A picnic can be whatever you want it to be - lavish or simple, full of laughter with friends or a quiet romantic day out. And shopping for your perfect picnic is a piece of cake in Canterbury, with a huge choice of local food, drink and alfresco essentials.
Perfect Places to Picnic
Take your movable feast to Westgate Gardens for a picturesque picnic by the river, surrounded by colour flowers with plenty of shade from luscious trees.
Or head to The Franciscan Gardens (entrance fee) to wander around the historic walled gardens hidden away from the high street, or pick a spot in Solly’s Orchard for a lazy day in the sunshine - with a few great pubs a stone's throw away should you need more beverages!
You can also venture further afield for a picnic on the coast. In Herne Bay head to the Memorial Park, Waltrop Gardens or Reculver Towers for beautiful surroundings, while Whitstable's shingle beach and the sweeping Tankerton Slopes offer fabulous views across the sea.
Special Occasion Picnic
Anniversary coming up? Big birthday? Treat yourselves and order a filled hamper from M&S in Rose Square.
Add sumptuous slices of cake from Tiny Tim's Tea Room in St Margaret's Street, and pick up a beautiful bottle of fizz or still wine from one of the best English wine from Fenwick - the lower ground floor as plenty of wines and goodies to enjoy.
Lay it all on a gorgeous Harris Tweed picnic blanket from Sowley in St Peter's and set the scene with special bunting and decorations from Happy & Glorious.
Kids Birthday Picnic
Pizza is a picnic party pleaser - fuss-free and a fun way to share food.
Call ahead to Franco Manca on High St and they'll whip up a multiple order to go; head around the corner to Sumo Donuts in Palace St to collect super-cool doughnut desserts (they do big birthday doughnuts to orders too) and then on to Cha Lab in St Peter's Street to pick up a tasty bubble tea for each guest.
Work off the sugar hit with a game of Flying Disc from Whirligig Toys on Sun St.
Sustainable Picnic
Enjoy a planet-friendly picnic: go preloved, plastic-free and locally sourced.
The Refillery in Sun St sells Kentish food and drink from honey to cider. Corkk in Burgate specialises in fine English wines, many from local vineyards, and Paxton & Whitfield in Sun St offers a delicious variety of Kent cheeses.
Check Canterbury’s brilliant charity shops such as Age UK in St Peter’s St for picnic-friendly plates, mugs and rugs.
Old-fashioned Picnic
Transport yourself in time and create a glorious vintage picnic!
Select hot pasties and filled rolls from The Cornish Bakery in The Parade, then hop over to Bird & Blend in The Parade for delicious Rose Lemonade iced teas to go.
For a classic sweet treat, choose a scrumptious selection of crumbly fudge from Fudge Kitchen in Sun Street.
Lay it out on a gorgeous tartan fleece from Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Burgate to complete the scene!
Painting & Pints Picnic
Painting and picnics pair up perfectly.
You’ll find compact art sets, pocket pads and fold-up easels in Cowling & Wilcox. Pre-order sushi from Mister Miyagi in Orange St and pair it with a light beer from The Foundry BrewPub in Stour St - they’ll pour it in your own container for you (Chilly’s Bottles from Wrapped! in Burgate are great for this).
Trespass on the High Street has folding chairs, mats and cool bags to pack everything in.
