8 Must-Visit Scenic Picnic Spots in the Lake District
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Whether you’re here on holiday or you’re a local looking for new scenic picnic spots in the Lake District, we have a list of 8 stunning places for your next lunch outing.
As we all know, the Lakes is one of the most beautiful places in England, but with over 2,300 square kilometres of land to explore, narrowing down the best spots for a scenic lunch is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack.
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and curated a list of 8 scenic picnic spots in the Lake District that are sure to take your breath away.
We've given you the location name, postcode, and how to get to the area!
So, grab your wicker basket and comfy blanket, and we'll share our great 8 Lake District beauty spots…
Picnic Spot 1: Tom Gill Waterfall Picnic Area (Tarn Hows)
Credit: @miccameow on Instagram.com
- Where to start your walk: Tom Gill Car Park, LA21 8AQ
- Nearby amenities: Toilets and benches at the Tarn Hows car park
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 46 minutes by car
This shaded woodland walk follows Tom Gill stream with several small waterfalls, leading to the beautiful Tarn Hows — one of the Lake District’s most accessible beauty spots.
The picnic spot is around 10–15 minutes into the walk, where you'll find a flat clearing with a view of the falls.
Enjoy pleasant bird song, interesting wild and plant life, and soak up the beauty Tarn Hows has to offer!
Picnic Spot 2: Gatesgarth Farm Field (Buttermere)
- Where to start your walk: Gatesgarth Farm, CA13 9XA
- Nearby amenities: Toilets and cafes in Buttermere village
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
Set beneath Fleetwith Pike and close to Haystacks, this is a dramatic and peaceful picnic location by the lake.
From the car park, simply cross the road and head to the lake shore. The grassy field is right by the water, with breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Buttermere is one of the prettiest places in the Lake District, so if you're looking for a photo opportunity, this is the place for you.
Picnic Spot 3: Crow Park (Derwentwater)
- Location & where to start your walk: Opposite Theatre by the Lake, CA12 5DJ
- Nearby amenities: Public toilets and cafes in Keswick town centre
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 1 hour and 5 minutes by car
Wide-open grassy parkland with 360 views of Catbells, Skiddaw, and Derwentwater, Crow Park is truly something to step back and behold.
It’s central, but never feels too busy, so if you're looking for a peaceful spot, we'd recommend this one.
Directly across from the theatre, you can set up camp anywhere in the open field, especially near the lake edge, for views of the boats and islands.
Try to go on a sunny day, so you can fully appreciate the glistening water!
Are You Looking for Some Scenic Accommodation for Your Lake District Trip?
Here at Newlands Farm Stables, situated just outside the Lake District in the historic town of Kendal, we offer modern, luxurious accommodation nestled in the picturesque countryside of Cumbria.
Whether you're a small family or a large group, we have plenty of accommodation styles for you to choose from, each including everything you need for a comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable stay.
So, if you want to avoid the busy hotels, bustling crowds, and expensive locations, find out more about Newlands Farm below and book your stay today!
White Moss Common (Rydal Water)
- Location & where to start your walk: White Moss Car Park, LA22 9SE
- Nearby amenities: Toilets in the car park
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 35 minutes by car
This is one of the most stunning lower fells, with easy paths to Rydal Water and its surrounding woodlands, likely already on your Lake District bucket list.
Just cross the river via the footbridge from the car park, and find a secluded spot on the banks or under the trees.
This spot is ideal for a shaded, nature-filled break while you're out for an afternoon stroll.
Grasmere Lake Shore (Red Bank Road Side)
Credit: @danieltreks on Instagram.com
- Location & where to start your walk: Roadside pull-ins along Red Bank Road, LA22 9PU
- Nearby amenities: Limited here, but Grasmere village is a short walk away
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 1 hour and 5 minutes by car
Much quieter than the Grasmere village end, this peaceful shore gives direct access to the lake, ideal for a mid-walk picnic.
Look for the gate just before the bend in the road. This leads to a lakeside field and small beach, the perfect place to stop and take in the setting.
If you're visiting in the summer, you could bring a towel instead of a picnic blanket, so you can have a paddle in the lake!
Summit of Orrest Head (Windermere)
- Location & where to start your walk: Windermere Station, LA23 1AH
- Nearby amenities: Toilets and cafes in Windermere town
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 20 minutes by car
This was Alfred Wainwright’s (the famous Lake District guide author) first Lakeland view, and it’s still one of the best accessible viewpoints in the national park.
The best place to stop along this trail is the benches and grassy patches at the summit, overlooking Lake Windermere and the central fells.
Trust us, it's worth the 30-minute walk to this amazing picnic spot!
Blea Tarn Trail (Great Langdale)
- Location & where to start your walk: Blea Tarn National Trust Car Park, LA22 9PG
- Nearby amenities: There are none close by, as the location is quite remote
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 50 minutes by car
Blea Tarn is a lovely, secluded trail surrounded by dramatic fells. We happen to think it's one of the best short-walk spots in the Lakes.
After a few minutes of walking, you'll find a small bench that overlooks the tarn and has views of the Langdale Pikes.
Or, you could choose one of the grassy banks along the edge if you'd prefer to get comfy in the grass!
Friars Crag Viewpoint (Keswick)
- Location & where to start your walk: Theatre by the Lake, CA12 5DJ
- Nearby amenities: Public toilets and cafes in Keswick town centre
- Distance from Newlands Farm Stables: 1 hour and 5 minutes by car
Lastly, one of the Lake District’s most famous views. One with a bench. Perhaps you've heard of it? Friars Crag Viewpoint should be up there on your list of picnic spots.
This only requires a short and flat walk to the peaceful promontory with benches and rocky ledges.
Sit on one of the benches or rocks for unbeatable views across Derwentwater to Borrowdale. It doesn't get better than this
What to Include in a Lake District Picnic
The Lake District is absolutely brimming with authentic, independent cafes, bakeries, butchers, breweries, and more, and that's all down to local produce.
Local produce can be found all around the region, making it one of the most exciting and diverse places for foodies and drink connoisseurs alike!
With that in mind, you don't want to be packing your picnic full of 'goodies' from supermarkets or local corner shops, oh no. Use your day out to the Lake District picnic spots to immerse yourself in the local produce the lakes have to offer.
And we can guarantee your picnic will be 10x tastier.
Drinks
Whether you're on a picnic with the kids, a cold winter's one, or you're on the boozy kind of summer picnic, you're going to need something to quench your thirst.
Of course, you should never leave for a walk without having some water with you for hydration purposes, but it's worth bringing a few drinks that feel more picnic-y.
If it is alcoholic drinks you're after, the Lake District and surrounding areas are full of local breweries, microbreweries, and distilleries to get them from, including:
If you're hoping to warm your soul with a hot drink, how about bringing a flask of something from Cumbrian Tea & Coffee with you? Made specifically for use with Cumbrian water, it's a real treat for the tastebuds.
But, if you're just looking for a nice, cold, soft drink, check out Mawson's Traditional Soft Drinks from Lakeland Artisan!
Meat
If you're a meat-eater, chances are you'll want some on your Lake District picnic. Did someone say Cumberland sausage sandwiches?
Of course, meat requires some prep ahead of time, so as long as you have the means, some of our favourite independent butchers and shops include Lake Land Farm Butchers, RB Woodall's, and Huddlestons.
Of course, there are many more in and around the Lake District, so feel free to take your pick!
Cheese
No good picnic is complete without a selection of cheeses. Forget Cathedral City, in the Lake District, you'll find some proper farm shops and delis selling some fantastic cheese, like:
Baked Goods
If you feel like you're going to want some pies, cakes, bread, or anything else a bit naughty, you'll need one of the Lake District's delicious bakeries.
This is the best part about a picnic, right?
Luckily, there are tons to choose from, including Broughton Village Bakery, Brysons of Keswick, and Bakehouse Born and Bread.
Of course, whichever village or town you visit in the Lake District will likely have all kinds of bakeries, cafes, delis, etc to choose from.
So find your favourite and give us some recommendations!
Leave No Trace
As always, picnicking in the Lake District, and anywhere for that matter, brings a responsibility to those enjoying the delicious food.
Please remember to take any rubbish with you and 'leave no trace' so we can keep our national parks pristine and beautiful for future visitors.
Friends of the Lake District provides lots of tips on how to leave no trace easily. We recommend reading the article before heading out with your picnic basket.
Final Words: Days Out in the Lake District are Made Better with a Picnic
Whether you're heading out on a 10-mile hike or just trotting around a lake for a leisurely stroll, a picnic is always a good idea.
Not only is it a great excuse to rest in a gorgeous setting, but there are actually some studied benefits to picnics. Spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood, while sharing food outside can encourage laughter, meaningful conversations, and bonding time.
So, next time you're adventuring around the Lake District, be sure to note some of our serene picnic spots and pack your basket wisely!
If you're looking for more information about the Lake District, please head to our blog!