From secluded wooded glades to sweeping coastal vistas, Devon has some stunning places to picnic. With an abundance of hidden areas and beautiful locations, Devon screams out to be explored.
And we have listed out 15 of the most loved picnic spots in Devon that will leave you completely surprised. So, get your picnic blanket, fill that hamper with foodie goodies & try out the nearest picnic spots around you!
P.S. we have listed picnic spots in the East, North & South of Devon to help you find your nearest one!
South Devon
Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth
A short walk from the city centre of Devon’s largest city isn’t somewhere that you would necessarily expect to find a great picnic location, but Plymouth Hoe is a really good picnic spot. It also offers excellent marine life views across Plymouth Sound to Drake Island and has a large amount of open green space.
The iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse stands over the Hoe is open to get a better vantage point to view the “Plymouth Sound”.
Burrator Reservoir, Dartmoor
The undisturbed woodland at Burrator Reservoir provides an ideal location for an explorer’s picnic. A wealth of footpaths and bridleways offer a foray of hidden picnic spots just waiting to be discovered.
The circular walk looping around the water encourages a gentle stroll, perfect for working up an appetite or walking off a heavy lunch. There’s usually an ice-cream van over there providing a sweet end to an idyllic afternoon.
Spitchwick Common, Dartmoor
If you desire a picnic space with plenty of room for activities then head to Spitchwick Common. A large grassy area with plenty of room for ball games is ideally placed next to a bathing and jumping river spot – perfect for an active afternoon in the sunshine. The river pools consist of both deep and shallow water, as well as a natural water shoot to splash under.
Parke, Bovey Tracey
Parke is owned by the National Trust and is set on the outskirts of Dartmoor near Bovey Tracey. The area is popular with dog walkers and offers riverside walks and beautiful woodland which make the perfect destination for a picnic. There’s is a cafe called Home Farm just in case you do forget any essentials!
River Dart Country Park, Ashburton
River Dart Country Park is located on the edge of Dartmoor near the town of Ashburton. The kids can go wild at this adventure park with tons of activities to enjoy for all ages and lots of outdoor picnic tables for you to enjoy your food.
Roundham Gardens, Paignton
If you fancy heading toward the coast but want to avoid sand in your sandwiches, Roundham Gardens in Paignton may be the picnic spot in South Devon that you’re looking for. With beautiful views in either direction of the English Riviera upon a cliff, Roundham Gardens has a large green space to pop your picnic mat and relax.
East Devon
Grand Western Canal, Halberton, Tiverton
Dating back to 1796, the Grand Western Canal runs between Taunton in Somerset and Tiverton in Devon. Just down from the car park is a nice peaceful patch of grassland with a few picnic benches overlooking the canal. Before going on a picnic we recommend picking up some strawberries on the way from Halberton Court Farm Shop, there are fresh & juicy.
Budleigh Salterton, Near Exeter
Budleigh Salterton is situated towards the western start of the majestic World Heritage Jurassic Coast, in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The picturesque town has a 2-mile pebble beach ideal for a perfect picnic without sand getting in your sandwiches.
Beer Head Beach, Beer Village
Beer to Branscombe is a popular walk amongst locals due to its stunning coastal views from the cliff tops. The walk does contain some steep sections but for those who can make it to Branscombe, the pebble beach makes for a good picnic spot. Alternatively, make use of the large amount of open grassland that covers the coastal path between Beer and Branscombe.
North Devon
Eggesford Forest, off A377
Eggesford Forest is a great place to visit. It has a network of trails and paths that link the different woodlands and also connect to the Tarka rail line at Eggesford Station. Hilltown Wood car park has toilet facilities and a nice picnic area, where you can eat your lunch amid the trees, and enjoy their cooling shade.
The Hangman Hills, near Combe Martin
Park in Combe Martin and walk up to the remote and tranquil Great Hangman and Little Hangman. It’s a steep climb but worth it for the fantastic views out over to South Wales & Lundy Island.
Windbury Iron Age Hill Fort, near Hartland
Enjoy amazing views of Bideford Bay and across to Lundy. Park at Brownsham and take the 15-minute walk, following the signs for Windbury. Keep your eyes on the ocean and you may see Dolphins or sunfish basking on the surface of the sea in the heat of the day in the summer months.
Heddon Valley
This is a great spot for families - either stay by the river near the car park or wander to the beach on an easy pushchair friendly walk to Heddon’s Mouth. There is a National Trust shop and ice-cream parlour right next to the car park.
Ash Bridge, near Watersmeet
This tranquil spot is a lovely place to sit and unwind. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and shady ancient woodland, look out for dippers bobbing on the rocks or (if you’re really lucky) some salmon who come here to breed. An easy ½ mile walk upstream from Watersmeet House.
Morte Point
This stunning headland has lots of great picnic spots with fantastic views over Woolacombe Bay and out to Lundy Island. The grass is short but you may have to share your picnic with the sheep! Visit the pretty village of Mortehoe to start and end your exploration.
We hope you like our blog 15 Most Loved Picnic Spots in Devon & have found a perfect picnic spot!
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