Happy International Picnic Day!

We’re big picnic fans here at Crane & Co. There’s nothing better than getting out with your loved ones in nature and enjoying some splendid snacks in beautiful scenery. So, this International Picnic Day we thought we’d tell you a little about some of our favourite spots for a blanket based gathering…

We are wonderfully lucky to be surrounded by some absolutely stunning spaces and now the weather is getting better, getting out in nature is a proven way to say goodbye to the seasonal blues and embrace the sunshine!

Starting off our list, we have Danny’s favourite spot – Butt’s Brow. Enjoying panoramic views over Eastbourne & the surrounding downland, Butt’s Brow is accessible by car with a small car park up the top or it can be enjoyed as part of a popular circular walk on the South Downs from Jevington.

Next on the list is another great spot nestled in the South Downs – it’s Dan’s Friston Forest pick of Crowlink. Just a little further along than Birling Gap, it’s a fantastic (and much quieter spot) with wonderful views, and it’s just a short walk to the cliffs from the carpark on Crowlink Lane.

Moving on to another spot to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, we have Sarah’s picnic spot of choice down at Arlington Reservoir. It’s a particularly great spot for those keen on wildlife (especially bird lovers!) and has a lovely circular walk around the reservoir. There’s a little cafe for some hot drinks to accompany your picnic too.

Katie’s pick is also a favourite of mine. Abbott’s Wood is a great option if you’re thinking of a picnic with some less mobile family members as you can opt for a picnic in the park area just by the car park to avoid the walk. But it’s also a great one for the kids with a play area near the carpark too, or venture further into the woodland for some fantastic tree swings dotted through the woods!

Luckily I have plenty of favourite picnic spots to choose from. With Abbotts Wood already on the list, I had to go with my next favourite of Michelham Priory. It’s a simply gorgeous setting with wonderful gardens and grounds, as well as the Manor House which is open to explore. This is a national trust site so does require a small fee to enter but makes for a great day out for all the family, and the site is always happy to see people enjoying the grounds with a picnic. I do have one more to add to the list, a must-do if you like, and that is Southover Grange Gardens in Lewes. The manicured gardens make for a simply stunning setting for you to live out your Bridgerton dreams.

We’d of course love to keep adding to our list, so if you have a favourite spot, drop us a message – we’d love to hear all about it!