Five of the best spots to enjoy a picnic in Salisbury

Now the weather has taken a turn for the better, we have put together a guide on some of the best places to enjoy your favourite foods outdoors in the area.

From clear fields with plenty of sunshine to riverside spots in the shade, here are some of the best picnic spots in and around Salisbury.

READ MORE: Five places to visit in and around Salisbury at least once

Five of the best picnic spots to enjoy in Salisbury:

Queen Elizabeth Gardens 

Crane Bridge Rd, Salisbury SP2 7TD

Opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth Gardens is one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks.

Situated just outside of the city centre, the gardens combine formal planting with a relaxed atmosphere to offer a perfect place to start with a picnic during the warmer summer months.

With views of the cathedral to the east and the River Avon to the south, Queen Elizabeth Gardens is perfect for those looking to appreciate the scenery or to take a break from the hustle of the city centre. The park also provides access to the Town Path as well as a walk past the water meadows out to Harnham.

The gardens are open day and night throughout the year, and also boasts a concession stand as well as free public toilets located nearby, which include disabled toilets and baby-changing facilities. A pay and display car park is available at Lush House car park.

Churchill Gardens

Churchill Way S, Salisbury SP1 2JN

Churchill Gardens is located just over a mile to the south of the City centre, within walking distance of the shops, cathedral and Wiltshire College’s Salisbury Campus. The gardens boast an extensive range of shrubs and trees, making the area a colourful spot for a picnic or just to spend a bit of time outdoors.

Churchill Gardens is a popular setting for a relaxing walk alongside the river, with many using the paths running around the gardens for running and cycling, although a picnic sounds far more appealing!

The gardens also have a large skatepark, as well as a street sports area, a parkour park and a disc golf. Similar to Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Churchill Gardens are also open day and night throughout the year and have public toilets located nearby, with disability access and baby changing facilities. 

The gardens also have two children's play areas, a concession stand, and an outdoor gym.

Cathedral Close

Salisbury SP1 2ES

Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Newsquest)

800 years of history is on show in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close. At 80 acres it is Britain’s largest Cathedral Close and reflects architectural styles from the 13th century through to the 20th Century.

From the majestic cathedral to award-winning museums, there is plenty to see and do inside the ancient walls, with the grounds around the cathedral being an ideal spot for a bite to eat.

Cathedral Close boasts a rich history and plenty of activities to take part in with a number of historic activities to take part in, and is also adorned with several cafes including Salisbury Museum Cafe.

There is a short circular walk around the Cathedral Close, is dog friendly and has disability access. The gates to Cathedral Close close at 11pm and reopen at 6am, with limited parking charged at £7 a day.

Toilet facilities are available in Salisbury Cathedral.

Harnham Cricket Ground

Salisbury SP2 8LF

Harnham cricket field is a lovely open green space with scenic views of Salisbury Cathedral, the River Avon and the overlooking Harnham water meadows, and is located just a stones throw away from the city centre with a 10-minute walk through Town Path.

The big green space is perfect to sit and enjoy the tranquil scenery and the River Avon is a great spot to take a dip on hot summer days.

Harnham Middle Street Meadow

Harnham, Salisbury SP2 8LL

Middle Street Meadow is an old water meadow and forms part of the green corridor along the river Nadder which extends into the heart of the city and includes the adjacent Harnham Water Meadows and Nadder Island, a Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Reserve.

Similar to Harnham Cricket Field, the Middle Street Meadow is a short walk from the city centre and cathedral. There is also a large field which provides opportunities for children to play football and all manner of sports, while the sun is shining late into the evening.