How to plan the perfect picnic date

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.