From the wonders of the waterside to soaking up the glorious grounds of the cathedral, Gloucester offers a variety of spaces to enjoy a picnic without leaving the city.
SoGlos has rounded up 6 perfect spots to unpack your picnic hamper for an alfresco feast with friends and family this summer.
1. Gloucester Park
If you’re after some open space and greenery, Gloucester Park is the place to head. Settle into a spot surrounded by trees and flowers for a picnic in the city’s 11-acre parkland.
Should you have little ones in tow, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, from a playpark to the aviary or skate park.
2. Gloucester Docks
For lovers of wonderful waterside views, Gloucester Docks is hard to beat as an urban picnic spot, where lunchers can feed the ducks or watch boats and paddleboarders glide by for a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun.
The setting, lined with historic redbrick warehouses, is magnificent and if you’re faced with poor weather raining on your picnic plans, there are a multitude of eateries lining the dockside to dive inside.
3. St Oswald’s Priory
A must for history lovers, unpack your picnic amongst the arches of the old St Oswald’s Priory, built way back in 900 AD. Take in the ruins from the grassy square outside or pick a perch on one of the benches positioned to admire the best views.
It’s a lovely spot to let little ones run around in the fresh air, too.
4. Llanthony Secunda Priory
Llanthony Secunda Priory is the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic in historic grounds that span five acres. After all, where else in Gloucestershire can you munch a pork pie in a beautiful medieval courtyard garden?
The location offers a haven of peace and tranquillity, where picnickers can surround themselves with rare irises, fragrant herbs and fabulous foxgloves for an enchanting afternoon to remember.
5. Gloucester Cathedral grounds
Picnic in the grounds of Gloucester Cathedral, a sacred space that’s dominated the city’s skyline for hundreds of years.
Settle in the swirling modern new outdoor space outside the cathedral’s front doors and be inspired by stone carving messages of hope and joy. Or pick a picnic spot in the dappled shade of the grassy grounds, where you can gaze up at the incredible architecture.
6. Pillar and Lucy Square
Pick a picnic bench or recline in a colourful deckchair for a picnic outside 200-year-old Pillar and Lucy warehouse.
It’s a sweet spot to catch up with friends and family, just a stone’s throw from an array of quayside bars and restaurants, should your picnic run dry.
