With lockdown restrictions lifting, it’s time to get out and enjoy the Springtime weather. So, gather a selection of tasty treats, a gingham blanket and a bottle of something refreshing and head off to some of Somerset’s top picnicking spots.

1. Brean Down, Brean

For a picnic with a view, it doesn't get much more beautiful than the scenes from the top of Brean Down. Standing at 97m high, expect to see out towards the Somerset Levels and over the Bristol Channel from the top of the dramatic cliff. After tucking into sandwiches and cakes, make your way to the foot of the Down where you could easily while the afternoon away building sandcastles or even take an exhilarating 1.5 mile walk along Somerset's greatest natural pier at the top.

2. Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

What could be more relaxing than a summer's day spent next to the canal watching the boats go by? Nothing beats relaxing in the sunshine with riverside views and plenty of nibbles to tuck into. Children will love following the Somerset Space Walk along the canal path, which is a scale model of the solar system and its planets. If you don't have time to pack a suitable picnic, the Maunsel Lock Tea Shop is offering a takeaway service between 10:30am to 3:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Canal

3. Landacre Bridge, near Withypool

Sometimes known as Lanacre Bridge, the Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument crosses the River Barle on open moorland in the Exmoor countryside. A lovely spot for a picnic or a paddle, or even to see an Exmoor pony, a homemade spread in this location is a truly scenic, and peaceful, affair!

4. Royal Victoria Park, Bath

When an 11-year old Princess Victoria officially opened this park in Bath she was so impressed she designated it the 'Royal Victoria Park'. Just a few minutes from the busy city centre, the 57 acres of green parkland boasts a plethora of attractions including a well-used bandstand, bowling greens, crazy golf, skateboard park, tennis courts, children's play area, wild meadows, duck ponds and wonderful botanical gardens (some of which are currently closed due to COVID-19).

Royal victoria park. Bath

5. Blagdon Lake

On a sunny day, soak in the tranquillity and beauty of Blagdon Lake, lying at the bottom of the stunning Mendip Hills. With the lake and surrounding grassland amassing 440 acres, there's plenty of room for a few of you to lay out a spread and enjoy a bite to eat. Watch fishermen make their catch of the day as boats float by and immerse yourself in the pretty wildflower meadows that line the water.

6. Fyne Court, Broomfield

This 24-acre nature reserve in Broomfield is managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It is home to a number of woodland birds and plants including the greater spotted woodpecker, stock dove and jackdaws, as well as lesser celandine, lords-and-ladies and red campion. After bird-spotting, and exploring the countryside of the nearby Quantock Hills, take the time to relax, soak in the pretty surrounding land and tuck into a hamper of nibbles.

Fyne Court

7. Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar

The largest gorge in the UK, and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, Cheddar Gorge is a truly remarkable sight whether you're staring up from the bottom or admiring the breath-taking views from the top. After rambling your way to the top, take a well-deserved break and lay out your picnic blanket and have something to eat. You may even see the famous mountain goats that line the cliffs of the Gorge.

8. Ham Hill Country Park

Ham Hill in South Somerset was crowned the region's best picnic spot in the 2008 Warburton's Picnic Awards, and it is easy to see why! The country park has peaceful, leafy woodlands and glades, grassy meadows, and a landscape of hilly mounds left from Victorian quarrying days. The views stretching over the rolling greenery of the Somerset countryside are spectacular to behold.

The War Memorial at Ham Hill Country Park

9. Porlock Weir

Arguably one of the most beautiful spots on the Somerset coast, Porlock Weir, sitting roughly one and a half miles from the picture-perfect fishing village of Porlock, is a small settlement around a quiet harbour. After taking a leisurely stroll around the harbour, the four mile stretch of shingle coastline is a lovely spot to enjoy a contemplative walk and lunch in seclusion. The only sound you'll hear will be the lapping of waves against the pebbles.

10. Crowcombe Park Gate

Crowcombe Park Gate near the small village of Crowcombe is a wide expanse of countryside that's perfect to settle down for a picnic. Soak in the views of the local countryside and Quantock Hills, and while away an afternoon exploring, once you've had your fill!

Crowcombe Park Gate