Pack a basket: The best picnic spots and green spaces near our communities this July
July offers a double celebration for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s National Picnic Month, and this year Love Parks Week runs from Friday 24th July to Sunday 2nd August. Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, Love Parks Week celebrates green spaces, the environment and the people who keep our parks looking their best.
At Allison Homes, we believe access to green space is one of the simplest ways to support a happier, healthier lifestyle. Many of our developments are within easy reach of parks, lakes, woodland and riverside trails that are perfect for an al fresco lunch with friends and family, or joining in with the community events that pop up during Love Parks Week.
Why we love parks
Parks are far more than patches of grass. They give us space to exercise, unwind and connect with the people around us, they help local businesses and community groups thrive, and they play a real role in tackling climate change, from cooling our towns and cities to supporting local wildlife.
With hundreds of parks across England opening their gates for special events during Love Parks Week, there has never been a better excuse to go outside.
Here’s where to head this July, county by county.
Cambridgeshire
Ideally located between Abbey Park in Thorney and Violet Meadows in Whittlesey, Ferry Meadows sits at the heart of Nene Park in Peterborough and offers acres of parkland, lakes and woodland trails. There’s plenty of open grass for a picnic blanket, plus a café for when you fancy a treat without the packing.
Residents at Aversley Grange in Huntingdon and Cranbrook Grange in Somersham can easily reach Hinchingbrooke Country Park, located just outside Huntingdon. Its mix of meadows, lakes and woodland walks makes it a lovely spot to spread out a rug for the afternoon.
Leicestershire
For those living at St Mary’s Chase in Stanton under Bardon, Billa Barra Nature Reserve is right on the doorstep, offering peaceful woodland trails and open green space within walking distance of the development. It’s a lovely choice for a relaxed local picnic or a quiet stroll in nature.
Bradgate Park is also within easy reach of St Mary’s Chase and Finney Meadows in Shepshed. With sweeping views, ancient parkland and plenty of space to picnic away from the crowds, it’s a firm favourite for anyone living nearby.
Future residents of Auster Meadows in Rearsby can enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon at Watermead Country Park, with its lakeside picnic spots and gentle walking trails.
Nottinghamshire
For residents at Hayes View in Cotgrave, Holme Pierrepont Country Park, on the edge of Nottingham, combines riverside picnic areas with watersports and wildlife trails for those wanting a more active day out.
Homeowners at Kings Meadow in Newark can spend time at Riverside Park, which provides an easy and accessible picnic spot on the banks of the River Trent, with views over the water and Newark Castle close by.
Lincolnshire
A short journey from Manthorpe Chase in Grantham, Belton House and Park offers more than 1,300 acres of historic parkland and lakeside trails, with plenty of room to settle down for a picnic surrounded by countryside.
Residents at Beaufort Gardens in Market Deeping and Chapel Gate in Moulton Chapel can easily reach Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve, a peaceful spot for a picnic with the chance to spot dragonflies, waterfowl and other wildlife along the way.
Frampton Marsh is right on the doorstep of Frampton Gate, near Boston, offering birdwatchers and nature lovers a beautifully open place to enjoy lunch with views across the marshes.
Norfolk
Residents at Wootton Grange in South Wootton, King’s Lynn can head to The Walks, the town’s historic park, for a relaxed lunchtime picnic before exploring the local shops and sights.
Close to The Oaks in Norwich, Eaton Park offers formal gardens, a boating lake and wide open lawns, making it a popular choice for picnics and family days out.
Devon
RHS Garden Rosemoor, near Great Torrington, is well placed for residents at High Moor View in Winkleigh, Foxglove View in Bideford and Weavers Place in North Tawton. The gardens combine beautifully kept planting with open lawns that are perfect for a picnic among the flowers.
For homeowners at Foxglove View looking for somewhere closer to the water, Victoria Park in Bideford offers open green space, family-friendly facilities and easy access to the town’s historic quayside.
Suffolk
Just a short distance from Venus Fields in Needham Market, Needham Lake is a firm local favourite, with picnic tables, lakeside paths and plenty of space for children to play.
Make the most of Love Parks Week
From 24th July to 2nd August, keep an eye out for local events at your nearest park, from Parkrun and outdoor yoga to arts and crafts sessions and live music. It’s the perfect opportunity to get involved and make the most of the green space on your doorstep.
Wherever you live, packing a basket and heading to your local park is one of the simplest pleasures of summer.
At Allison Homes, we’re proud to create homes in locations that support everyday moments that matter, from after-school walks and weekend adventures to simple summer afternoons spent outdoors.
Find out more about our developments and the green spaces near them.
Allison Homes Web Article: 21st July 2026
