Blanket coverage

Blanket coverage

It’s picnic season – the perfect time of year to spread out a picnic blanket and pass round the pork pies and Pimm’s.

We have some idyllic locations for al fresco extravaganzas all around our patch, so why not seek out your own secluded spot in time for July – aka National Picnic Month!

Portchester Castle

It’s free to enter the castle grounds and there’s a moat which is popular for crabbing, so bring the fishing lines to keep little ones occupied.

The open grass fields are great for a game of rounders or football. Bring your own food or pop to Seahorse Coffee Bar, where you’ll find really good locally roasted coffee and tempting traybakes.

There is also a great walk around the grounds of the castle, with parking and toilets close by.

The River Hamble

Park up at Warsash marina and walk along the river. There are plenty of benches along the route to sit with a picnic and have a chat while you watch the wildlife.

This walk is great for kids as there are shipwrecks along the way, which are visible if you go at low tide.

Hop on the pink ferry if you want to do the 10-minute trip across the water to Hamble or visit High Tides café if you’d rather just do the walk and finish with a hot coffee or a bite to eat.

Cams Estate

You can check out our fab waterside walk for the Cams Estate here, or just bring a blanket and lay it out by the waterside to watch the birds over Salterns Lake!

Holly Hill Woodland Park

Great for those with adventurous kids, who will love looking out for tree carvings, waterfalls, and stepping stones before settling down for lunch.

Toilets are on-site at the main car park, and dog and litter bins are located along the paths.

You’ll find picnic benches in the flat open area where the little ones can run around searching for wildlife while you sit and enjoy a cup of tea.

The park is dog friendly, but eager hounds should be kept on leads due to all the wildlife.

Hill Head beach

The shingle beach is perfect for a sunny day, with cafes, toilets and free parking nearby.

Children and dogs will love splashing in the sea, and then you can all go beachcombing for shells and sea glass, and even shark teeth.

This area is popular with water sports enthusiasts, so you can sit and sunbathe while you watch windsurfers, sailors, and kite surfers.

Titchfield Abbey

For a picnic spot with local history, this great free local attraction has plenty of picnic spots and the bonus of the charming medieval ruins to explore.