Perfect places for picnics

You'll find hundreds of places to take time out along our canals and rivers for perfect picnics this summer.

Family having a picnic in the picnic area at Anderton Boat Lift

With quacking ducks, chugging boats and amazing wildlife, we have so many special spots where you can sit back, relax and watch the world float by.

Urban picnickers

It doesn't matter where you live, even right in the heart of our towns and cities, there's somewhere to go picnicing. The towpath is a world away from everyday life, hiding just out of sight, quietly winding its way through the places we live and work.

As the weather starts to warm up we think you owe it to yourself to take a fresh look at the beauty on your doorstep. That's why we're encouraging everyone to grab a blanket, cram a hamper full of goodies and get out there this summer.

Picnicing on your doorstep

Friends and followers on social media gave us their ideas for the perfect picnic places – here some to get you started:

Granary Square, Kings Cross, London

Overlooking the Regent's Canal:

Granary Square, the new Kings Cross canalside place to sit

Little Venice, near Paddington Station, London

Chester, on the Shropshire Union Canal

Family plant flowers along the canal towpath at Chester

Trap Grounds Town Green, Oxford

Isis Bridge at the start of our Oxford Canal. Remember to look out for the kingfisher.

A black and white metal bridge in front of a single lock on a sunny day.

Hatton Locks, Warwick

Lincoln and Brayford Pool on the River Witham

Reading, County Lock

Plenty of benches along the Kennet & Avon Canal:

With over 2,000 miles of waterways to explore, you might just find your own spot. And if you do, Tweet us a pic or share it on our Facebook page.

And don't forget to download your free activity sheet and map for each of our Places to visit to take with you on your picnic.

Free places to visit

With over 120 places to visit, find out where's your nearest picnic spot

Fancy a walk?

Our circular walks are perfect for post-picnic strolls

Places for picnics for you

It's your donations and the support from our dedicated teams of volunteers that helps us make sure these beautiful canals and rivers are open for you to use and enjoy every day.

They're helping us make life better by water in even more special in new and creative ways. From community gardens with picnic areas, tables and benches to fun adventure and woodland nature trails for the whole community to enjoy.

For a happier, healthier place to picnic, take a look at what's local to you.

Please remember, when you've finished your nibbles be careful what you share with our feathered friends. Bread is bad for ducks but they'll happily share your lettice, rice and peas.