdrop for al-fresco snacking.
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, then why not take a trip to the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park. It might take you a while longer to get there, but once you’ve arrived set up your picnic and viewed the scenery you’ll realise that the extra effort was more than worth it.
East Anglia
Is a real picnicking gem, bursting with gorgeous places to visit. Holkam Bay being a perfect example, thanks to its idyllic beaches, vast sand dunes and towering pine trees it will certainly deliver a romantic afternoon for you and your date. Blicking hall is also a great spot, with its stunning 17th century hall and breath-taking grounds abundant in wonderfully secluded lakes and woodland it’s perfectly suited for an extraordinary date.
North West
If you’ve met someone on dating sites based in the North West should look no further than the Lake District which overflows with picturesque picnic spots. If you’re looking to go on a short hike before your picnic than a trip to Ullswater will be perfect. Depending on how far you want to walk from the car park there’s a number of stunning picnicking spots over-looking the lake. If you’d prefer a hiking free picnic, then why not visit Fellfoot Park, located at the Lake Districts most southern tip. This stunning park boast all the basic amenities you’d expect at your local park such as toilets, a car park, and a café except Fellfoot has the added bonus of the Lake Districts wonderful scenery.
Based in Merseyside? Than the Formby sand dunes are the perfect setting for a spot of lunch. Make sure you have a windbreak with you though as sandy sandwiches could seriously put a dampener on the date. Sefton Park situated in the heart of Liverpool is also a romantic place to visit for a picnic. Whilst visiting Sefton Park you can go and see its stunning Victorian greenhouse, pixie waterfall and numerous lovers’ caves.
Wales
Welsh lovebirds get a bit of everything when it comes to great picnic spots. Whether that be the sand dunes overlooking the River Ogmore at Merthyr Mawr, where scenes from the 1962 classic Laurence of Arabia were filmed. Or the magnificent Buke Park in the centre of Cardiff, which is reportedly perfect for any date that enjoys flowers, gentle streams and lots of squirrels.
Yorkshire
The inspiration for Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire has more than enough great places for a romantic picnic. If you’re looking for a more remote picnic, then why not try Paddley Gorge in the Peak District. Or for something situated in a city try a trip to Roundhay Park in Leeds. The 700 acre park is one of the biggest in Europe and offers plenty of romantic spots for daters to pitch up their picnic.
Wherever you go, just make sure you pack some yummy and inexpensive food – as well as sunscreen – and let the sparks fly. Need a picnic partner? Sign up for our free dating trial.
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