Let’s celebrate National Picnic Week 17-23 June!

There is one thing us Brits have always done well and that is the Great British Picnic!

This week is National Picnic week and what a perfect opportunity to embrace the beautiful outdoor sites of Eastbourne. Eastbourne has an ever growing list of perfect picnic spots offering different atmospheres; from fun at the beach to the tranquil setting of a park, from the wide open South Downs National Park to the secret spot at Italian Gardens, Eastbourne has something to suit everyone.

The main factor to a Great British picnic is the location so let’s go through ideas of where to go for your picnic in Eastbourne:

South Downs National Park                                                           

The South Downs National Park covers an area of 1600 km² and offers breathtaking landscapes and views. Known as one of Britain’s Breathing Spaces, the park has green rolling pastures, open spaces, ancient woodlands and river valleys. There is so much to do on the Downs like walking, cycling, horse riding, visiting heritage sites and of course having a picnic!                                                                

Visitors can picnic at Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere valley, the Long Man of Wilmington and Downland villages.

Down the Beach                                                                    

Eastbourne boasts three miles of clean unspoilt beaches with safe bathing zones, showers, toilets, refreshments and deckchairs available. The sunny Eastbourne seaside is the perfect summertime picnic spot where visitors can go for a paddle and get an ice-cream after when the picnic foods run out!                                                        

The seafront stretches from East to West, the West offering a more happening and safe environment. You could also hire a beach hut! Go to the seafront office by the Bandstand to find out more.

Princes Park                                                                                               

The green flag quality awarded family park on the eastern seafront has a large lake, rose and aromatic herb gardens, plenty of open parkland plus two play areas, new modern splash pad, putting, bowling greens and Pistachio in the Park café. With all this for the family to do, it is a great place to take the basket and blanket for a picnic! With all these facilities, visitors could spend all day there!

Gildredge Park and Manor Gardens                                             

Gildredge Park is a family park with grass areas, a new skate park and children’s playground, plus quiet areas of pleasant herbaceous borders, rockeries and sensory plants. The park is located not far from the town centre so those travelling on the train/bus can get to it easily. The park has a secluded feel to it whilst offering large open spaces for Frisbee, football etc.

Hampden Park                                                                          

Hampden is a popular park with a play area, large lake with an abundance of wildlife, shady lawns, an extensive area of woodland and a tea chalet. Both the shady and open spaces are great locations to celebrate National Picnic Week!

Italian Gardens and The Helen Garden                                           

The Helen Garden is a secluded garden on the western end of the seafront with a play area, bowls, putting, petanque and a café to enjoy the glorious sea views. The area is quiet and peaceful offering a tranquil environment. Italian Gardens is hidden just behind The Helen Garden at Holywell. It is a secret hideaway nestling in the corner of the Cliffside. If it is peace you are after, this destination is the one!

AEGON International Tennis                                                            

As National Picnic Week has fallen on the same week as the tennis, why not take your picnic there? Or grab some of the fantastic food sold on site while watching some of the exciting games throughout the week! Take a look here for ticket availability and book today! http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/LTA-summer-grass-court-events/AEGON-International/

Now you know where to go for your picnic make sure you kit up your basket with enough food and drink for all, suncream and a brolly. Also remember to kindly take your rubbish with you.

Classic picnic food consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls and strawberries but if you fancy something different, how about getting some fish and chips from one of Eastbourne’s finest chippies on the way!

For more information on any of these sites go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Happy Picnic Week! J