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7 Picnic Spots

Looking for an adventure? Here are 7 of our favourite picnic spots. Join the National Trust for Scotland today and you’ll be able to explore these places and many more.

1. Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden

The landscaped grounds, formal lawns, yew hedging and sunken rose garden at Hill of Tarvit make a grand Edwardian picnic spot. Plus, there are plenty of games on offer to work up an appetite, as well as a round of golf on the 9-hole Kingarrock hickory golf course.

A family picnic at Hill of Tarvit

2. Culzean Castle & Country Park

With gardens, beaches, woods, a Swan Pond and much more filling this beautiful 260ha estate, there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect spot for your picnic at Culzean. Relax and take in the magnificent views of the cliff-top castle and across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.

A couple enjoying a picnic at Culzean Castle

3. Inveresk Lodge Garden

Enjoy a picnic in this peaceful sanctuary with tall trees, fragrant flowers, ponds and wildlife galore. The inviting hillside garden, with mixed borders, attractive shrubs & roses and the restored Edwardian glasshouse, provides a year-round feast for the senses as you feast al fresco.

Enjoying a picnic at Inveresk Lodge Garden

4. Greenbank Garden

For gardening inspiration, Greenbank Garden is unbeatable. This surprising oasis of tranquillity and beauty is set less than a mile from Glasgow’s bustling Southside suburbs.

Picnic in the scenic surroundings of the elegant stately home, and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful walled garden and surrounding woodland.

A tall metal tripod-esque sculpture, with a green man face at the top, stands at the centre of paths in a parterre garden. Tall trees are in the background.
There are lots of quiet spots to choose from in which to enjoy your picnic at Greenbank Garden

5. Threave Garden & Estate

Discover the landscaped beauty of Threave – an ideal place for a picnic at any time of year. Every corner of the garden is filled with colour. With so much to explore, you’ll need to allow plenty of time to enjoy it all!

A man and a child wander along a path in Threave Garden, heading towards the Stables block. In the foreground is a pond, filled with waterlilies and green reeds.
Threave Garden & Estate

6. Pitmedden Garden

With almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, colourful parterres, over 200 fruit trees, and the sweet scents of honeysuckle and jasmine, Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses. The picnic area is an ideal spot to stop for lunch, and you can even enjoy a game of boules on our pétanque piste!

Pitmedden Garden

7. Priorwood Garden

Visit the charming Priorwood Garden and enjoy a picnic in the old orchard. Over 90 different kinds of apple are grown organically here, including 70 heritage varieties.

An orchard on a sunny day, with picnic tables.
The picnic area in the orchard of Priorwood Garden