Perfect picnic spots in Wales

A family is sitting on a blanket and having a picnic at The Kymin, Monmouthshire. A child is reaching out to accept some food from another family member. — A family having a picnic at The Kymin | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Whether you’d like a view of coast or countryside, or the garden of a magnificent mansion or castle, you’ll find the perfect place to eat al fresco in one of the many places we care for. From wooded parkland to Italian terraces and sweeping lawns discover where you can enjoy a picnic in Wales.

Top picnic spots in North Wales

A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales: two little children on top of a parent — A family playing on the grass at Erddig, Wrexham, Wales | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Bodnant Garden, Conwy: With 80 acres of garden to explore a refreshment stop is a must, and there are plenty of places to unpack your picnic basket. Lay out a blanket in the sunshine of the Old Park meadow, seat yourselves by a rustic log table in the wooded Yew Dell or head for the picnic area beside the lake in the Far End.Visit Bodnant Garden
Erddig, Wrexham: You can enjoy a picnic in the pretty Orchard Car Park, beside the pond or out in Big Wood before you even enter the ticket office. Once inside the grounds there’s seating in the Midden Yard, in the Wolf’s Den natural play area and along the walled garden, lined with spring blossom or autumn fruit. If it’s sunny, why not bring a blanket and picnic on the great lawn?Visit Erddig
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor: After exploring the 19th century castle, railway museum and 60 acres of garden and grounds, the sweeping lawns are a perfect place to relax with a picnic. Enjoy breathtaking views over Conwy Bay and Snowdonia while young explorers run, roll and cartwheel nearby to their heart's content.Visit Penrhyn Castle and Garden
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey: For stately surroundings, it's hard to beat Plas Newydd with its backdrop of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia’s mountains. Stroll through the ornate terrace gardens and wander along the garden paths to find your picnic spot. You may even see the resident red squirrels dining at their very own feeding stations.Visit Plas Newydd House and Garden
Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula: Relax on the sand outside a historic fishermen’s pub taking in the sights and sounds of the seaside. After lunch, you could dip your toes in the water or set off on a walk to explore the beautiful and wildlife rich Llŷn coastline. Or simply sit back and enjoy the picture postcard view.Visit Porthdinllaen

Top picnics in Mid Wales

Family playing on the lawn at Powis Castle Garden in Powys, Wales — Family playing in the garden at Powis Castle | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Powis Castle and Garden: Perched high on a hillside, this medieval fortress looks down on world-famous Italian and French styled terraced gardens, filled with dramatic yew topiary and classical statues. There’s much to take in, and there are plenty of places to sit and picnic in the garden as you plan your visit or gather your thoughts.Visit Powis Castle and Garden

Top picnic spots in South Wales

Family enjoying a picnic at The Kymin, Monmouthshire, Wales — Family enjoying a picnic | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire: Explore the formal garden and wooded grounds, transformed from an industrial past into a haven of nature. You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to roll out your blanket with shaded woodland, sweeping meadows and the banks of trickling steams all competing for the perfect spot for you to enjoy your leisurely picnic.Visit Colby Woodland Garden
Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire: Earn your refreshment on the estate trail at Dolaucothi. This 3-to-4-hour walk takes you to the highest spot on the estate with the reward of spectacular views, and maybe a sighting of a red squirrel or pine marten on your journey. You'll find many other tranquil picnic spots around the car park and mines too but pre-booking is required to join a tour of the mines themselves.Visit Dolaucothi
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff: These 55-acre gardens feature intimate garden rooms including a rose garden, Pompeian Garden, several ponds, and an arboretum. Choose your spot on the great lawn to take in the display of colourful seasonal bedding – the perfect accompaniment to a good old-fashioned picnic.Visit Dyffryn Gardens
The Kymin, Monmouthsire: The grounds of this romantic Georgian round house, with its naval history, have always been popular with picnickers in times past, with famously lavish spreads. If you can’t fit the chandeliers in the boot, why not bring a period-inspired dish and recreate your own aristocratic culinary experience?Visit The Kymin
Tredegar House, Newport: The extensive wooded parkland, sweeping lawns and lake are the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tredegar's grounds are popular with picnic lovers, or those who just want a moment of quiet and a breath of fresh air.Visit Tredegar House

View of Powis Castle, perched above its terraced gardens, Powys, Wales, in autumn.

Discover more in Wales

A Celtic land with an industrial past steeped in myth, legend, poetry and song. Croeso i Gymru.

Explore Wales

The walled garden at Penrhyn Castle and garden is covered in frost.

Gardens and parks in Wales

Visit an amazing collection of gardens and parks in Wales. From walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates, there’s plenty to explore.

A little girl decorating a wooden snowman at Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

Family days out in Wales

With fun-filled activities and exciting events, there are plenty of great family days out to be had in Wales. Explore vast Welsh castles, tick off some ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities, or let off steam in natural play areas.

A view down to towards Barmouth, Gwynedd, from the gorse-covered cliffs at Dinas Oleu. Beyond the rooftops of the town, a beach and the sea beyond is visible.

Coasts and beaches in Wales

Explore 157 miles of Welsh coastline protected by the National Trust, from long golden beaches to rugged clifftops.

Children and dog at Bosherston Lake, Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

Dog-friendly places in Wales

From mountains and beaches, to gardens and parklands, find a dog walk in Wales that both you and your four-legged friend will love. Here’s your guide to some of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Wales.

A view of the front of the red mansion house

Houses and buildings in Wales

Explore magnificent Welsh mansions and their collections, from ancestral homes to buildings designed by renowned architects. Discover the history and tales from bygone days, in breath-taking settings across Wales.

Castles and forts in Wales

Step into a medieval fortress with dungeons at Chirk or visit the home of the Welsh princes at Powis Castle. Discover some of the finest and most famous castles in Wales.

View of a river running through a valley of mountains

Countryside and woodland in Wales

Explore dramatic and beautiful valleys, ancient woodlands and river walks or have an adventure through the wild Welsh mountains and visit some of the country’s most iconic peaks.