Durham is well known spot of beauty and picturesque scenes. Due to this, picnic spots are an amazing opportunity to take in the beautiful scenes and take a moment to breathe. Picnics are a great day out for many reasons. Whether this be a family day out to let the children run around or a date with a partner. Picnics are great for every occasion!
I have spent the last year studying in Durham University and have truly been at the heart of this wonderful place. As soon as the weather began to improve, I loved to take long walks along the river and find as many picnic spots as possible to share with my friends and partner.
1) Old Durham Gardens
This is one of my favourite picnic spots in Durham as it tends to be quiet. To make this a lovely day out why not start with meeting the animals on Old Durham farm. My favourite animals there being the pigs who love meeting people and the llamas in the field! Take a walk along the Old Durham Gardens to see plenty of different fields filled with flowers and grass. Any spot here provides some peaceful scenes perfect for a picnic.
Located: Bent House Ln, Durham DH1 2RY
2) The River Wear
Durham is home to many beautiful river scenes, this being one of my favourite parts of walks in Durham. As soon as the weather improves people take to the rivers along Durham as a popular picnic spot. One way to access the river is going down the steps in Durham City Centre by the Riverview Kitchen. This allows access to the long path of the river, along this path are large grassy areas or concrete steps to sit on. Both allow for a peaceful picnic with the beauty of the river.
Located: 20-21 Silver St, Durham DH1 3RB (Simply go down the steps by the Riverview Kitchen)
3) Durham University Botanical Gardens
The Durham University botanical gardens is located in a beautiful woodlands with many picturesque gardens. This making the botanical gardens perfect for a picnic for all of the family. Being minutes from Durham city centre, the gardens provide a simply perfect location for your picnic. Why not spend your day exploring the tropical rainforest house and gardens and take a break with a picnic with stunning views.
Located: South Rd, Durham DH1 3DF
4) Auckland Castle
Auckland Castle is a beautiful location in Durham overlooking just over the River Wear. Surrounding Deer house is many gardens that provide a calm idyllic picnic scene. The gardens are open to the public and free allowing for a wonderful family experience. Why not take a break and relax? Therefore, walk along the gardens until you find the perfect location.
Located: Market Pl, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR
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5) Bowlees Picnic area
With four small waterfalls and a picturesque riverside footpath there is a calm atmosphere which provides plenty of amazing picnic spots. This is perfect for a day out to be in nature and soak in the calm of the waterfalls and nature. Plants found nearby include many species of orchid and there are many different varieties of wildlife to explore.
Located: Newbiggin, County Durham DL12 0XF
6) Causey Arch
Known as the world’s oldest surviving single arch railway bridge, Causey Arch provides beautiful scenes. Deeply rich in history of a past in railway, the arch is covered in nature. Located around are many woodland paths filled with wildflowers. Whilst sitting in the surrounding areas having a picnic you will hear the bustling sound of bird song and ranges of wildlife. Nearby you can also visit the world’s oldest railway, take a step back in time at Tanfield railway, and have a ride on a steam train.
Located: Marley Hill, County Durham NE16 5EG
7) Egglestone Abbey
Egglestone Abbey is ruins of an old monastery near to Barnard castle. This is an amazing picnic spot as you can spend the morning taking in the views of the old ruins which is located above a bend in the river tees. The walk alone the river to Barnard castle takes around 40 minutes along the river.
Located: Abbey Lane, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9TN
8) Observatory hill
The views from observatory hill are simply magical, allowing you to view the beautiful views of Durham. From the top of observatory hill it is possible to see the cathedral in the distance. This picnic spot allows you to feel its true magic at sun rise or sun set. What is better than watching the sun rise or set over the wonderful city of Durham.
Located: Durham DH1 3LJ
9) Dalton Park Outlet
Dalton Park truly gives you the best of a shopping trip whilst also allowing you to have a break for a scenic picnic. Located next to the Durham heritage coast. The outlet nearby provides amazing shops with items a fraction of the price. After this, take a trip to the vast amount of parkland.
Located: Church St, Murton, Seaham SR7 9HU
10) Hamsterley Forest
The woodland and mixed scenic views of Hamsterley forest provide a day full of adventure. With a forest play park, many trails, interesting cycle routes and horse riding. This allows a fun-packed day out. Relax with a picnic shortly after this and take in all that nature has to offer!
Located: Bedburn, Hamsterley, Durham DL13 3NL
Conclusion
Picnics are an amazing way to spend the spring and summer time! Spending time in the sun with picnic food and a book is an amazing way to chill out after a long week. These 10 picnic spots allow you to spend this chill time with all the picturesque views that Durham allows for.
What was your favourite picnic spot? Do you have any tips for finding the best spot?
Thank you to Kateryna Hliznitsova, Krisztina Papp and Olya Kobruseva
