SouthWest England
DANCING LEDGE, ISLE OF PURBECK, DORSET
Where: Park in the village of Langton Matravers, follow the sign post on the South West Coast Path through walled and hedgerow fields down towards the sea.
The spot: The flat rock at base of a small cliff – undulating, uninterrupted coastline to left and right. Rockpool but no beach access.
The shot: Dramatic cliffs, ‘dancing sea’ as it hits the rock and soaring gulls.
Perfect for: Romantic moments and birthday treats – though a head for rocky paths is needed, and flat shoes are best.
BRATTON CAMP, NEAR WESTBURY, WILTSHIRE
Where: See Westbury White Horse for miles around. It’s the symbol of Wiltshire. But what about a picnic on the hilltop right next to the chalk figure?
The spot: Walk past the chalk horse’s head, around ancient hill fort ramparts and lay blankets facing north.
The shot: Alluring patchwork of Avon valley farmland beneath you, sometimes with hanggliders above and distant views of two other Wiltshire white horses.
Perfect for: Intrepid picnic-carriers who can charge up steep slopes re-enacting Alfred the Great’s victory over the Vikings here 1,141 years ago. Less energetic picnickers simply drive up winding lanes to a free car park and ice-cream van.
AVON RIVERSIDE, BRISTOL
Where: In west Bristol, walk over Brunel Way bridge, or use the Portway cycle track to reach the south bank of the River Avon.
The spot: A lone bench under trees in a little-used riverside park to the west of Brunel Way offers the ultimate Bristol view.
The shot: Capture the tidal river as it curves under Clifton suspension bridge into Avon Gorge, framed by elegant Georgian mansions and the steep slopes of Leigh Woods.
Perfect for: On foot only – so ideal for riverside walkers or cyclists from the city centre.
PORLOCK WEIR, SOMERSET
Walk to the sea from Porlock village or park by the harbour and follow the grassy ridge at the back of a steep, pebbly beach for five minutes.
The spot: Nestle into grass just where the coastal path turns inland, underneath a cluster of sheltering trees. Look for driftwood log ‘benches’.
The shot: Fairytale bleached white petrified trees in marshes alongside or at the deserted water’s edge looking across the Bristol Channel as far as the Welsh hills. Perfect for: The frazzled who can de-stress to the rhythm of waves on pebbles. Artists are inspired by the soft, watery light, while poets reach for notebooks in Coleridge’s footsteps, and explorers find England’s smallest church.
SOUTH PARK, OXFORD
Where: Vast ‘South’ Park is actually in East Oxford, so head to any entrance gates around Headington Hill.
The spot: Find the comfiest grass under trees on a slope at the centre of the city’s largest park.
The shot: This is where postcard photographers always come to catch the classic view of Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’.
Perfect for: Beer gourmets who can toast the memory of a local brewery family that used to own South Park, with products of the nearby Oxford Craft Beer company.
PURTON, SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Where: Explore the banks of the Severn between Sharpness and Slimbridge by parking after the swing bridge in Lower Purton. Follow the towpath west towards the Severn for ten minutes, then walk from canal to estuary shore.
The spot: In long grass amid Purton Ships’ Graveyard – being careful not to go too far toward the muddy edges.
The shot: Eerie image of decayed ghostly hulks of 80 overgrown ships and barges along banks of mile-wide river.
Perfect for: All ages who’ll be fascinated by this little-known sight: more than 80 boats deliberately grounded here as reinforcement after a riverbank collapsed between the Severn Estuary and Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
CLEEVE HILL, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Where: West of Regency Cheltenham, take the tiny lane south from the B4632 to the public ‘quarry’ car park, then walk across the crest of the hill.
The spot: Face west on this massive ridge next to bent, windswept trees.
The shot: Glorious panorama over turrets and spires of Cheltenham with the River Severn twinkling in the distance and dark Welsh hills beyond. Prepare for incredible sunsets.
Perfect for: Bring binoculars. At more than 1,000ft, Cleeve is the Cotswolds’ highest point. Locals say you can see Exmoor – and that’s 90 miles away!
CADOVER BRIDGE, DARTMOOR, NEAR SHAUGH PRIOR, DEVON
Where: The actual bridge is rather small and straddles the River Plym but is a good starting point for walks. You don’t need to go far to find your own space on Dartmoor.
The spot: Peaceful moorland with plenty of rocks and tors to climb. Listen out for skylarks and the squeals of children paddling near the bridge.
The shot: Ponies and sheep grazing among the gorse and stubbly grass. From Shell Top, enjoy clear views of South Devon.
Perfect for: Walkers who want to climb Trowlesworthy or Calveslake tors nearby. Great for families and groups who don’t want to carry chairs and picnics too far.
BOVISAND BEACH, SOUTH DEVON
Where: Five miles from Plymouth, this pretty, sheltered sandy bay is flanked by cliffs and loved by locals. Car parks at the top, with steps down to beach.
The spot: Flat, soft sand as far as the eye can see when the tide is out, making it easy to plant an umbrella and lay out a picnic.
The shot: Clear, warm lapping waves, children skipping in the shallows and views over to Plymouth sound.
Perfect for: Swimming, snorkelling and little ones who like to paddle. No dogs from May 1 to September 30.
TRELISSICK, FEOCK, CORNWALL
Where: Once you’ve parked at this National Trust property near Truro, rather than head for the country house, take your hamper, follow the ‘Woodland Walks’ sign and stroll across the grass towards the little beach.
The spot: Set amid 300 acres of countryside, much of Trelissick is free to access so you’re spoilt for choice. Plonk yourself down on beach or grass, or find a spot in one of the plentiful shaded wooded areas.
The shot: Glorious views across the Fal estuary, picturesque harbours, pretty woodland with natural chiaroscuro, plus the stately pile itself. Perfect for: Grandparents, grandchildren, grand dukes. There’s something for everyone. And if it rains, you’re close to a cheering National Trust cafe.
HELL BAY, BRYHER, ISLES OF SCILLY
Where: Fancy a picnic on the extreme edge of the UK? Take the water taxi from St Mary’s to Bryher, the most westerly and smallest inhabited Scilly Isle. It’s a tenminute stroll to the west coast bay facing the Atlantic. The spot: In the middle of an unspoilt semi-circle of sand is a rocky outcrop with soft grass patches: a perfect viewing platform for a spectacular seascape. The shot: West across wavecrashed rocks – with no land between you and New York. Perfect for: Those in search of a clear horizon. The hungry can always restock at the island’s lone tiny shop.