Pack a picnic
A picnic in the New Forest is a popular summer activity and an ideal way to spend a sunny day! Gather with family and friends, or enjoy a peaceful outing with someone special, and venture into the New Forest for the ultimate alfresco dining experience in this gorgeous National Park.
What to pack in your picnic basket
The joy of a picnic lies in leisurely grazing through a delicious variety of foods while soaking in the beauty of the great outdoors. Here’s a guide to packing the perfect picnic basket:
- Sandwiches: A picnic staple.
- Sausage Rolls, Scotch Eggs, and Pork Pies: A picnic isn’t complete without at least one of these savoury delights.
- Quiche: A timeless favourite.
- Crudites: A simple way to add more veggies to your meal with chopped carrots, cucumber, and celery sticks.
- Crisps and Dips: Bring a selection so there’s something everyone will like.
- Cakes and Cookies: A sweet treat is essential!
- Strawberries: Possibly the nation’s favourite fruit. Refreshing and even better with a dollop of cream.
- Drinks: Don’t forget beverages. Pack water, juice cartons, or a flask of tea, depending on your preference.
Where to get your picnic supplies
The best place to source all these delicious foods is from our local farm shops! For an unforgettable picnic, gather your groceries from farm shops in the New Forest and enjoy top-quality products from local producers. You’ll find everything you need at places like Hockeys Farm Shop, or Sopley Farm Shop, where you can even pick your own produce, such as berries!
Image - Sopley Farm Shop
Finding the perfect picnic spot
Now, it’s time to find the perfect spot to lay down your blanket and relax. The New Forest offers countless idyllic locations, with free-roaming ponies and donkeys wandering by, butterflies fluttering around, and birdsong filling the air. Spend the afternoon under the shade of ancient woodlands, enjoy breathtaking views across heathlands, or unwind on the beautiful ‘secret’ coastline.
Be forest friendly
Please remember to take care of our beautiful New Forest while enjoying your picnic. Take all your litter home with you and never leave any food behind, as human food is harmful to our free- roaming animals. Be forest friendly and always follow the New Forest Code.
Enjoy your picnic in the New Forest and make the most of this cherished summer tradition!
