If you are spending some time exploring the UK this summer, then Cheltenham is a great place to visit. This friendly and beautiful town is famed for its many festivals and with so much to do it is the perfect getaway for couples and families alike. There are also plenty of places to stay, from rented self-catering apartments, to luxurious retreats like this spa breaks Cheltenham based hotel https://hatherleymanor.com/the-spa/spa-breaks-cotswolds/cheltenham/
In the summer, getting outdoors is one of the best things about the season. With the fine weather, something that is a great activity for the whole family is a picnic, and in Cheltenham there are plenty of great places to enjoy a picnic…
Sandford Park is a brilliant place to go for a picnic. This beautiful green space has open lawns making it easy to find a good spot for a picnic. On a warm day another thing that makes this a perfect picnic spot is the fact that it is right next door to Sandford Park lido – so you can get in and have a swim after you have eaten your picnic!
If you are looking for somewhere a bit further into the countryside, then another good place for a picnic in the Cheltenham area is Crickley Hill country park. With beautiful views and woodland walks to explore this is a great place for a quiet and relaxed picnic in spectacular settings.
Pittville Park is another popular spot for picnics in Cheltenham – a great place for a family day out, as well as the park itself, there is also play equipment for kids to enjoy as well as a boating lake which is perfect in the summer.
Planning and packing the perfect picnic
Once you have picked your spot, think about how you will get there. Some places are close enough to walk or cycle to, while others need a car or public transport, which affects how much you can comfortably carry.
Then decide what to take. On your own, you only have to please yourself, but for a group it helps to ask about everyone’s preferences before you shop.
Food safety should come first when preparing the food. Perishable items need to stay cold and fresh, so pack them in cold boxes and containers with ice packs, and keep them out of the sun when you arrive. If you are unsure what will travel safely, ask someone you trust for advice. Pack a separate basket with cutlery, plates, napkins, cups, drinks and wet wipes, and do not forget a blanket. When you arrive, spread the blanket out, unpack your boxes and settle in to enjoy the view.
Pittville Park and Sandford Park Lido
Two of Cheltenham’s best spots for a family picnic come with plenty to do between sandwiches. Pittville Park has lakes where you can try rowing a boat or fishing, along with swings, slides and trampolines. There is water and sand play as well, which keeps even the youngest children happy.
On a hot day, the open-air pool at Sandford Park Lido is a good place to cool off and spend the day. It is surrounded by mature trees and ornamental flower beds, so there is space to lay out a picnic lunch between swims. If you would rather not carry food with you, there is a café on site selling hot and cold fresh food at reasonable prices.
Both make an easy addition to a weekend in a town also known for its architecture, museums, galleries and independent shops.
