The Best Picnic Spots in Kent

A good old-fashioned picnic can provide you with a perfect family day out.  You can pack up all of the food your family enjoys, throw your cool box, blankets and cushions in the car, and off you go!

We’re really lucky to have so many beautiful places on our doorstep for a picnic.  I should know as I scout so many locations for my outdoor family portraits! 

I thought I would use my local knowledge to bring you my favourite spots to stop for a picnic in Kent:

Free to picnic in Kent

Swanley Park

Swanley Park is a brilliant spot to to spend the day.  Facilities at the park include toilets and a cafe so if you don’t fancy taking your own picnic you can buy something ready-made.  It’s a huge park spread over x acres with two really well thought out play areas, one for toddlers and the other for older children. Alongside the play parks they also have the paddling pool, so on a warm or hot day it's the perfect spot.  There’a also tons of green space surrounding the lake so remember to pack your bats, balls and other games.  There are picnic spots aplenty - take a blanket and some camping chairs.

Lullingstone Country Park

Popular with families and dog walkers alike. Lullingstone Country Park is the perfect place for the whole family. With 2 different play spots for kids, toddlers up to children of the more adventurous kind who can visit the discovery trail, it has something for everyone. Plenty of open grassland for bat and ball games, spots for your picnic blankets and chairs. You can also take advantage of their waymarked walking trails.

Footscray Meadows

Footscray Meadows, or more famously known as the 5 Arches is one of my favourite spots for family location sessions because not only is it beautiful, but it’s also very sheltered with loads of pockets between the trees.  This means on warm days, it’s the perfect place to take a picnic.  Pack your picnic and comfy chairs/blankets and you won’t want to leave.  Remember to take along plenty of water and some swim shoes for the kids to splash in the river.

Pay To Picnic in Kent

Well you might not have to pay to specifically picnic, but here are a couple of options where you’ll need to pay an entry fee but where you’ll find lovely picnic spots.

National Trust Place

If you’re an NT member, you’ll pay a reduced fee, but even if you’re not, it's still a great value for money family day out.  Entry to the stately home in the grounds is included in the entry fee, so if the weather is questionable, you do have options for shelter!  There are beautiful gardens to explore as well as a very well-equipped play area so your littles definitely won’t get bored.  There are also tons of places to pop down your picnic blanket and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

I hope I’ve provided you with some great inspiration for your picnic day out here.  I’d love to see you enjoying my suggestions so remember to take some pictures and tag me on my social media @AshleighSheaPhotography on both Facebook and Instagram.