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As the weather starts to get better, why not enjoy some of the UK’s most beautiful spots with a picnic? These spots are also accessible, so the whole family can join in, regardless of their mobility or accessibility needs.

Of course, while restrictions across the UK are being lifted, we are still under a national lockdown, so make sure to continue to follow guidelines where appropriate. You can find out the latest advice regarding coronavirus and restrictions online at gov.uk/coronavirus.

Here are some of our suggestions for accessible picnic spots in the UK, if you have any other favourite spots for a picnic, make sure to get in touch with us on Twitter or Facebook to share them!

Hyde Park, London

One of central London’s most famous parks, Hyde Park is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. The park has a lot of flat, accessible space and plenty of pathways that are ideal for those of you using mobility aids, it’s also a big park, meaning that you can easily social distance while you’re there. You’ll just have to be aware that as restrictions open, the usual vendors, toilets and events won’t all necessarily be as they used to be, but as the summer draws in, more and more of these will be operational.

Kew Gardens, London

Also in London is Kew Gardens, one of the UK’s most popular botanical gardens. It is accessible and there are plenty of spots for you to stop off and enjoy a picnic. Because it is so popular, prior to the latest lockdown, the team were operating a booking system to make sure there was enough space onsite, so do look out for their opening information as the summer gets nearer.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Set in the heart of Devon, the Dartmoor National Park is a beautiful landscape full of stunning scenery and of course, those famous Dartmoor ponies. For an area that is wild and rugged, it is dotted with flat and picnic friendly areas and dedicated picnic sites, with benches and bins for rubbish. The picnic spots are all accessible from the main road and many of them are wheelchair friendly. There is no need to prebook to visit the national park and there are plenty of spaces for you to be able to social distance, however some of the facilities, such as toilets and eateries on the moor may remain closed.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

This area of outstanding natural beauty has a number of different walks and cycle trails, several of which are level, allowing for access for those with limited mobility. The site also has a number of museums and memorials as well as an Iron Age Hill Fort, so there is plenty to look at when you stop for lunch – though there may be additional restrictions still in place for these parts of the site.

Do you have any other suggestions for accessible places for picnics? Let us know!

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