Picnic Sites

in The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Pack up your picnic basket, gather your family and friends, and enjoy fresh air, stunning scenery, and delicious local food in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Whether you prefer riverside views, forest clearings, or hilltop panoramas, there are plenty of idyllic spots to lay down a blanket and tuck into your feast.

For those looking to enhance their picnic, local farm shops and delis offer a fantastic selection of fresh, locally sourced produce, with some even providing ready-made picnic hampers packed with everything you need for a perfect outdoor meal.

Top Picnic Spots in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

  • Beechenhurst is a fantastic all-weather picnic destination. Located in the heart of the forest, it offers outdoor and indoor seating, a café, in-situ BBQ facilities, a children's play area, and a climbing tower. With access to the Sculpture Trail, it’s the ideal spot for a post-lunch stroll.
  • Cannop Ponds provides a peaceful setting with grassy picnic areas close to the water, making it perfect for wildlife spotting. Watch ducks, swans, and dragonflies as you relax by the ponds.
  • The Kymin offers panoramic views over Monmouth, with its 18th-century roundhouse and historic banqueting lodge providing a truly unique setting for a picnic with a view.
  • Mallards Pike Lake is one of the best picnic spots in the South West, with beautiful lakes, walking trails, and adventure activities nearby. Enjoy hot and cold refreshments from Mallards Café, or simply soak up the lakeside atmosphere.
  • Symonds Yat Rock is an internationally renowned viewpoint and is one of the most iconic picnic spots in the region. This Forestry England site boasts breathtaking views over the River Wye, with plenty of spaces to relax and take in the surroundings before exploring the nearby villages of Symonds Yat East and West, two separate villages on either side of the Wye.

Wherever you choose to picnic, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley offers an unforgettable outdoor dining experience, surrounded by nature, history, and incredible landscapes.

Featured Picnic Sites Businesses

All Picnic Sites Businesses

IMG 2211
Families | History | Nature

The Dean Heritage Centre

We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the…

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint
Families | History | Nature

Symonds Yat Rock

Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye…

Beechenhurst Zipwire
Families | History | Nature

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest…

Cannop Ponds and bridge
Families | History | Nature

Cannop Ponds

Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central…

Forest larder
Families | History | Nature

The Forest Larder

The Forest Larder is an eclectic collection of food and drink from the…

Mallards Pike Lake
Families | History | Nature

Mallards Pike

Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of…

Blaize Bailey viewpoint and walk
Families | History | Nature

Blaize Bailey Viewpoint

Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River…

Dymock Woods
Families | History | Nature

Dymock Woods

Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock…

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.