Perfect Picnic Spots You Can Reach by Train
Ah, the great British countryside. Fields of green, birdsong in the air, and not a motorway service station sausage roll in sight. If you’re daydreaming about a laid-back picnic surrounded by nature (and preferably not a car park), then grab your gingham blanket and hop on a train.
With TrainSplit, you can reach some of the most beautiful picnic spots in England, Wales and Scotland without needing to sell a kidney for your train fare. We’ll even help you save with clever split ticketing (that’s where we find cheaper combinations of tickets for the same journey – like a money-saving fairy godparent).
So whether you’re plotting a weekend escape or simply want to swap city sirens for birdsong, here’s our pick of picnic-perfect places reachable by train, plus some tips so you don’t end up sitting on damp grass eating squashed sandwiches. Let’s get into it.
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England: Countryside Escapes Near Mainline Stations
1. Box Hill, Surrey
Image credit: Abid Mahmood | Getty Images
Nearest station: Box Hill & Westhumble (from London Waterloo)
Fancy a picnic with views that make you want to write poetry about clouds? Box Hill is your place. Just under an hour from London, it’s part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — which is a very British way of saying “it’s seriously pretty”. There are plenty of trails, butterflies, and perfect grassy patches to lay out your spread (and by spread, we mean hummus and crisps, obviously).
Top tip: It’s a hill. Don’t be the person who wears flip-flops.
2. The Cotswolds: Moreton-in-Marsh
The Swan pub Image credit: Dave Porter | Canva Pro
Nearest station: Moreton-in-Marsh (from London Paddington or Oxford)
Think honey-coloured cottages, babbling brooks, and fields that look like a postcard. From the station, you can head towards Batsford Arboretum or just wander until you find a peaceful spot that makes you question every life choice that led to living in a shoebox flat.
Top tip: The Cotswolds do tea and cake exceptionally well — leave room.
3. The Peak District: Edale
Image credit: holgermartin | Getty Images
Nearest station: Edale (from Sheffield or Manchester)
Welcome to Peak District paradise. Edale is a little village with big views, perfect for anyone who likes their cheese sandwiches served with a side of scenery. It’s the start of the Pennine Way, but you don’t need to hike for hours — a short wander gets you to some truly picnic-worthy vistas.
Top tip: Watch out for sheep eyeing up your scotch eggs. They know no boundaries.
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Wales: Idyllic Picnic Spots
1. Brecon Beacons: Talybont-on-Usk
Image credit: peteholyoak | Getty Images
Nearest station: Talybont
Talybont-on-Usk might sound like a spell from Harry Potter, but it’s actually a chilled-out village with reservoir views and lush hills. The kind of place where you can truly unwind, snack in peace, and pretend you’re starring in a Visit Wales ad.
Top tip: The weather is moodier than a teenager. Bring a waterproof (yes, that means a jacket — this is Wales, not the Med).
2. Pembrokeshire Coast: Saundersfoot
Image credit: ayejayare | Getty Images
Nearest station: Saundersfoot (from Swansea or Carmarthen)
Beachy picnics? Yes please. Saundersfoot offers golden sands, gentle waves and picnic-perfect views that’ll make you forget how many trains it took to get here. It’s got all the sea-salty charm of a seaside postcard, minus the sticky rock.
Top tip: Don’t forget your swim stuff if you fancy a post-picnic paddle.
Scotland: Scenic Picnic Getaways
1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: Balloch
Image credit: generacionx | Getty Images Signature
Nearest station: Balloch (from Glasgow Queen Street)
In just under an hour from Glasgow, you can be laying out your picnic beside a loch. (That’s Scottish for “very pretty lake”.) With woodland walks and mountain views, Balloch is ideal for those who like a side of wild beauty with their sausage roll.
Top tip: Bring layers. All of them.
2. The Scottish Borders: Melrose
Leaderfoot Viaduct, Melrose, Scotland Image credit: ayejayare | Getty Images
Nearest station: Melrose (from Edinburgh or Carlisle)
Melrose is basically the Renaissance painting of towns — full of charm, history and Instagrammable ruins. You can picnic near Melrose Abbey (because why wouldn’t you want a ruined 12th-century monastery as a backdrop?) or along the River Tweed.
Top tip: The bakery in town does ridiculously good pastries. You’re welcome.
What to pack
Let’s keep this short and sweet, like a mini pork pie:
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Picnic blanket: Waterproof bottom, soft top. Because soggy jeans ruin everything.
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Insulated bag: Warm wine and sweaty cheese? No thank you.
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Reusable stuff: Plates, forks, napkins — save the planet and your dignity.
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Bin bags: Leave no trace. Especially not your empty crisp packets.
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Sun protection: Because even in Britain, you might burn unexpectedly.
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Wet wipes: Sticky fingers and jam-covered knees are inevitable.
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Book or cards: For that post-picnic chill when you can’t be bothered to move.
Bonus tip: Travelling by train is already a win, but with TrainSplit, you can find hidden ticket combinations that knock pounds off your journey. So you can spend more on treats and less on transport. Go on — upgrade that lemonade to a fancy sparkling one.
The final crumbs
So there you have it: fresh air, good food, better views, and a journey that didn’t make you want to scream into a glovebox. All thanks to trains (and TrainSplit).
Whether you’re heading to hills, forests, or beaches, Britain is full of lovely spots just waiting for your picnic basket. And with split ticketing, getting there doesn’t have to cost more than your cheese selection.
Now go forth and picnic — like a proper British hero.
Picnic train trips with TrainSplit: FAQs
💰 Can I really save money using TrainSplit?
Yes! TrainSplit finds clever combinations of tickets (aka split ticketing) to save you money — even though you're travelling on the same trains. No extra faff, just savings.
🧃 Can I bring food and drink on the train?
Absolutely. Pack your picnic and bring it along. Just avoid anything *too* smelly (we’re looking at you, egg mayo) and be kind to your fellow passengers.
🌦 What if it rains at my picnic spot?
Ah, classic Britain. Bring a lightweight waterproof or scout out nearby shelters — or embrace it and have a damp but memorable time. You’ll have stories, at least.
🚉 Do I need to book my train tickets in advance?
It’s a good idea. Advance tickets are usually cheaper, and with TrainSplit, you can maximise your savings. Booking early = more money for fancy cheese.
🧭 How do I plan my trip with TrainSplit?
Just pop your journey into TrainSplit.com, and we’ll show you the best ticket options. No need to understand the dark magic of British train fares — we’ve done the hard part for you.
Save more with a digital Railcard
Don’t leave savings on the table, or the picnic blanket. Buy a digital Railcard with TrainSplit and have everything ready in your app before you travel. No waiting. Just cheaper fares and smoother journeys.
Extend your countryside adventure
Fallen in love with the rolling hills and lochside views? Same. Make the most of it and book your accommodation in advance here:
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