One step closer to freedom…. We are all overjoyed at the prospect of being able to now see friends and family after what seems to have been forever.
We thought we would bring a bit of inspiration and insight about our locally sourced picnics, and our top spots to enjoy them….
Lymington Sea Wall: For a stunning coastal walk with plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a picnic. Nature reserve on one side, views of the Isle of Wight on the other. Perfect for taking the dogs for a walk, or hopping on a bike. The path runs from Lymington right up to Keyhaven and beyond.
Newtown Creek: For those on boats. (You can also look to hire a boat for a day from Solent Rib Charter.) An idyllic spot just across the water from Lymington, a sheltered cove, perfect for a picnic and a paddle board.
Hurst Castle: If you’re feeling energetic and fancy the walk along Hurst Spit to the Castle you will earn your lunch! Alternatively take the little boat which runs from Keyhaven to the Castle and enjoy your picnic by the lighthouse. For a sunset cruise you could also look to go on a Paddle Board cruise with New Forest Paddle Sports Company.
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive near Brockenhurst: For the true Forest experience – there are lots of picnic benches set up here, it’s home to the oldest trees in the New Forest including the Knightwood Oak, and ancient Oaks which may be 400-800 years old. You can enjoy many lovely walks through Blackwater Aboretum and enjoy an ice cream from the trusty ice cream van too.
Bucklers Hard: Part of the 9000 Acre Beaulieu Estate lies an 18th century shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built. Based on the Beaulieu River this place is stunning, with gorgeous views – it’s a fab spot for a picnic lunch and a wander.
Wilverley Plain: Next door to Wilverley Enclosure is a huge open expanse of Heathland, with lots of ponies, lots of walks, stunning views and lots of parking. Sometimes even an ice cream van.
We have a range of picnics to enjoy at some of these stunning spots.
The Salterns (Pictured here) has locally caught lobster, local dressed crab and comes with a mango chilli and lime salsa, fresh sourdough, Isle of Wight garlic mayo, local sparkling wine, and salad. The Beaulieu features a range of local cheese, charcuterie, olives, and chutneys, and The Solent features our Surf ‘n’ Turf – lobster with fillet of beef. For a more traditional picnic The Lymington picnic is filled with fresh sarnies, sausage rolls, scones and brownies, with soft drinks. We can add local wine and beers to orders, or cans of premium wine for the adventurous souls. We can provide compostable plates, wine goblets, napkins, cutlery and serving platters for you too, and all of our picnics are packed into eco-friendly cooled, sheep's wool lined boxes to keep everything cold, and fresh all day.
Or you can upgrade your hamper to a super smart swanky tweed picnic hamper, with glasses, plates, 'proper' cutlery and a cool bag.