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There's no shortage of stunning scenery in Staffordshire, and that means plenty of places to enjoy a picnic this summer!
Thanks to local bloggers Top Dog Days, Childcare is Fun and View from a Daddy for sending in their favourites!
Here are five of the best to choose from.
Dimmings Dale
Located just 1 mile from Alton Towers, Dimmings Dale is a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of coasters & candy floss.
Managed by the Forestry Commission, this peaceful valley offers a delightful picnic spot amongst rolling hills, woodlands & scenic lakes with plenty of benches along the way.
It's not often you find a spot where a theme park juxtaposes Staffordshire beauty to retain an air of tranquillity despite the odd scream filtering through from Alton Towers!
Remember to do as the locals do & stop off at Ramblers Retreat for an ice-cream or cream tea before you leave.
Image: @CoasterMadMatt
Kinver Edge and the Rockhouses
Probably the most unusual picnic spot in Staffordshire - if not the country!
The sandstone caves at Kinver Edge and The Rock Houses are the last troglodyte dwellings in England, and were inhabited as recently as the 1960s.
They are maintained by the National Trust now and as well as providing a fascinating look at our history, they are also in a wonderful park with great views across Kinver Edge and three neighbouring counties.
And once you've finished your picnic you can explore the Iron Age Hill Fort, or look for wildlife like bats, adders and kites.
Seven Springs, Cannock Chase
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One of my favourite picnic spots is the rather beautiful Seven Springs situated on Cannock Chase.
In the summer months the first enclosed spring water area makes an ideal paddling plot to have hours of supervised water fun.
There are more springs to explore along a winding woodland track - but these aren’t ideal for paddling or bathing in, so do take care with little ones.
With plenty of free parking and woodlands to explore - Seven Springs really is the ideal adventure on a sunny day.
National Memorial Arboretum
While the National Memorial Arboretum is most well-known for the 300+ memorials, there's lots of room for picnics on the 150 acres of parkland.
Take a stroll along the River Tame to Watersmeet, a native British riverside wood with beautiful silver birch, black poplar and willow trees, and then burn off your lunch at the children's play area.
It's dog-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, so the whole family can come along and enjoy the day.
It's also free to enter, although there is a small charge for parking.
Stafford Castle
Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre is located just outside of the town and is well sign posted for anyone visiting.
The Visitor Centre houses interesting and interactive hands-on displays where young historians can view examples of armoury and costumes of the bygone days.
Once you’ve scaled the hill there is an impressive 360 degree view of the county with plenty of open ground to throw down a blanket or benches on which to enjoy a picnic.
If you can’t manage the full climb, there's room to spread out and enjoy a game, or perhaps just relax while you tuck into your picnic.
Did we miss out your favourite?
Send your suggestions to info@enjoystaffordshire.com or tweet them to us @enjoystaffs and we'll feature them in our next picnic blog!
Related
Without doubt, most of the visitors come to Kinver to see the Edge - 200 acres of open access land owned, with the renowned rock houses, by the National Trust.
Welcome to Cannock Chase - central England's woodland jewel, packed with things to see and do. Take time to explore, walk, ride, trek, run. Come on your own, bring the family but most of all bring an open mind and visit the real outdoors!
Winner - Gold Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Guided Tour of the Year 2018. Winner - Silver Award - Enjoy Staffordshire Best Tourism Experience of the Year 2018. The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round centre of Remembrance. The 150 acre site, located in Staffordshire, features over 330 thought-provoking memorials for both military and civilian associations in more than 150-acres of maturing woodland and gardens.
An impressive example of the motte and bailey system. The site itself extends to over 26 acres and consists of Keep, inner bailey, outer bailey, woodland, herb garden, visitor centre and car park. Stafford Castle is considered one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country.
