Sunny weekends in late spring and early summer are made for picnics. A blanket on the grass, easy food to share, something cold to drink and a few hours outdoors with family or friends. Whether it is a planned day out during half term, a stop after a countryside walk or a full afternoon spent outdoors, the Cotswolds is packed with family-friendly picnic spots that are perfect for making the most of warmer days.
And when it comes to picnic essentials, a chilled bottle or can of Bensons pressed juice always earns a place in the basket or cool bag. Easy to pack, refreshing to drink and great for all ages, it is the sort of thing everyone reaches for after a walk, a kickabout or a few hours in the sunshine.
Cloudy Apple is always a favourite, and available in both bottles and slim cans, perfect for packing into the cool bag. Zesty Orange is another easy picnic pick and also available in cans, ideal for sunny afternoons outdoors. If you are after something a little different, Apple and Raspberry is refreshing and fruity, while Apple and Ginger brings a slightly sharper finish that works brilliantly with picnic food and savoury snacks. Apple and Elderflower always feels right at home alongside sandwiches, strawberries and crisps spread out on a picnic blanket. Apple and Raspberry, Apple and Ginger and Apple and Elderflower are all available in bottles, ideal for sharing on family picnic days.
Family-Friendly Picnic Spots in the Cotswolds
Cotswold Farm Park
A brilliant family day out with plenty to keep little ones busy before settling down for lunch outdoors. There are wide-open spaces, play areas, and plenty of room for picnic blankets and footballs. It is the sort of place where you can easily spend the whole day, especially during sunny weekends and school holidays. There's even Bensons pressed juice available in the cafe.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
An easy family favourite, especially during late spring and early summer. Wander around the gardens and animal enclosures before finding a picnic spot for lunch outdoors. You can pick up a few Bensons pressed juices from their kiosks or cafe.
Broadway Tower
Perfect for stretching little legs and taking in the views across the Cotswolds countryside. There is loads of open space for picnics, snacks and running around before heading into Broadway village for a bakery stop on the way home.
Minchinhampton Common
One of those easy picnic spots where you can simply turn up, lay out a blanket and relax. Great for dogs, families and slower afternoons outdoors, especially if you want somewhere simple without too much planning.
Pittville Park, Cheltenham
A great option for families looking for an easy afternoon outdoors. There is plenty of open space, a boating lake, playgrounds and lots of spots to spread out with a picnic. Ideal for meeting friends, letting little ones burn off energy and enjoying a slower sunny afternoon.
Blenheim Palace Parkland
Ideal for bigger family picnic days. There is loads of space, walking routes, lakeside spots and plenty of room for everyone to spread out comfortably. Bring bikes, games and a proper picnic spread and make a full afternoon of it.
University Parks, Oxford
One of Oxford’s best picnic spots for sunny weekends. Easy to walk around, family-friendly and perfect for laying out a blanket after exploring the city. Pick up pastries, sandwiches or snacks nearby and enjoy lunch outdoors surrounded by green space.
Lower Slaughter
A lovely stop for a slower picnic afternoon. Grab pastries or sandwiches nearby, find a spot by the water and enjoy an easy afternoon outdoors. Perfect for families wanting a quieter countryside stop.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Especially good for family walks during late spring and early summer. There are plenty of shady spots for picnics, wide paths for pushchairs and lots to explore for all ages. A great option for warmer days when you want a mix of walking, relaxing and outdoor time together.
Picnic Drinks Made Simple
The best picnic food is usually the simplest. Sandwiches, strawberries, crisps, sausage rolls and something properly refreshing to drink alongside it all.
Our Bensons pressed juices are made for exactly those kinds of moments:
- Pressed with British apples in the heart of the Cotswolds
- Never ever from concentrate
- No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
- No added sugar, only naturally occurring sugars
- Cloudy Apple and Zesty Orange available in recyclable slim cans
Apple and Raspberry, Apple and Ginger and Apple and Elderflower are available in bottles for sharing at home or packing for family days out
Keep a few bottles or cans chilled in the fridge, pack them into the picnic basket or grab at venues across The Cotswolds and you are ready for sunny weekends, family days out and easy afternoons outdoors.