Looking for some picnic date ideas?
If you’re looking for alternative date ideas, a romantic picnic in the great outdoors may be one of the best.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get closer to nature, soak up some sunshine and focus on enjoying your date, without all the usual distractions.
Planning your picnic date
Whether it’s a first date or some time with your significant other, your romantic picnic will take some planning.
Choose a romantic location
Find somewhere you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Hilltop with breathtaking views
- Romantic beach beside the sea
- Woodland glade shaded by trees
- Waterside by a lake or river
- Public park under a tree.
If you’re unsure where to go, try searching for ‘picnic areas’ in your maps app and see what comes up.
Choose a time of day
Choose a time that works for both of you. For example, it could be:
- Morning/breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunchtime
- Evening/sunset
Plan what you need to take with you
Here are some things you might need:
- Picnic basket or cool bag*
- Picnic blanket — choose one with a soft fleecy top and a waterproof underside, just in case the ground is damp
- Food and drinks
- Plates and cutlery
- Drinking cups
- Napkins/wet wipes
- Bin bag
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone, for maps and snaps
- Umbrellas and raincoats, just in case
- Jumper or jacket
- Torch.
- If you’re taking a cool bag, remember to freeze your ice packs the night before.
Check the weather
The British weather is always unpredictable, so it pays to be cautious and have an alternative plan if your picnic date is rained off.
Deciding what food to take
The best picnic food is low-fuss finger food that’s ready-prepared, travels well and is easy to eat. But with some tupperware pots and basic cutlery, you can expand on that.
Traditional or alternative?
You can stick to traditional picnic foods like sandwiches, crisps, Scotch eggs, pork pies, sausage rolls and chicken drumsticks. But if you’re looking for alternative picnic date ideas, you can try something different.
Like a breakfast or brunch picnic with your choice of:
- Croissants and jam
- Ready-made pancakes
- Overnight oats
- Yoghurt with a granola topping
- Banana bread
- Fresh strawberries
- Flask of coffee or tea
- Fruit juice or Mimosas (fresh orange and Prosecco) if you want something really special.
Home-made or ready-made?
Home-made sandwiches and home-baked treats will make your picnic date extra special, but they take time and effort to prepare.
If you’re tight for time or picnicking at short notice, you can also buy a range of pre-made sandwiches and ready-made snacks.
Drinks
If you’re picnicking in hot weather, remember to pack plenty of soft drinks.
If you’re taking alcohol, avoid drinking too much as it can dehydrate you.
Avoid messy food
When you’re on a date, you don’t want to be grappling with food that’s awkward to eat. So it’s best to avoid anything that might make a mess of your clothes or get stuck between your teeth.
Arriving on your date
When you arrive on your picnic date, there are a few things to remember.
Get your timings right
Allow yourselves plenty of time, so you don’t have to feel rushed or pressured.
If you’re thinking of going to a park, buy a parking ticket for longer than you think you’ll need.
If you’re planning a sunset picnic in a park, check what time it closes, so you don’t accidentally get locked in. And remember how quickly the light fades after sunset, so you’re not left stranded in the dark.
Check the ground conditions
You’ll need to make sure the ground is soft, flat and smooth enough to lay out your picnic blanket. This will mean you can sit comfortably without the risk of having to chase your food down a hill.
Need some picnic food and drink?
If you’re planning a picnic date and need some supplies, we have a range of suitable foods and drinks.
Fancy trying that breakfast/brunch picnic we mentioned?
We sell a selection of:
- Jams, honey and spreads
- Oats for your overnight oats
- Granola to top your yoghurt
- Coffee or tea for your flask
- Long-life milk and substitutes
Looking for picnic snacks?
If you’re making your own food, you’ll find quality ingredients in our home-baking section, plus dried fruits, nuts and seeds.
No time? No problem! We also sell ready-made snacks and confectionery.
Don’t forget the drinks!
Choose from a range of exciting soft drinks.
Or alcoholic options including beer, wine, cider and pre-mixed cocktails.
