Best Places To Enjoy A Picnic In Northumberland

National Picnic Week takes place form June 11th to June 19th, so what better way to celebrate than by grabbing your picnic baskets and blankets and heading outdoors.

National Picnic Week aims to provide people with the opportunity to get together and dine outside.

There are loads of fabulous picnic locations in Northumberland, from idyllic beaches to stunning clifftop stops, shady woodland glades, tranquil garden retreats and remote country corners.

Here are some of the best picnic sports in Northumberland, not just for National Picnic Week, but for anytime of the year, weather permitting. Dining alfresco is a great way to eat for those wishing to have an alternative dining option while on a self-catering break in the county.

Little Church Rock, Simonside Hills

For a little solitude, try climbing up to the top of Little Church Rock. The walk there is well worth it. Park the car in a clearing and then make our way through forest paths admiring the breath-taking views across the barren hills.

Warkworth Hermitage

Lesser known than the nearby Warkworth Castle, Warkworth Hermitage is only accessible by water. You can pay the ferryman to take you across to see the little chapel that has been listed as one of the English Heritage’s six most curious sites in the country. This is because no one actually knows when or why the chapel was carved. Go for a walk around it, go out on the river, then find a spot to lay out your picnic.

Stephenson’s Cottage, Wylam

For those that enjoy a walk before settling down for a picnic, at George Stephenson’s Birthplace you can take an easy flat walk along a good path. Take a look around the cottage when you get there then enjoy a picnic on one of the many verdant fields as you loop back towards the car.

Cawfields Quarry, Hadrian’s Wall

Both the Pennine Way National Trail and the Hadrian’s Wall Path pass through the quarry. The best way to admire the views is to walk along Hadrian’s Wall, but there are parking spaces, picnic tables and public toilets at the quarry for those who don’t feel up to walking. The quarry is dramatic. It opened in 1930 and was operated by the Aliston Limestone Company.

Hethpool Linn, College Valley

It may be pretty inaccessible and a long car drive from everywhere but the College Valley really is beautiful. It bans cars, except by permit, making for a rare experience where you can enjoy the surroundings almost free from engine sounds.

The journey is well worth it and it makes the ultimate picnic location. Head towards Hethpool Linn, a small waterfall, for the perfect picnic setting.

Kielder Water and Forest Park

There are plenty of opportunities for alfresco dining here. There are loads of sots where you can enjoy views over Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake.

Farne Islands

Enjoy a picnic on the wild side by heading for St. Cuthbert’s Cove. It is open from early August to allow families to enjoy the peace.

Northumberland Coast

With miles of sandy beaches, castles and unspoilt views, the stunning Northumberland coast is picnic heaven, even at peak holiday times. Top spots include Low Newton-by-the-Sea with its incredible outlook over Embleton Bay, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and Bamburgh all rank highly. Another gem is Cocklawburn, near Berwick, renowned for its rock pools.