When the sun is shining and the days are warm, there is nothing better than packing up all your favourite foods, gathering the family and friends and heading off for a nice picnic in the sun! Just like the weather, which can’t seem to make its mind up at the moment, it is often hard to think of and decide on somewhere to go. This short guide will highlight some of the best picnic spots that we have near us in Southampton, and will hopefully give you some ideas, of course there are many more, however these have been selected not only for their beautiful surroundings, but also for accessibility and on site services.
We know life is extremely different at the moment, so when we get the chance, it would be nice to pack a little bag and head to one of the best picnic spots in Southampton. Why not listen to The SOSO Show on your walk too? A local podcast to get your ears into!
Netley Victoria country park:
For anyone who knows Southampton well, this one will not come as a surprise, Netley Victoria country park is situated around an old hospital which was in place from 1863b until 1966, the remaining part now comprises of a small museum, café and toilets. The park as a whole looks over Southampton waters and comprises of 200 acres of woodland and grassy parkland. They have various different children play areas and you can often watch local football or cricket which is hosted in the first field.
There is a charge for parking, which can be paid for by card, cash or online, it has access to toilets, and it is also accessible from nearby streets.
Netley Abbey:
Just down the road is the old ruins of Netley Abbey which are free to access and also a lovely spot to sit down with your picnic.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Netley Abbey
Southampton
SO31 5GA
Meon shore:
So, this one isn’t quite in Southampton, but it is definitely worth the visit. Although it is a Stoney beach, it has water that you can swim in and easy access going straight off the road, onto the sea front. There are many streets surrounding the area which can be parked on, and also a host of bars and cafes. It looks directly across the water to the Isle of Wight and on a clear day you have a view of Osbourne house, which is Queen Victoria’s palace bought in 1845.
Fareham
PO14 4HN
Bucklers Hard:
Bucklers Hard is Part of the 9000-acre Beaulieu estate, located in the new forest. It was originally founded as a new free port for trading sugar from the West Indies. It has beautiful Georgian cottages leading down to a perfect picnic spot by the river. You can also walk the length of the river all the way to the centre of Beaulieu. This area has access to toilets, a café, onsite car parking and museum of local history.
Bucklers Hard
New Forest
Hampshire
SO42 7XB
Tall Trees trail – New forest:
Another beauty spot of the new forest, this is perfect for family walks in the winter and has plenty of clearings for you to set up your perfect picnics in the summer. There are various different trails to take, which are various distances. There are nature trails set up for children and access to a car park just across the road.
Tall trees trail, blackwater
Rhinefield ornamental drive
Brockenhurst
New Forest
Hampshire
SO42 7QB
Where do you feel like walking to ease the effects of lockdown? Tag us in your photos of your nature walks!
