Perfect Picnic locations in the Cotswolds

During the Spring and Summer months, who doesn’t love a picnic? In this week’s blog we are going to share with you some of our favourite hidden picnic spots which offer incredible views of the Cotswolds.

First of our recommendations is Gawcombe Estate, set across 714 acres of blissful Cotswold countryside. Gawcombe Estate is just a 10-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water and is accessible from the A424.

Get your food & drink safely packed in your picnic hamper and get comfortable and sit back & enjoy the beautiful landscapes all around you. Gawcombe Estate offers majestic views of Bledington, Foscot, Kingham and further afield with the eye being able to see for many a mile.

With plenty of woodland within the Gawcombe Estate, you can have a lovely woodland walk or even set up your picnic within the area to take advantage of the canopy cover on those warmer, sunnier days.

Next on our list is Cleeve Hill. Cleeve Hill is around a 30-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water & Stow-on-the-Wold. There aren’t many better places in the Cotswolds to sit back and admire views which go far into the distance, than Cleeve Hill.

Racing fans will be able to easily point out Prestbury Park from the top of Cleeve Hill. It is often the other way around during race meetings at Cheltenham, however, you can reverse that view during your picnic and just see how impressive the home of jumps racing really is.

Head up to the top of Cleeve Hill, pop down your picnic blanket and take a look in to the distance to see what you can see. On a clear day, you will be able to take in views of the Severn Vale, Shropshire Hills and also as far as some of the Welsh hills!

After your picnic, why not take a stroll along many of the paths & walkways the vantage point has to offer, and enjoy the beauty that Cleeve Hill has to offer.

Our penultimate recommendaton is Broadway Tower. An unmistakable landmark in the local area, Broadway Tower is set in a 200-acre parkland offering a great day out for all the family (including your 4-legged friends). The inspiring, iconic Broadway Tower looms high upon a hill and is easily identifiable during your visit.

Dating back to the 1700s, Broadway Tower is now a family-owned landmark & area which you and the family can immerse yourself in for many hours. There are 2 well-trodden circular walks for you to do before or after your picnic which are around 1.2km in length.

You may even come across the red deer which call Broadway Tower their ‘home. Be sure to keep your dog on a lead if you take your 4-legged friend with you. If you need additional supplies or an extra drink during your visit, then there is a café with toilet facilities available at Broadway Tower. Broadway Tower is a short drive away from Moreton-in-Marsh, whilst Stow-on-the-Wold & Bourton-on-the-Water are around a 20 minute drive away, so easily commutable.

Our last recommendation is a bit of a secret so this one is just for you. If you just want to get away from everything and relax surrounded by beautiful nature, then head to Adlestrop Common. This quaint, quiet village provides a charming base to enjoy a picnic, to unwind, and take in the beauty of the Cotswolds which surrounds you.

Enjoy your picnics and don’t forget to share a photo with us on our socials!