Explore the beautiful bounty on your doorstep this National Picnic Week

Whether you're looking for a dreamy setting to enjoy an al fresco supper for two or a wild spot to work up the family’s appetite, Scotland has all the ingredients for a successful picnic!

Ahead of National Picnic Week (21-30 June) we want to give you just a taste of what East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde’s rugged cliffs, woodland canapes and waterside spots can bring to your picnic experience.

And it’s not just the stunning surroundings that makes East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & Inverclyde the first pick for a picnic, the fantastic food and drink made here will leave you spoiled for choice when it comes to your outdoor spread. So pack up your basket and explore the beautiful bounty on your doorstep...

Pick a picnic spot with a view along the Greenock Cut, a five mile aqueduct and a Designated Ancient Monument. The area offers wonderful walks, a fantastic vista over the Clyde and, for those with an inquisitive mind, an insight into the early industrial revolution. For all the family, a shorter walk will take you on a picturesque nature trail in search of hidden wood spirits through the Shielhill Glen, criss-crossing the Kip burn.

Looking for a wild day out? Then look no further than RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, just 30 minutes from Glasgow. This wetland reserve, teaming with wildlife and fun family drop-in activities run by the RSPB, your budding naturalist will be in their element. Dine with the local wildlife, including otters, whooper swans, wigeons and ducks, then run off your feast at the play area or explore the accessible trails.

A buzzing community space and dog lovers delight, Rouken Glen Park has all the ingredients for picnic success and a lovely day out. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful boating pond then discover the cascading waterfall before finding a perfect spot in the walled garden for your blanket. A children’s play area will help little legs run off some energy while, an outdoor gym equipment trail, skateboard park and new tennis courts will keep the rest of the family entertained.

What to pack in your picnic... if you have a sweet tooth get online and visit The New Chocolate Company to make a special order ahead of your picnic for some Florentines or handmade chocolates. Pick up some scrumptious cakes from Three Sisters Bake in Quarrier’s Village and if that isn’t enough sugar for you, there are treats from the Wee Fudge Company in Clarkston.

Hope we have given you some food for thought? Or do you have a favourite picnic spot that trumps the rest? Maybe there’s somewhere with a great trail for exploring with the kids, or a secluded spot with a view for two? Share them on the VisitScotland iknow community here and discover more of Scotland this #NationalPicnicWeek.

Latest Local News

Make Music Day calls on Scottish musicians to perform Auld Lang Syne

Grassroots music festival, Make Music Day, is calling on Scottish musicians to join together in a celebratory performance of one of Scotland's must popular and enduring folk songs.

Last Updated: 27th May 2020

Dobbies encourages kids to get gardening

The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its support for National Children’s Gardening Week, which runs from 23rd to 31st May.

Last Updated: 22nd May 2020

National Theatre of Scotland launches PLAY DATES a new online interactive programme for children and families

National Theatre of Scotland in association with leading children’s arts organisations Starcatchers and Imaginate is connecting with families at home during the COVID crisis.

Last Updated: 22nd May 2020

Charity calls on talented Scots to take part in virtual fundraising event

Specialist charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) is calling on talented Scots to help save the organisation with a virtual fundraising event.

Last Updated: 19th May 2020

Dobbies supports Virtual Chelsea Flower Show

The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, will be supporting for The Royal Horticultural Society's Virtual Chelsea Flower Show, which runs from 18 to 23 May!

Last Updated: 18th May 2020

Scottish Book Trust launch online celebrations for Bookbug Week

Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host online celebrations this May for Bookbug Week.

Last Updated: 18th May 2020

Scotland Hosts International Prayer Meeting via Zoom

What is believed to be the largest Prayer Meeting held in Scotland since the Reformation has been conducted via Zoom this week, with around 400 people joining.

Last Updated: 18th May 2020

Celebrate World Whisky Day with Johnnie Walker

World Whisky Day is the annual toast to the 'water of life'. This year, Johnnie Walker, the world's number one Scotch, is giving a helping hand so you can celebrate the day in your home environment.

Last Updated: 15th May 2020

itison announce plans to launch first socially distanced Drive In

Scotland's drive in pioneers set to return this July with feel-good Summer movie classics!

Last Updated: 14th May 2020

Over 10,000 food packs donated in 24 hours

Kind-hearted members of the public have donated over 10,000 food packs to itison's fundraiser for Social Bite since it launched yesterday!

Last Updated: 14th May 2020

Art company launches online Art Exhibition on behalf of Beatson Cancer Charity

Inspired by daughter's cancer journey, The Studio Fine Art Company has repackaged this year's annual art exhibition to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity and has taken the event online.

Last Updated: 13th May 2020

itison launches Social Bite fundraiser

itison is launching a fundraiser for Social Bite tomorrow, Wednesday 13th May at 9am, to help those hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

Last Updated: 12th May 2020

Dobbies podcast explores gardening for beginners

The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, explores gardening for beginners in the second instalment from its podcast series.

Last Updated: 11th May 2020

SF At Home brings you studio tours, workshops and exhibitions

Arts agency unveils plans to engage audiences and support artists and makers during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Last Updated: 11th May 2020

Stay off the tracks. Stay home. Stay safe.

​Network Rail has launched a new awareness-raising campaign to warn of the dangers of trespassing on the railway during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Last Updated: 8th May 2020

Pupils can take part in fun online version of Olympic Games

An online fun-filled version of the Olympic Games is being launched for primary school pupils during lockdown.

Last Updated: 8th May 2020

Cancellation of events in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire Council has today announced that all large-scale Council-run events will be cancelled until the end of October in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Last Updated: 7th May 2020

Members of the public are asked to help identify archive photography

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has asked the public to help identify over 5,000 archive images which are now available online for the first time.

Last Updated: 7th May 2020

Enormous Ailsa Craig onion originated at Culzean Castle

The walled garden at the National Trust for Scotland's Culzean Castle holds an interesting past!

Last Updated: 7th May 2020

Launch of Ren TV

An online TV channel has been launched to help keep everyone fit, healthy and entertained during the coronavirus lockdown!

Last Updated: 7th May 2020

VE Day extravaganza for care homes across the UK

Care homes and the vulnerable are NOT FORGOTTEN as charity organises special online variety show for VE Day.

Last Updated: 7th May 2020

Virtual running challenge launched in aid of NHS Charities Together

The Great Run Company has launched #GreatRunSolo, a brand new virtual running challenge encouraging the public to stay healthy, be active and run solo to raise vital funds for NHS Charities Together!

Last Updated: 6th May 2020

TRNSMT 2021 Line Up Announced

TRNSMT organisers have been working hard with artist teams over the last few days to rebook most of the acts from the 2020 event to the 2021 festival!

Last Updated: 5th May 2020

A new online quiz service has launched to help people host their own pub quizzes from home

As lockdown continues, Tennent's is helping people stay entertained with the launch of PinTless, a free online quiz service where users can create their very own pub quiz to host from home!

Last Updated: 4th May 2020

Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival 2020 Cancelled

Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival 2020 has been cancelled but options are being explored for going ahead with online events.

Last Updated: 29th April 2020

Dobbies supports National Gardening Week

The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, announces its support for The Royal Horticulture Society's National Gardening Week, the UK's biggest celebration of gardening running until May 3rd.

Last Updated: 28th April 2020

Scientific breakthrough creates buzz for Scottish Bee Company

The Scottish Bee Company, based in Edinburgh, is set to take on its global rivals after being revealed as a world-leading superfood in a recent scientific study.

Last Updated: 27th April 2020

Bloody Scotland and Bute Noir to hold a version of their popular quiz live online.

Bestselling Crime Writers join forces to recreate the Bloody Scotland Quiz from the comfort of their own homes.

Last Updated: 24th April 2020

TRNSMT Festival Announcement

Organisers of TRNSMT Festival due to be held in July have announced that this year's event will be unable to go ahead.

Last Updated: 24th April 2020

Underwood Lane show postponed

THE world premiere of John Byrne's new play, Underwood Lane will now take place next year.

Last Updated: 22nd April 2020

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues

Advertise With Us

Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!

Click here to find out more »