As the return of the sun brings us into the bright and breezy Brighton summer, what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a picnic? If you’re looking to explore beyond the urban charms of the city, then look no further than here for the best-hidden havens for some peaceful picnicking.
Stanmer Park
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Stanmer Park is the perfect location to meet all of your picnicking needs. This peaceful oasis away from urban hubbub is just a stone’s throw away from Brighton, meaning you can get away from it all and your bao buns will still be warm when you arrive. With up to 485 acres to explore, perfect picnic spots abound.
Take a walk along one of the many gentle trails and well-signposted paths, soaking in views of rolling countryside, open fields and leafy woodlands. As a winner of the prestigious Green Flag Award, it is officially recognized as one of the best parks in the country. Whether you choose to picnic in dappled sunlit woods under the beautiful trees or in the lush grass fields overlooking the open countryside, you will be surrounded by fresh air, wildlife and nature.
With easy links to and from the city via bus, train, bike or car, you can enjoy a fresh baguette in paradise in no time at all.
By bus: Take the 25, 78 or 79 from Brighton.
By train: Travel to Falmer Station, then follow the short pathway to Stanmer Park’s Lower Lodges entrance.
By car: choose from one of six designated car parks: Lower Lodges East, Lower Lodges West, The Patchway, Church Car Park, Upper Lodges or Chalkhill.
By bike: Cycle lanes run to the park from the city, and cycle parking stands are provided in Lower Lodges and Patchway car parks, and by Palm House.
St Ann’s Well Gardens
Another winner of the Green Flag Award, St Ann’s Well Gardens is situated near Hove seafront and is perfect for nature lovers of all ages. St Ann’s offers tree-lovers a vast range of exotic and native trees, as well as biodiverse wildlife and eco-friendly lighting. Particularly lovely touches include the beautiful pond, which is biologically filtered, and the designated fenced-off areas left for nature to flourish.
Visitors can also enjoy the scented sensory garden, which is perfect for people with visual impairments to enjoy the wonders of mother nature. After your picnic settles, why not treat yourself to a round of tennis in one of the eight courts or a relaxed coffee in the café? The park is fun for all of the family, with a children’s playground for the kids to blow off some steam.
Park Rangers collaborate frequently with local schools, with some lucky little ones having designed their own area of the park. A recent and exciting addition to the park is the brand-new kinetic sculpture – Dovecote – where beautifully sculpted birds move gently in the breeze. In the evening, the park’s central pathway is lit by a bat and wildlife-friendly lighting, meaning you can picnic in Brighton while the sun goes down without disturbing the native residents.
By bus: Take the frequent number 7 or 81B busses.
By car: Pay & Display parking is available along Nizells Avenue and Somerhill Road.
By bike: Cycle parking stands are provided by the tennis courts and outside of the café.
Royal Pavilion Garden
For a picnic spot in Brighton fit for a Monarch, why not visit the Royal Pavilion Garden in the heart of the city? These beautiful regency-style gardens have been open to the public since 1850, and have seen their fair share of idyllic picnics.
Take a leaf out of Charlotte Bronte’s book and wander an hour in the shrubbery, then picnic while you soak up the regular live entertainment in the summer months. The winding paths, the range of flowers and the stunning Royal Pavilion will create the most picturesque backdrop for your picnic.
By bus: Exit at the Old Steine.
By car: Park on Church Street
On foot: The park is in central Brighton, accessible from North Street, New Road and Church Street.
Devil’s Dyke
If you fancy venturing slightly further afield for your outdoor munching, Devil’s Dyke is a stunning beauty spot well worth the adventure. As the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK, you’ll have a plethora of picnic spots to choose from, each of which is more stunning than the last.
A National Trust area, this spectacular site boasts panoramic views, the remains of Iron Age forts, and the site of Victorian funfairs. Why not picnic near Brighton on the rare chalk grassland, which offers an abundance of colourful flowers, wild thyme and singing skylarks? Or, for the morbidly curious, why not follow the Devil’s Dyke Histories and Mysteries walk, and discover the supposed burial ground of the Devil and his wife?
For the explorers among you, Devil’s Dyke can be reached by a scenic 5-mile walk along a variety of footpaths from Brighton, while some of us may prefer to hop on the bus which will carry you from Brighton Station to Devil’s Dyke in just 20 minutes. However you choose to travel there, the breathtaking scenery, iconic history and beautiful nature will soon have you coming back for more.
By bus: Take the 77 bus from the centre of Brighton every day in summer, or weekends and bank holidays the rest of the year. Bonus – each paying adult can take two children along for free! Alternatively, take the 17 to Poynings, from where you can enjoy a 25-minute walk up to Devil’s Dyke.
By bike: Devil’s Dyke is accessible along the family-friendly disused railway line from Hangleton to Devil’s Dyke. The route is paved, gently sloped and family-friendly. Alternatively take the South Downs Way, including off-road cycling and some rough ground.
By car: Devil’s Dyke car park can be found just off the A281, 2 miles north of the A27 Brighton Ring Road. Pay and display parking is available, free for National Trust Members and Blue Badge holders.
On foot: Devil’s Dyke sits on the South Downs Way, a National Trail. It can also be reached from a variety of footpaths from Brighton and local villages.
Blakers Park
Tucked away in Fiveways, Brighton lies the well-loved and cosy Blakers Park. With views over the seafront, this hidden gem offers beautifully kept flower borders, blossoming cherries and a range of biodiverse trees.
Perfect for family picnics, the little ones can play safely in a fenced-off grassy area or sandy playground, while grown-ups can take in the view under the historical Victorian Clocktower. The café hut offers a range of teas, coffees, cakes and ice-creams to add that extra special touch to your park picnic.
By bus: 26, 46 and 52 buses serve Ditchling Road at the Fiveways junction, a few minutes walk from the park.
By bike: Cycle lanes run to the park from the city, with various places to secure your bicycle around the park.
By car: Limited on-street parking is available nearby.
Preston Park
With 63 beautiful acres of scenic picnic spots to choose from, Preston Park is Brighton’s largest urban park. Perfect for all the family, visitors can enjoy lawns, rose gardens, flower borders and a pond as they soak in the surroundings, while children can have a blast on the huge adventure playground. If you fancy a coffee and a slice of cake while listening to the sounds of nature, there are two gorgeous cafes for you to choose from.
Regular events are often on offer, like concerts, family days and the Pride finale festival. Or, why not take a wander in The Rockery opposite the park, the largest municipal rock garden in the UK? Home to winding pathways, babbling brooks and stunning trees, it’s perfect for a post-picnic stroll.
By bus: Take the 5 or 5A busses, which pass the park every few minutes.
By bike: Cycle lanes run to the park from the city, with cycle parking stands by the Chalet Café, and outside the northern end of the park.
By car: Pay & Display car parking is available at the north and south ends of the park, accessible from Preston Drove or the junction of Preston Road and Preston Park Avenue.
The Beach!
If you fancy the glistening ocean and open sky as the background for your picnic, then Brighton Beach boasts miles of perfect sunny spots for an outdoor bite to eat. Listen to the waves gently whoosh over the shingle, or watch the mesmerising murmurations of starlings dancing in the sky. Just beware of the seagulls, who might be keen to join in on your picnic!
Wherever you choose for your Brighton picnic, you’ll be treated to beautiful views, fascinating wildlife and family fun. Now all that’s left to do is make the sandwiches!
