For many people, picnics conjure up nostalgic memories of endless summers, lashings of ginger beer and adventures. But creating the perfect picnic is an art in itself โ thereโs far more to it than sitting outside with your sandwiches. Here are our top tips to making your picnic memorable for all the right reasons.
Plan your picnic
The key to a successful picnic is often in the preparation, so think about what youโll need in advance. Thereโs nothing worse than turning up at a beautiful spot with a basket full of goodies to find youโve forgotten the cutlery. Try and travel as light as possible though โ you donโt want to be weighed down by it all.
Enjoy smorgasbord of Cornish food and drink
When in Cornwallโฆ Treat yourselves to a range of locally produced food and drink and enjoy an al fresco feast. Choose from a range of cheeses including Cornish Blue, yarg and brie, Baker Tomโs bread, olives, hummus, cold meats, pasties, smoked salmon or crab sandwiches, pate, chutney and moreโฆ
For a sweet treat, pick up some saffron buns or freshly baked scones, homemade jam and clotted cream for a traditional cream tea. Opt for Cornish pressed apple juice, sparkling elderflower or a flask of Cornish tea to accompany it, or if you prefer, perhaps something bubbly from Camel Valley vineyard.
Choose your spot
Think about where you want to go in advance, rather than leaving it to chance on the day. Do you want to be by the sea (if so, donโt forget to add swimwear to the list), or would you prefer to picnic in the woods?
If youโre planning on taking the dog to the beach with you, check whether thereโs a seasonal dog ban. Itโs also worth finding out the tide times, as some beaches disappear completely at high tide.
Outdoor games and activities
Picnics are great for bringing everyone together. Play Frisbee or rounders, have a go at quick cricket or start a sandcastle building competition.
Five picnic essentials
– A rug to sit on (preferably one with a waterproof backing).
– A picnic hamper. Whether you favour an old school wicker basket or a modern rucksack style bag with a
built-in cool pack, keeping everything together is key.
– Sunscreen (plus jumper or a waterproof if the weatherโs changeable).
– A corkscrew, bottle opener, a sharp knife and a pack of wet wipes are all useful.
– Something to play with โ take a football, a Frisbee, or a kite.
Top picnic spots in Cornwall
There are so many amazing spots to choose from we couldnโt possibly list them allโฆ Here are a few of our favourites.
Porthluney (Caerhayes)
Just 20 minutesโ drive from Bosinver, Porthluney is a sheltered, south-facing sandy beach on the Roseland ideal for family picnics.
Godrevy
Whether you choose to picnic among the sand dunes or find a special spot on the long sandy beach, Godrevy is quite simply, spectacular.
Kynance Cove
With its dramatic rocky outcrops, golden sand and turquoise waters, Kynance Cove is one of the most memorable locations in Cornwall, and itโs been a popular picnic spot since Victorian times. Enjoy picnicking on the beach when the tideโs out or up on the cliffs where you can drink in the view.
Porth Joke
Porth Joke (or Polly Joke, as itโs known locally) is a pretty cove located between Crantock and Holywell, near Newquay. The nearest car park is half a mile away (a lovely stroll along the coast path), so it can feel as though youโve stumbled upon your own secret beachโฆ
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Perched on the edge of the cliffs at Porthcurno, the Minack is Cornwallโs world-famous outdoor theatre, hewn from the rocks. Watch the sun go down over the water from your seats and enjoy a picnic in the interval, or go down early and make the most of the magnificent beach.
Where’s your top picnic spot in Cornwall? We’d love to hear yourย thoughts – leave a message below, post on our Facebook page or tweet @Bosinver and share your favourites.