With the warmer days of spring and summer rapidly approaching, we eagerly anticipate the chance to dig out the picnic blankets and venture outdoors.
At a time of such uncertainty, the forthcoming months may require us to be more adaptable with al fresco dining options. Whether opting to share a socially distanced picnic in the park or enjoy a small family gathering in your own garden, you can find plenty of inspiration from our picnic guides here.
From simple tips and ticks for transporting food, to seasonally-inspired Easter picnic ideas, refreshing drinks and the best hampers, we bring you the ultimate compilation of al fresco dining content.
Before checking out our top guides and reviews below, get your fill of sausage rolls, quiches, salads and more in our comprehensive collection of picnic recipes. Looking for meat-free ideas? Take a look at our variety of vegetarian picnic recipes and vegan picnic recipes for more plant-based inspiration.
Top 20 picnic recipes
Need some inspiration for your next al fresco excursion? Discover our all-time pick of the best picnic recipes to enjoy with family and friends. From easily portable sandwiches, snacks and salads to pastries and desserts, we’ve got all the perfect picnic fodder to fill your basket high.
Our top recipes for dining outdoors
You don’t need to go far to enjoy the sunshine and some mouthwatering summer treats. So why not take to the garden or local park with our selection of simple picnic bits, impressive sharing plates and easy al fresco dinner ideas? Get the whole family involved in making classic, crowd-pleasing dishes, including sausage rolls, picnic quiches and tear & share pastries.
Our best picnic drink ideas
Accompany your picnic spread with some refreshing portable cocktails and mocktails. Sip on a classic Pimm’s cocktail or prepare jugs of fruity sangria and punch for a small crowd. Our cooling iced tea recipes and homemade ginger beer are also sure to quench your thirst and be a hit with the kids.
The best picnic accessories for summer 2021
Make sure you’re kitted out with all the right picnic gear for your next outing. We’ve rounded up all the essential equipment you need for a smooth transition to the great outdoors, including cool bags, reusable plates, picnic blankets and storage solutions.
The best picnic hampers and baskets for summer 2021
Find the perfect vessels for transporting all your picnic food, drink and accessories. We’ve got hampers to suit two people or more, including practical rucksacks as well as fancy wicker baskets which hold everything you’ll need.
Easy Easter picnic ideas
What better way to celebrate Easter than by taking to the great outdoors armed with a selection of seasonal treats like new potato salad, asparagus tarts and rhubarb scones? It wouldn’t be an Easter picnic without a generous helping of chocolate, and we’ve got plenty of easy snacks to tempt your tastebuds, from Easter egg rocky road to simnel share ‘n’ tear buns. With such a splendid spread, traditional meals indoors may be a thing of the past!
Best family picnic recipes
Sit down to a relaxed family gathering in the sun. Fill your basket full of easy make-ahead snacks which kids and adults will love. Feast on some colourful stuffed rainbow baguettes and veg-packed picnic pies, then satisfy your sweet tooth with dainty vanilla cupcakes, berry granola pots and picnic trail mix. Our cute mini milkshakes and refreshing iced teas are perfect for washing it all down. Check out our selection of kids’ picnic recipes for more sweet and savoury snacks to please your little ones.
Top 10 healthy picnic recipes
Who says picnics can’t be healthy? We’ve got an exciting variety of fresh and flavoursome ideas to make you feel good. From lighter Scotch eggs and pastry-less pork pies to colourful salads and light dips, these recipes are lighter than traditional picnic fare but delicious nevertheless. Browse our healthy picnic recipes for more nutritious, summery treats.
Next level picnic recipes
Take your picnic spread up a notch with our most impressive recipes. Treat yourselves to an epic summer sharing salad – perfect as a main or side for a small group. Also get your fill of deliciously savoury Marmite sausage rolls, next level quiche Lorraine and fully-loaded triple-decker sandwiches – perfect for a family-sized feast.
How to pack the perfect picnic
Whether you’re enjoying an alfresco feast or laid-back lunch, eating outdoors requires a bit of planning. From choosing kit to transportable treats and thirst-quenching tipples, we’ve got your picnic needs covered.
Our best picnic tips and tricks
All the advice you need to make your picnic a gourmet gathering, come rain or shine! Miriam Nice shares her top tips for planning a picnic and avoiding any mishaps. Soggy sandwiches and spilt salad dressings will be a thing of the past…
Picnic recipes you can make in minutes
Going on an impromptu picnic outing? We’ve got lots of ideas for last-minute recipes you can throw together for a fuss-free feast. Whip up a spread of veggie sides, speedy sandwiches and quick salads using simple no-cook ingredients. Have everything wrapped up and ready to go in a flash, leaving you more time to enjoy the sun.
