5 places to picnic in the East Midlands

Pack your hamper, take a walk and enjoy lunch by water with our top canalside picnic spots in the East Midlands.

And remember, whether you’re on the towpath or in a designated picnic area, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly. If there aren’t any bins around, take your litter home with you to discard.

1. Foxton Locks, Grand Union Canal

The longest staircase flight in England sits on 34 acres of green land. As you tuck into your lunch, you can watch the boats go up and down this impressive flight.

A group sit on picnic blankets and a bench eating a picnic by the locks as others walk by on a sunny day.

when the boats seem quiet, look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers on the water.

There are lock gate-themed benches and grassy spaces along the flight as well as a picnic area at the top, where will also find the Top Lock Cottage café – serving locally produced ice cream. At the bottom of the flight are two pubs, Bridge 61 and Foxton Locks Inn. You’ll also find a museum, day boat hire and the historic Foxton Inclined Plane.

There are several parking options, or you can get to Foxton Locks on a train to Market Harborough.

2. Nottingham, River Trent

Victoria Embankment is a grand, landscaped park alongside the mighty River Trent in Nottingham. Stop for a picnic in the Memorial Gardens, before taking a stroll along the riverbank to watch the wildlife, rowers and boats go by.

There are cafes and bars along the river, as well as a children’s play area, including a paddling pool and cycle park. Only a 30-minute walk from Nottingham city centre, this is the perfect space to relax with a picnic.

3. Brayford Pool, River Witham

In the heart of Lincoln, Brayford Pool is where the River Witham joins the Fossdyke Navigation. Once a natural lake, this large expanse of water is the oldest inland harbour in England and was first excavated by the Romans to improve it for boats. And millennia later, you can still take a boat ride on these waters.

Lincoln’s bustling waterfront is a bustling and exciting place to enjoy lunch. Take your picnic to enjoy watching the boats on the water or grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and bars.

There is a pay-and-display carpark or Lincoln Station is a five-minute walk to the towpath in Brayford Pool.

4. Watford Locks, Grand Union Canal

Don’t let the proximity to the M1 fool you. The Watford Staircase is an 1814 seven lock flight with four staircases that offers a breath of greenery – and a lovely place for a picnic, especially for taking a break from a long car journey.

Idyllic canal scene, reflections on water, cyclists people sitting down enjoying the canal

Enjoy the scenic views of the Northamptonshire countryside while tucking into your sandwiches

Take a picnic blanket to enjoy your lunch on the grass by one of the lockside pounds or pause for a rest on a picnic bench along the flight. The nearest station is at Long Buckby, or if you’re driving, you can pull off on the M1 at Junction 18.

5. Welford Wharf, Grand Union Canal

A picture of rural tranquillity, Welford Wharf sits at the end of the Welford Arm off the Grand Union’s Leicester Line. Once busy with boats transporting limestone to the nearby lime kilns, Welford Wharf is now the perfect place for a picnic and countryside walk.

There are picnic spots around the Welford Reservoir, which is just a short walk from the towpath, where you can admire the waterbirds. There is a pub and café for extra refreshments.

Parking is available by the reservoir or near the remains of the lime kilns opposite the wharf.