Hertfordshire: 7 perfect spots to enjoy a picnic this summer

If you are a lover of nature and long walks, you are sure to enjoy a quiet picnic in one of the gorgeous natural landscapes Hertfordshire has to offer. 

Although it’s hard to know where to start in such a scenic area, so we've compiled a list of some of the best place to have a picnic this summer. 

1. Hatfield House

Hatfield House's gardens is the perfect spot for a picnic this summer. (Image: Newsquest)

Hatfield House has one of the most beautiful gardens that are perfect for a picnic.

The famous Jacobean house with its Elizabethan park has terraces and garden enclosures, including a knot garden, herb garden, and privy garden.

The gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday.

2. Ellenbrook Fields

Ellenbrook fields has a 6.3km trail that walkers and cyclists can enjoy and before a picnic. (Image: Harriet Pickard)

Ellenbrook Fields in Hatfield has a 6.3km loop trail that is suitable for walkers and cyclists and have been created through the areas of open grassland and cattle grazing.

The fields are open all year round and its sprawling green landscape is the perfect space to spend a couple of hours with a packed lunch.

3. Tewinbury 

Tewinbury is a wildlife reserve that has been enjoyed my many over the years. (Image: Archant)

Tewinbury is a wildlife reserve with a diverse range of habitats from wet meadows to chalk streams and willow pollards to tall fen.

There are plenty of views to enjoy while you get stuffed with delicious food.

It is also a paradise location for birdwatchers in the summer so eating by the lagoon while looking up at the birds seems like the perfect start to your summer.

4. St Albans Cathedral gardens

St Albans cathedral is surrounded by beauty. (Image: Alan Davies)

St Albans is surrounded by greenery and beauty. 

The beautiful cathedral is a blend of architectural styles making it a great backdrop for a picnic. 

Multiple popular restaurants also surround the areas as St Albans town is just a short walk from the cathedral and you can find the best nibbles to elevate your picnic time. 

5. Nickey Line

The Nickey Line is now a pleasant green corridor from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden used by walkers and cyclists. (Image: John Woodworth/Alamy Stock Photo)

Nickey Line in Harpenden is a green corridor with a range of wildlife to be enjoyed, from butterflies to grasshoppers and jays to foxes.

Seven miles long, the Nickey Line footpath and cycle way in Hertfordshire is a former railway line which links to Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead.

You can work up an appetite with a walk before lunch.

Along the former railway line are areas of open grassland perfect for an al fresco meal.

6. Hitchin Lavender Fields

Hitchin lavender fields will reopen this June. (Image: Archant)

Hitchin Lavender will be reopening on Saturday, June 17.

The 30 acres of lavender will contain a wide range of varieties for you to explore.

You’ll be able to wander wherever you like within the field and pick some lavender to take home with you. 

They also have a 17th century barn that serves hot food, homemade cakes and has a play fort adjacent for children to enjoy. 

This makes it the perfect scenic spot for a picnic.

7. Fir and Pond Woods

A diverse woodland reserve in Potters Bar, it features a meadow dotted with ancient ant hills and a medieval fish pond. (Image: Google Maps)

A diverse woodland reserve in Potters Bar, it features a meadow dotted with ancient ant hills and a medieval fish pond.

The diverse woodland, meadow and wetland habitats support an abundance of wildlife.

The woods are rich in birdlife including woodpeckers, warblers and tits.

The reserve is one of the best places to spot dragonflies and damselflies in the county.

Sit back, reax and enjoy a picnic in this calming reserve.