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Winter picnics are the perfect way to enjoy the crisp air, stunning seasonal views, and a cosy outdoor meal—even when it’s cold. Whether you're planning a romantic winter date, a snow-day family adventure, or a scenic food break on a frosty hike, this guide covers everything you need: the best locations, warming food ideas, and essential packing tips for a perfect picnic in the cold.

Key Takeaways: How to Picnic in the Snow

• Snow picnics can be magical: With the right preparation, picnicking in the snow becomes a serene and unforgettable experience—perfect for families, couples, or solo adventures.

• Pick a scenic, safe spot: Choose a location that’s easy to access, shielded from strong wind, and photogenic. Clear the ground and layer waterproof materials with wool blankets for comfort.

• Dress in warm, waterproof layers: Thermal socks, insulated boots, gloves, and weatherproof outerwear are essential. Always bring spare layers in case something gets wet.

• Focus on warm, easy-to-eat food: Pack hot soup, chilli, toasted sandwiches, or hand pies in insulated containers. Use thermoses for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or tea.

• Add cosy, atmospheric touches: Battery-powered lights, candles, music, and thoughtful details like enamel mugs or a romantic surprise elevate the snow picnic experience.

• Don’t forget essentials: Bring a large tote or insulated backpack, extra mittens, waterproof covers, and cleanup bags to make your snowy outing comfortable and sustainable.

Winter Picnic Location Ideas

Just because the temperature has dropped doesn't mean you can't enjoy a picnic! Here are 5 of the best winter picnic locations in the UK that will take your breath away. 

Greenwich Park, London 

One of the best winter picnic locations in the UK has got to be Greenwich Park! Located in South East London, Greenwich Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The park boasts beautiful views of the River Thames and is perfect for a romantic winter picnic. There's even a playground for the kids (or for the kid at heart). 

Snowdonia National Park, Wales 

If you're looking for a more adventurous winter picnic, then Snowdonia National Park is the place for you. Nestled in North Wales, Snowdonia is home to Mount Snowdon—the highest mountain in England and Wales. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking and worth the hike up. Just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes and food to keep you going! 

Brockwell Park, London 

Brockwell Park is another excellent option for a winter picnic in London. The park is situated in Lambeth and offers stunning views of the cityscape. Brockwell Park is also home to a Lido, perfect for taking a dip on a cold winter day. 

Glasgow Green, Glasgow 

Glasgow Green should be on your list if you're picnicking in Scotland. The green is located in Glasgow City Centre and is one of the oldest public parks in Europe. Glasgow Green is perfect for a relaxed winter picnic and offers stunning views of the River Clyde. 

Richmond Park, London 

Last but not least on our list is Richmond Park—a beautiful royal park located in southwest London. Richmond Park is perfect for a winter picnic as it offers plenty of open space to set up your blanket and enjoy quality time with friends or family. Plus, if you're lucky enough, you might even spot some deer roaming around! 

Winter Picnic Food Ideas

Winter picnic can be even more enjoyable than a summer one, thanks to the cosy blankets, hot drinks, and (of course) the food. Here are nine winter picnic foods that will keep you warm and satisfied.

Hot Soup

Nothing warms you up like a steaming bowl of soup, and there are endless possibilities for flavour. Choose your favourite or get adventurous and try something new. Either way, hot soup is a must for any winter picnic.

Warm Drinks

Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea are all excellent choices for a winter picnic beverage. You could even get fancy and make some mulled wine in advance. Whatever you choose, make sure to bring enough for everyone—and maybe a little extra, too.

Chilli

What could be better than a big pot of chilli on a cold day? Make it ahead of time and reheat it on your portable stove when ready to eat. Remember the toppings!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

No picnic is complete without dessert, and these chocolate chip cookies will hit the spot. Make a double batch—they're bound to go quickly.

Chilli in a Bread Bowl

This hearty dish is the perfect winter warmer. Serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an added rustic charm. Add shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream for extra deliciousness.

Potato Soup in a Thermos

Another excellent option for a winter picnic is potato soup. Make your favourite recipe and pour it into a thermos to keep it warm. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Yum!

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic comfort food at their best. Pair them with a cup of tomato soup for a delicious and easy-to-transport meal. Add some bacon or ham if you're feeling extra hungry!

Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole is always a hit. It's best served warm, so pop it in the oven before heading out on your picnic. Be sure to bring along some forks and plates so everyone can dig in!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

No picnic would be complete without dessert! These chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and full of melting chocolate goodness. They're easy to make and transport to your picnic spot. Enjoy!

Picnic in the Snow: How to Make It Magical

Snow on the ground doesn't mean you have to cancel your picnic—it just makes it more magical! A snowy picnic is a chance to experience the outdoors in a way that's serene, scenic, and incredibly memorable. All it takes is a little extra planning and the right gear.

Choose a Safe, Scenic Snow Spot

Look for a spot with easy access, shelter from strong winds, and natural beauty—like a snow-covered forest clearing, hillside, or even your own garden. Avoid areas where snow may be too deep or unsafe to walk through.

Bring a shovel to clear a small flat patch for your picnic setup. Lay down a waterproof groundsheet or tarp as your base layer, then add insulating wool blankets or picnic rugs on top to sit comfortably.

Pack the Right Cold-Weather Gear

Dress in waterproof layers, including thermal socks, gloves, and insulated boots. Keep extra scarves or hand warmers in your bag. A winter picnic is all about comfort—pack lap blankets and consider folding chairs if sitting on the ground isn’t ideal.

Warm Food & Drinks Are Essential

Food should be easy to eat with gloves and ideally served hot. Thermoses filled with soup, mulled wine, or hot chocolate are winter picnic must-haves. Foods like hand pies, toasted sandwiches, chilli, or stew in insulated containers will keep you fuelled and warm.

For dessert, go for easy-to-grab treats like brownies or flapjacks—nothing too fussy.

Add Cosy, Romantic Touches

Create an inviting atmosphere with battery-powered fairy lights, warm drinks in enamel mugs, and even a candle in a wind jar. Bring a Bluetooth speaker and play a soft playlist to enhance the snowy setting. If you’re planning a romantic winter picnic, pack a surprise treat like a hot toddy or wrapped-up baked brie to share.

Don’t Forget:

• A large tote bag or insulated picnic backpack for carrying everything.

• Extra socks or mittens in case anything gets wet.

• A waterproof cover to protect your food setup if snow starts falling.

A snowy picnic can be the highlight of your winter if you plan well. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and a perfect excuse to embrace the season's charm.

What to pack for a successful winter picnic

From the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands, plenty of places to enjoy a festive feast outdoors. Just make sure you're prepared for the cold! Here's what you need to pack for a winter picnic in the UK.

A Portable outdoor heater 

When the temperatures drop, you will want some form of heat source to keep you warm. A portable outdoor heater is perfect for this. You can buy ones that run off batteries or gas canisters, so make sure you pick one suitable for your needs. And remember to pack extra batteries or canisters, just in case!

Plenty of Blankets 

Picnics are all about getting cosy, so make sure you've got plenty of blankets to wrap up in. Thick wool waterproof blankets are ideal as they'll keep you warm even if they get wet. And if you're picnicking with children, make sure you've got some smaller blankets too that they can use as lap robes.

Waterproof clothing 

In the UK, you can never predict the weather! Even in winter, rain (or snow) is always possible. So make sure you're prepared by packing some waterproof clothing. A good waterproof coat is essential, and if you've got room in your backpack, pack some waterproof trousers, too, just in case. Our alpaca walking socks will serve you well during the colder months too. 

Food and drink 

Of course, no picnic is complete without food and drink! When it comes to picnicking in wintertime, it's best to stick to hearty dishes that will fill you up and keep you warm. Think stews, soups and hot pies. And don't forget the thermos flask full of hot tea or coffee!

Wellies 

If you're planning on picnicking somewhere off the beaten track, pack a pair of wellies (or Wellington boots). This way, you won't have to worry about getting your feet wet if there's rain or snow. Wellies are also great for keeping your feet warm when temperatures drop in the evening. 

With these essentials packed in your backpack, you'll be all set for a beautiful winter picnic in the UK! Just remember to dress warmly and pack plenty of food and drink to keep yourself fuelled throughout the day. And if you get cold feet (literally), don't forget your wellies!

Conclusion

So there you have it—the best winter picnic ideas in the UK will take your breath away! Whether you're looking for stunning views or an adventurous hike, there's undoubtedly a location on this list that's perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your blanket and head out on your next picnicking adventure!

FAQ

What do you wear to a winter picnic?

Dress in warm, weatherproof layers including thermal base layers, an insulated coat, wool socks, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat. Bring extra mittens and a blanket for extra warmth.

What kind of food is good for a snow picnic?

Ideal foods include hot soups, chilli, hand pies, grilled cheese, and macaroni cheese—all packed in insulated containers. Warm drinks like hot chocolate or tea in thermoses are also essential.

How do you stay warm during a picnic in the snow?

Use insulated blankets and portable heaters, sit on a waterproof base layer, and pack hot food and drinks. Choose a location that’s sheltered from wind and keep moving if you start to feel cold.

Can you picnic in the snow safely?

Yes, snow picnics can be safe if you dress appropriately, bring extra layers, pack warm food, and choose a safe, accessible location. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.

What should I pack for a snowy picnic?

Bring warm food, hot drinks, wool blankets, waterproof layers, extra clothing, a seating mat or tarp, reusable utensils, a thermos, and something to light the space like LED candles or fairy lights.