Top 10 Picnic Spots

The English Riviera has lots of great places to dine alfresco - there are restuarants and cafes everywhere along the coast with amazing views and outside seating. But there is something extra about throwing down a rug at your favourite spot, getting slightly closer to nature and even finding a secluded spot of your own to share a bottle of wine or some snacks! So, go for it, check out our list of our top 10 places to picnic at your leisure, in the country, on the coast or somewhere in between!

1. Cockington Village, Torquay

A stroll around this picturesque village is a step back in time, with its chocolate-box thatched cottages, water mill and forge. Cockington Court is a bustling hive of local artistic enterprise where you can watch glassblowers and blacksmiths in action, before exploring the extensive grounds to find your ideal picnic spot.

There’s 450 acres of parkland with fine garden landscapes, ornamental lakes and cultivated woodland areas. Cockington Country Park has received the prestigious Keep Britain Tidy, Green Flag Award, an accolade which it has retained 23 times since its launch, one of only 5 sites in the whole of the UK to do so.  The Green Flag Award is given for high environmental standards, being beautifully maintained and having excellent visitor facilities. The verdant plants, colourful flowering shrubs and mature avenue and large specimen trees provide ideal shade on hot, summer days. Visiting dogs on leads are welcome here but need to be kept under control especially in the pretty Tudor Rose and Walled Art Gardens.

There are a network of unsurfaced lanes, newer footpaths and bridleways to explore on foot and by bike with some seating provided along the way.  

If you’re looking for somewhere that will appeal to the younger members of the family, the Ark Play Area at the rear of the manor house has been specially created for disabled and able-bodied children, and it’s a very popular attraction. There’s a wheelchair seesaw, turning stone and a water feature with a pump and fountain plus plenty of space to unpack your cool bag and picnic hamper whilst keeping a safe eye on the young ones.

2. Young's Park, Goodrington

Before heading to this sizeable park on the edge of Goodrington Sands stop off at Squires of Churston for some delicious takeaway fish and chips, a must for any visit to the seaside.

Youngs Park is less than 2.5 miles in the car or by bicycle from Churston. It’s the perfect place to picnic as there’s plenty of parkland and several eateries nearby including the ice cream kiosk at the north end of the beach. The park contains an attractive boating pool with swan boats and pedalos and lots of entertainment for the children including amusements, crazy golf courses, go-karts, and waterslides.

This area is very popular with couples, families and dog walkers, amidst the very popular visitor attractions there’s still ample space to find a tranquil spot to enjoy your open air dining experience.

If you’re there on a warm summer’s evening you might catch an outdoor performance by a local brass band in the covered bandstand, providing a lovely  soundtrack to accompany the gentle lapping of the seawaves against the rocks. When you’ve finished your picnic take a dip in the clean, calm waters but do pay attention to any signs or warning flags displayed on the beach.  To find out more visit our Top 10 beaches on the English Riviera.

3. Thatcher Point, Torquay

Just above Meadfoot Beach and close to the exclusive addresses of Ilsham Marine Drive, you'll discover a spectacular grassy lawn sloping down to Thatcher Point, with incredible views over Thatcher Rock.

If fishing is your thing, you might like to try your hand at Hopes Nose, a favourite angling spot for catching mackerel. Responsible anglers are welcome here and  reduced fishing catch regulations are in place. Onsite barbeques and campfires are not permitted on this site as it’s a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its geological importance but responsible picnicking is welcomed here.

If you prefer your seafood to be caught for you, there are many first-class restaurants and takeaways as part of England’s Seafood Coast providing a delicious selection of the freshest fish and seafood from Brixham’s fish harbour. The award winning Hanbury's Restaurant and Takeaway in Babbacombe is the place to get your mouthwatering battered fish and chips to enjoy in the open air.

There’s plenty to look out for amongst the habitat, which is perfect for some unusual plants, rare small blue butterflies and tiny coral fossils in the rocks. There are spectacular views over the bay and towards Orestone and Thatcher Rock to enjoy as you share that special moment with friends or a loved one.

4. Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham 

Due to its south-westerly setting, the English Riviera has an enviable microclimate with mild weather conditions throughout the year, making it a perfect choice when planning your outdoor adventures.

Brixham is the home to the internationally famous Fish Market and sampling the local specialities on offer is a must when visiting this historic fishing port. Over 30 species of fish and shellfish are caught in the local waters so why not fill your picnic hamper with a fine selection of freshly caught crab, lobster, prawns and scallops and head up to this wonderful vantage point? Try Simply Fish, a family run business in the heart of the town for some delicious seafood dishes to take away.

The promontory of Berry Head makes for a perfect picnic spot, perched high up on 200ft cliffs there are spectacular, unrivalled views across the Bay to Torquay. Lay out your picnic blanket near the iconic working lighthouse, which is both the shortest yet highest in the country at only 5m tall whilst standing 58m above sea level.

The stunning landscape forms part of the English Riviera's designated UNESCO Global Geopark and attracts in the region of 135,000 visitors each year.  It’s a very popular setting for locals and visitors alike and the historic Napoleonic fortress surroundings provide some shelter against the natural elements.

5. Babbacombe Downs, Babbacombe

Before setting off to rhis stunning location, why not add some locally produced delicacies to your picnic basket and try some fine West country ales and ciders, Devon pasties and local cheeses available from the independent shops in nearby St Marychurch and Babbacombe?

The delightful gardens at Babbacombe Downs have attained the prestigious Green Flag award, an international accolade recognising the high environmental standards, excellent visitor facilities and maintenance of the site.

Babbacombe Downs is the highest cliff top promenade in England - you can not only take in the spectacular coastline of South Devon, but also spot seabirds, seals and even dolphins from above! 

There are plenty of benches to take in the breathtaking views across the English Riviera or bring along a picnic blanket and settle on the grass to share this delightful experience.

6. Torre Abbey Meadows, Torquay

Torre Abbey Meadows and Gardens is a large open space used for public events and picnics. There are a range of family friendly facilities to enjoy including ten all weather tennis courts, a 9 hole par 3 crazy golf course and an outdoor bowling green. There’s also the picturesque Italian Gardens with an attractive pond with fountain and a water rock garden, popular all year round.

This flat green park on Torquay seafront is perfectly located and is a great spot for a family game of rounders or football before enjoying a picnic in the shade of the oak tree, believed  to be about 450 years old.

Set within the grounds of the gardens is the vibrant and quirky One World Cafe & Bistro, with ample outdoor seating and a live music event programme. Try the excellent range of scrumptious cakes and desserts on offer plus there’s a charming menu for tiny tots.

You’re also just a pebble's throw away from Torre Abbey Sands, Seaside Award winner 2018, if you fancy a pre-picnic dip in the glistening, clear blue water followed by a refreshingly cool ice cream at the water’s edge Corbyn Head Beach cafe. 

7. Shoalstone Pool, Brixham

A short walk from the bustling harbour at Brixham and you'll find this unique 53m sea water swimming pool, built in Victorian Times when bathing on the riviera was very popular. Opened to the public in 1896 it is considered to be one of only a few remaining lidos in the country. Entry to this splendid spot is free with donations welcome to support running costs, including the lifeguards who are on duty daily during May to September.  

With plenty of poolside space to enjoy your homemade snacks this is the perfect local attraction for the whole family, and with breathtaking views from the terrace across the bay this is a dip and dine experience with a difference. Deckchairs and sunbeds can be hired if you fancy making a full day of it.

Shoals Brixham is the ‘cafe on the Lido’, run by a Brixham fishing family serving locally sourced fresh fish, some from their very own family trawler. There’s plenty on the menu to tempt you from breakfast specials to fish, meat and vegetarian hot dishes. There’s also a kiosk onsite serving delicious Devon based Yarde Farm Ice Cream, a favourite with every family member.

Beside the lido there’s a small shingle beach with delightful rock pools for the children to explore at low tide.

8. Preston Green, Paignton

Bring along your fold up picnic chairs or blankets and claim your space at this very popular, family friendly green. It's a safe spot for children to play with a small, fenced playground and a basketball court. This lovely park, lined by colourful beach huts is just a short stroll from Paignton town centre and beach and the large, level green runs along the full length of the beach and even has a dedicated dog exercise area.

Preston has several taps providing free drinking water so don’t forget to bring along your reusable bottle to fill up and stay hydrated. Barbecues are only permitted within designated areas so look out for the signs before setting up and ask the beach manager if unsure.

With several classic beach kiosks along the esplanade selling a wide range of hot and cold savoury snacks, ice creams and refreshing soft drinks if your picnic supplies need replenishing you’ll be spoiled for choice.   

At low tide, Preston Sands has some of the best rockpooling to be found at the northern end of the beach. Closeby is Torbay Sands Hotel with a very pleasant vintage style Victory Tea Room, an ideal location to take in the sea views and to enjoy a cup of tea or treat yourself to a full Devon cream tea. 

9. Hollicombe Beach, Paignton

If you fancy a quiet picnic spot away from the crowds, Hollicombe can't be beaten. It’s very easy to get to as Hollicombe is on the main coast road between Torquay and Paignton and is within a short walking distance from nearby Preston beach, where you’ll find the nearest toilets and amenities. There’s plenty of street parking if you’re travelling by car and a bus stop close by.  

To access the beach you need to pass through the leafy Hollicombe Park, a tranquil, green landscape with plenty of flourishing shrubs, trees and flower beds to enjoy. If you’re looking for some time out to do a spot of reading or quiet contemplation there are plenty of secluded corners to discover in this idyllic setting.

Walking under the railway bridge you’ll come to this captivating hideaway with a slipway down to the beach. It’s a real suntrap for keen sunbathers, with some shelter provided by the high sandstone cliffs but it’s worth bringing along your sunscreen and a hat for some added protection. At low tide, it's a rock-pooling paradise so the children will love it here too. Armed with fishing nets, bucket and spades and your scrumptious picnic treats you’ll be sorted for the entire day.  

10. Ilsham Valley, Torquay

Grab your picnic supplies from the fine cluster of desirable independent shops in Wellswood Village and stroll down the hill past Kent's Cavern to the long meadow overlooked by Ilsham Woods. This tree-lined grassy expanse leads down to the coast and the sheltered Meadfoot Beach with its rocky, stone and shingle areas.

This delightful valley is a superb spot for picnicking with plenty of open space for the children to run around and is ideal for larger groups. Bring a frisbee along or have some fun playing soft-ball games with family teams. The area is very popular with dog walkers and local sports groups who enjoy the junior football grass pitches and community gatherings so there’s always plenty going on to watch or even take part in.

After a refreshing swim in the crisp, blue waters at Meadfoot Beach why not walk back up to The Kents in Wellswood for the adults to sample the Real Ales, lagers and wines on offer? This family friendly pub is popular with locals and has a spacious beer garden which is a lovely suntrap during the warmer months.