Best summer picnic spots in South Downs National Park
July 7, 2025
Homemade quiche, buttery pork pies, cheese scones, a sumptuous Victoria Sponge and maybe even a glass of ice-cold sparkling South Downs wine.
Having a picnic with friends and loved ones on a warm summer’s day, all while enjoying good conversation and an inspiring view, is one of the joys of July.
So, to mark National Picnic Month, we’re sharing some of our favourite spots for a picnic in the National Park.
Swanbourne Lake
If you’re looking for a tranquil waterside spot for a picnic followed by a stunning downland walk, this is it!
Just a stone’s throw from the busy castle and high street in Arundel is this picturesque lake, which lies in the lower part of a deep steep-sided valley that has been eroded into the chalk bedrock.
With 15 rowing boats available for hire, this would be a lovely spot for a romantic picnic for two!
The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, which children will love feeding (with seed purchased from the ice cream kiosk). On a sunny day, you’ll be able to spot fish swimming in the crystal-clear water.
After your lakeside picnic, why not explore the expansive surrounding downland and enjoy the views from the 18th century Hiorne Tower?
Stansted Forest
For those summer days when you want to escape the heat, why not try a forest picnic?
Just a short walk from Rowlands Castle railway station is this impressive woodland, a remnant of the most westerly part of the ancient forest of Arundel.
In 1781 the estate was sold to Richard Barwell who summoned Capability Brown to redesign the park and gardens. Now boasting a manor house and 476 hectares of forest, it’s a place to escape the crowds and enjoy dappled sunlight and birdsong.
The woodlands are rich in wildlife and with a wealth of veteran trees scattered throughout, deadwood habitat is a major feature and supports many specialist insects such as the tanner beetle and a host of fungi including the extremely rare “mock oyster” that’s only found in a few other sites nationally. Definitely not one for your picnic owing to its foul-smelling odour!
Black Down
The highest point in the South Downs National Park, Blackdown Hill is a landscape of wavy hair grass, purple heather and pine trees that gives visitors a true sense of “wild”.
The views have inspired many and none so renowned as Tennyson himself: ‘You came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue with one grey glimpse of sea.’
As you amble down some of the ancient sunken lanes and drove ways, you can feel a sense of timelessness. Traders, shepherds and chert quarrymen have been using these tracks for thousands of years. Haslemere train station, with connections to London and the south coast, is just two miles away.
Cissbury Ring
The second largest hillfort in England, Cissbury Ring is steeped in history and legend.
Originally fortified in the Middle Iron-Age, the fort was abandoned shortly after the Roman Conquest of England, quickly becoming farmland.
Once at the top, you can expect 360 degree views across the South Downs, the low Weald, the English Channel and even the North Downs and Surrey Hills.
Cheesefoot Head
Situated just outside of Winchester in Hampshire, Cheesefoot Head is a natural amphitheater. A stunning viewpoint, it offers views out towards Butser Hill, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight.
The sloping walls of the amphitheater is comprised of chalk grassland and is home to dozens of species of wildflowers which attract pollinators of every sort – bees, butterflies and moths. Bird life, including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammers and the South Downs songster, the Skylark, are often spotted.
It also lays claim to playing an important role in World War Two , where prior to D-Day, General Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed US troops who were often entertained by shows and activities hosted by the USO (United Services Organisations).
Leave no trace
We all have a responsibility to help look after nature.
If bringing a picnic, remember the following:
- Take home all your litter. Even if there are waste bins, these can often overflow after busy days and rubbish may not be collected immediately. Help wildlife and nature by taking this with you when you leave, this includes any dog poo.
- Keep dogs under control. If you are bringing your dog, please keep them on the lead to avoid disturbing wildlife and farmlife.
- No BBQs or open fires. In the summer months, the risk of wild fires can be very high. Please don’t light BBQs or have open fires when visiting nature sites.
- Leave gates as you find them. As a rule, gates should generally be closed. However, farmers may intentionally leave gates open, particularly if livestock is moving between fields. If in doubt, please close the gate.
