Your guide to the best Surrey picnic spots
Packed with hidden gems and scenic landscapes, Surrey’s picnic spots are the perfect affordable destination.
From breathtaking views to historic ruins and soothing watersides, you’ll never run out of spots to roll out the spread, unpack your basket, and enjoy the sun—if you're lucky. Spend the rest of your summer completing our jam-packed guide to picnic sites.
1. Horton Country Park
Just a short drive from Epsom town centre, Horton Country Park boasts woodlands, meadows, and ponds—a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
What makes this picnic spot stand out is the built-in BBQ areas, ideal for gatherings of family and friends to indulge in a mouth-watering outdoor feast without worrying about bringing your own grill.
Additionally, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails with a chance to watch for wildlife.
2. Bushy Park - Waterhouse Woodland Gardens
This is one of London’s Royal Parks, offering an undisturbed escape with expansive open spaces where deer roam and scenic waterways to feed the ducks.
The true highlight would have to be the Woodland Gardens, a serene enclosed area filled with winding paths, streams and seasonal blooms that feel far removed from the buzzing park.
Surrounded by nature and the sounds of wildlife, Bushy Park and its Woodland Gardens ensure a sense of seclusion to savour your open-air lunch. Just make sure not to leave any leftover food lying around for the deer!
3. Newlands Corner, Guildford
Perched on the edge of the Surrey Hills, Newlands Corner offers panoramic views, perfect for spreading out a mat and enjoying an al fresco meal.
What makes this picnic spot a truly unique location is its connection to literary lovers - author Agatha Christie famously disappeared here in 1926, contributing a touch of intrigue to your picnic.
Plenty of woodland trails and open spaces allow you to enjoy a peaceful picnic while taking in Surrey’s scenery and history.
4. Claremont Landscape Garden, Esher
Nestled in Esher, Claremont Landscape Garden is the hidden gem where picnic-goers can discover picturesque escapes, historic beauty and a hidden lake.
Carefully designed horizons, serpentine paths, and sweeping lawns add to the model picnic - Queen Victoria even used the garden as a retreat and spent her childhood here.
A picnic with a royal twist, National Trust members can take advantage of this for free entry, while non-members can enjoy the enchanting area for a small fee. Although slightly exclusive, the destination is rewarding for an outdoor lunch.
5. Painshill Park, Cobham
A masterpiece of 18th-century design would be Painshill Park, a haven for picnic lovers seeking a mixture of nature and art.
With its staggering crystal grotto, meandering lakes, and gothic ruins, this private estate offers plenty of opportunities for a quiet and scenic picnic. Though entry requires payment, Painshills Park's otherworldly charm makes it a priceless elevation to any family picnic.
6. Leith Hill, Dorking
Leith Hill would be your venue for a picnic that is blended with a dramatic view.
This is the highest point in Surrey, and on clearer days, breathtaking vistas stretch from the South Downs to London—where else is it more idyllic to lay out a blanket?
The area combines ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and the famous Leith Hill Tower, making it ideal for adventurers, combining picnics with pleasing hikes and public attractions. Climbing the tower is a small charge for non-national trust members.
7. Virginia Water Lake
Located on the edge of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water offers majestic settings for picnic enthusiasts.
A shimmering lake surrounded by verdant woodlands, Roman ruins, and a cascading waterfall provide the most captivating backdrop for an affordable picnic.
Wide open spaces with inviting trails, so you could combine a stroll with your meal. Parking may cost, but entry itself is free, and there is a cafe where you can go if your picnic lacks any crucial ingredients. How can you go wrong?
8. Reigate Hill and Gatton Park
Reigate Hill and Gatton Park hold a delightful contrast of rugged hilltop sightlines and landscaped charm to create a striking backdrop for any outdoor meal.
Reigate Hill has expansive scenes, whilst Gatton Park is just below, enchanting with its tranquil lakes and carefully designed gardens.
How about a wholesome family walk after you have eaten? The hill is free to explore; however, on specific days, a modest fee applies to enter Gatton’s gardens. This duo offers a versatile and affordable picnic destination.
9. Richmond Park
Richmond Park is one of London’s largest royal parks.
Here, you can add some wildlife education to your picnic, as there are herds of roaming deer and over 1,000 ancient trees.
There are numerous secluded areas if you prefer a quieter option away from the public or beautiful views on King Henry’s Mound.
Choose your setting, lay out the ground cover, and dive into the picky bits. Entry to the park is free, but parking costs apply.
10. The Sculpture Park, Churt
This Surrey picnic spot is unique to the others.
Over 800 eclectic sculptures along flowing pathways lie within 10 acres of woodland and water gardens—an amazing blend of art and nature.
Each turn of the Sculpture Park reveals new artistic wonders, making your picnic an ever-changing backdrop. Admission to the park is £15 for adults and £10 for children, making it a slightly more expensive picnic but unforgettable.
11. Waverley Abbey, Farnham
This captivating setting among atmospheric ruins of England’s first Cistercian monastery hosts a picnic steeped in history for families.
Nestled by the River Wey, ancient stone structures and rich greenery may be sights you encounter during your al fresco meal.
The perfect dramatic backdrop for your homemade sandwiches can be found around the abbey, plus plenty of trees to provide shade. The cherry on the cake is that entry to Waverley Abbey is free! It's another affordable picnic destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike!
12. Guildford Castle Grounds
Guildford Castle Grounds is a charming picnic site in the heart of town.
Below the castle, you will find plenty of grassy areas, shaded benches, floral displays, and manicured gardens - a picnic goers dream!
Relish your laid-back lunch whilst gazing at the towering castle above.
We believe this is an idyllic escape for a more private experience in the bustle of Guildford. Entry to the grounds is free, but we recommend that you enhance your trip by climbing the castle tower for a small charge of £3.50.
13. Devils Punch Bowl
Hindhead is home to the natural amphitheatre named the Devil’s Punch Bowl - the next destination on our list of picnic spots.
Ancient streams carved the scenery for this picnic, which includes wide-reaching views over the Surrey Hills and broad heathlands.
Access to the Devil’s Punch Bowl and its hidden nooks to roll out your picnic goodies is free! Surrounding walking paths allow you to burn off your lunch in the area's rugged beauty.
14. Runnymede, Egham
Another site of historical significance is Runnymede Meadows near Egham, where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215.
The vast riverside location offers ample green spaces shaded by ancient trees, where you can eat lunch on the lawn. Nearby, the Thames flows gently, which creates a desirable, calming backdrop.
After the feast has ended, visitors can explore the various memorials or riverside strolls. Additionally, Runnymede is free to enter, making it inclusive to all.
15. Farnham Park
It is the perfect haven for any outdoor gathering, situated just a short walk from Farnham’s town centre.
The park offers a mix of open fields and wooded areas, so you're spoilt for choice when it comes to basking in your garden lunch, relaxing under the trees, or bathing in the sun.
With a children’s play area, plenty of walking routes, and picnic tables available, Farnham Park is great for family outings. To top it all off, entry to this park is free!
16. Riverside Park Nature Reserve (Stoke Lock)
Tucked along the River Wey, Riverside Park Nature Reserve at Stoke Lock offers a serene setting.
With its mixture of marshland, meadows, and waterways, this spot is perfect for nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat.
Spread out your blanket near the riverbank and enjoy a meal while watching the wildlife that thrives in the area.
For those who want to stretch their legs after their outdoor feast, the Wey Navigation towpath provides an ideal riverside walk.
The best part? Access to Riverside Park Nature Reserve is completely free, making it an affordable choice for families and solo visitors alike.
17. Hogsmill Riverside Open Space
Located along the Hogsmill River, this open space offers a blend of grassy banks, wooded areas, and picturesque streams for a relaxed outdoor gathering.
With plenty of open areas to set up your spread, it’s a great option for both group outings and more private, secluded lunches.
The gentle riverside paths also offer a peaceful walk alongside the Hogsmill, ideal for unwinding and immersing yourself in nature after your meal.
As a public space, Hogsmill Riverside Open Space is free to enter, making it a fantastic and budget-friendly choice for a laid-back day out.
18. Tillingbourne River, Shere
Tillingbourne runs by Shere, a dainty village that dates back to the ninth century, so the view will be scenic no matter where you choose to lay your blanket.
If you rather have an afternoon walk than a nap there are plenty of sights to see, such as the famous Silent Pool, a location that appears in folklore and that some consider to be a sacred site.
19. Alice Holt Forest
Explore the unique character of Alice Holt on two wheels and escape into some of Surrey and Hampshire’s fine countryside.
Cycle along beautiful trails through the tranquil oak wood, home to many woodpeckers and other animal species.
20. Frensham Great Pond
Frensham Great Pond offers all the benefits of a trip to the seaside, without having to venture to the coast.
Children can go for a paddle or build a sandcastle, while the café is great for grabbing an ice cream to enjoy while walking around the lake.
21. Thundry Meadows
Whether you choose to hire a rowing boat and gently glide through the water, or if you opt to walk alongside the river, Thundry Meadows should be where you decide to stop for lunch.
Located on the Southern bank of the River Wey near Elstead, Thundry Meadows is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is one of the few remaining wet meadow complexes left in the county.
22. Grayswood Village Green
Could there be anything more British than watching a game of village cricket whilst enjoying a freshly made picnic, perhaps with strawberries and lemonade?
While Surrey is home to many village greens, we found the green in Grayswood to be one of the finest the county has to offer.
23. Wandsworth Park
With an expanse of green to lay out on and several activities, including a playground, bowling green and tennis courts, Wandsworth Park is the perfect place to host large parties and keep everyone entertained.
Located along the Thames, the park acts as an oasis in the noise of Greater London.
24. Esher Common
Covering an area of 360 hectares and running from Esher to Cobham, Oxshott to Westend, Esher commons are said to date back to Medieval times.
With several ponds, open ground and woodland trails, Esher Commons allows visitors to spend hours, whether cycling or on foot, searching for the most picturesque spot to enjoy their lunch.
25. Goldsworth Park Recreational Ground
For a stroll around the lake followed by a laze in the sun, this recreational ground in Woking is ever popular with picnickers and walkers.
The south side of the park has less room for lunch, but more things to see and the park's woods remain popular amongst birdwatchers.
We hope this guide to Surrey’s finest picnic spots inspires your next outdoor adventure! Whether you’ve discovered a new favourite or your own hidden gem to share, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
