Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? The perfect excuse for an outdoor spread in the warmer weather. From parks covered in lush greenery to sandy nooks at Blue Flag beaches, there’s some great places to tuck into something tasty… Please remember to dispose or recycle your litter.
In no particular order just a selection of places across the Isle ….
1. Margate Sea Defence Steps - This huge space is not only an excellent sea defence protectings the charming Old Town, but arguably one of the best spots to sit and enjoy your sandwiches, ice cream or fish n chips (Just watch out for the gulls). It's also a prime location to enjoy our glorious sunsets, often referenced in JMW Turner's paintings.
Relaxing on Margate Steps
2. King George VI Park, Ramsgate - A large, green park with children’s playground, small kiosk serving light snacks, teas and coffees. Here you will find the charming Grade II listed Italianate Glasshouse. Just a stone’s throw from the seafront right in the middle of Broadstairs and Ramsgate there are lots of green spaces to sit and enjoy your picnic.
The Italianate Greenhouse, King George VI Park, Ramsgate
3. Monkton Nature Reserve – A 16 acre wildlife oasis reclaimed from a former chalk quarry. Enjoy your lunch in the company of over 350 species of flowering plants, including 9 species of orchid, and 25 species of butterfly.
Monkton Nature Reserve
4. Broadstairs Promenade - Where to start?!
Rows of benches sit amongst quaint Victorian Gardens, populated with brightly coloured flower borders.
Sit by the Bandstand enjoying a concert, or at the Clocktower seating area looking out across the marvellous crescent-shaped town's main sndy beach, Viking Bay.
Take a walk around the gardens before settling down on the grass to tuck in to a local produced snack.
VICTORIA GARDENS ALONG THE PROMENADE, BROADSTAIRS.
5. Palm Bay, Margate - A vast green space ideal for kite flying, running around or frisbee throwing with views over the beach or watching the boats go by. Ample free parking bays nearby.
Endless grass to perch on, overlooking Palm Bay.
6. Minnis Bay, Birchington - A long stretch of sandy beach (covered at high tide) with grassy verges behind, plenty of room to run around. A great sunset picnic spot or just the place to watch the world go by
Minnis Bay, Birchington
7. Ellington Park, Ramsgate - Huge, towering trees, a nature area and close proximity to Ramsgate Rail Station make this an excellent stop before you explore the rest of the town. Did you know it holds a Green Heritage Accreditation and Green Flag Award?
Sample the Cafe with views out to the restored 120 year old bandstand, climb the wooden children's play area or try and spot the wood carvings dotted around the park.
Ellington Park
8. Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve, Ramsgate - Great for a family day out, the reserve is a haven for nature and bird lovers. Made up of a complex mosaic of habitats: inter-tidal mudflats, saltmarsh, shingle beach, sand dunes, ancient dune pastures, chalk cliffs, wave cut platform and coastal scrubland; there’s always more to discover on each visit.
Picnic area by 'Hugin' Viking Ship overlooking Pegwell Bay
9. Quex House & Gardens, Home of the Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington - After a visit learning and discovering the Powell-Cotton Museum and stately home Quex House, head to the Gardens. Explore the kitchen garden, follow the woodland trail before resting in the cool shade of the mature trees or next to the refreshing sound of the water fountain, taking in the charming surroundings.
Quex Gardens
