Dine in the great outdoors this summer
Picnic on an island on the Thames: Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead
A great place for a family picnic with toilet facilities, picnic tables and benches, and in the summer a café. The Island has an adventure play area suitable for children between 3 and 8 years, an aviary and guinea pig enclosure and wooden animals dotted around for imaginative play. The Island's name dates from when the Ray family managed a flourmill here and the lock was originally called after the family. At the northern end of the Island you will find Boulter's Weir, one of 50 remaining on the Thames. Hire a boat from The Little Green Boat Company.
Picnic by the 2,000 year old Ankerwycke Yew tree opposite Runnymede
Take a look underneath the canopy of this venerable old giant. It's a little out of the w
ay but well worth the journey, open all year round with an ancient 2,500 year old yew tree and the remains of a Benedictine priory to discover. With a wonderful array of wildlife and a wide variety of trees, Ankerwycke is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk on a sunny day.
Picnic in style on a Hobbs of Henley skippered motor yacht
Hobbs of Henley is based in Henley on Thames and and offers a selection of skippered boats to cruise along the Henley stretch of the Thames. Enjoy as a venue for a picnic lunch or afternoon tea. Vessels are hired with a fully qualified experienced skipper. Brand new in 2023 to Hobbs of Henley’s luxury fleet was Lilibet, a stunning 40 ft 12C Piper Hybrid Motor Cruiser, which is the next level in boating luxury on the River Thames. Our skipper and crew can host up to 12 passengers.
Picnic in MIll Meadows, Henley and have a game of mini golf.
The park offers a perfect escape by the river from the hustle and bustle of life. A tranquil setting for a peaceful picnic. Stroll through the wildflower meadows and along the riverside paths. There's a Children’s Play Area and Adventure Golf.
Picnic in the Park at Higginson Park and enjoy an exhilarating family adventure
Higginson Park, a Green Flag Award-winning park, is a superb location on the River Thames.t's been a public park since 1926, although as a garden it dates back to 1758. It's wetland, protected for wildlife (including kingfishers, swans, ducks and other waterfowl). It's large enough to host events including a circus and fun fairs. With stunning views of the tranquil waters of the Thames, it offers access to Thames Path walking trail and hiring a boat with The Little Green Boat Company. Dive into excitement with their self-operated electric and rowing boats, perfect for memorable family outings.
Picnic at Cliveden National Trust Gardens
Fill your hamper with your favourite goodies from home, throw in a comfy blanket and enjoy al fresco dining at Cliveden. Positioned on top of chalk cliffs and overlooking the River Thames, Cliveden's magnificent gardens and woodlands offer breathtaking views that have been admired for centuries. The spot was chosen by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham in 1666 for its striking view to the River Thames. Discover the picnic sites around the woodlands and gardens.
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BBQ, Picnics and Wild Swimming at Port Meadow, Oxford
Port Meadow in Oxford - wide open space, all day and all night, no restrictions on barbecues, wild swimming in the Thames with lots of informal paddling, popular with families and young people and pubs near by. There are static picnic benches and BBQs near the Godstow Road entrance.
When you visit "Oxford's oldest monument" you are looking at a landscape that has changed little since prehistoric times. William Turner was inspired to paint his early landscapes here. Lewis Carroll rowed Alice Liddell and related Alice in Wonderland to her.
