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Perfect Picnic Spots
With stunning countryside and gardens, there are many beautiful spots in and around the Bury St Edmunds area to lay your blanket down and enjoy a yummy picnic. Here are our picks …
The Abbey Gardens
The Abbey Gardens. Photo by Shawn Pearce.
Whether you're a history lover, a keen gardener or want some peace and quiet, the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds provides a beautiful backdrop in which to enjoy a picnic.
Sit amongst the stunning flower gardens and enjoy a picnic with all the family. Then spend some time exploring the Abbey ruins and gardens.
Clare Castle Country Park
![Clare Castle Clare Castle Country Park Trust 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/Clare-Castle-Clare-Castle-Country-Park-Trust-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1653556953&s=8d72aafa57a63d3d5cda94419c95ddd4)
Clare Castle Country Park is a beautiful quiet area to relax, play, get close to nature and learn about Clare’s fascinating history and heritage.
The park contains the remains of the 13th Century stone castle keep set upon its 60ft high motte overlooking the town, as well as its inner and outer baileys which are ideal areas for picnics. Later see the two large ponds, enjoy a river walk and explore the woodland paths (many are suitable for wheelchairs).
Nowton Park
![Nowton Park Dog Friendly Phil Morley 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/Nowton-Park-Dog-Friendly-Phil-Morley-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1653555471&s=dc34ac4ad39b6f54a9ef036df79aa33d)
Nowton Park. Photo by Shawn Pearce.
Popular with nature lovers, this wonderful 200-acre park has its own picnic area.
Afterwards enjoy the arboretum, bird feeding area, ponds and wildflower meadow at Nowton Park.
The National Trust’s Ickworth House, Park and Gardens
![Picnic at The ickworth 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/Picnic-at-The-ickworth-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655390001&s=1e9acb3c51e05a5eea5f862fee39cfd3)
Picnic at The Ickworth hotel. Photo courtesy of The Ickworth.
The walled garden and seasonal meadow at the National Trust’s Ickworth House, Park and Gardens are especially magical picnic spots during the Spring and Summer. Afterwards wander at leisure across 1800 acres of parkland. For a fun day out with children Ickworth is the perfect picnic spot for families to explore without going too far.
West Stow Country Park
![West Stow Country Park lake 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/West-Stow-Country-Park-lake-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1653556776&s=f64501cc265f6d2d693a8a30930144c6)
West Stow Country Park. Photo courtesy of West Stow Country Park.
Perfect for picnics on sunny days, West Stow Country Park which surrounds the Anglo-Saxon Village offers 125 acres of unspoilt countryside, trails, heath and woodland walks
For wildlife enthusiasts there are two bird hides and a bird feeding area as well as a lake and the River Lark with all the life that this attracts.
Melford Country Park
![Long Melford Country Park 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/Long-Melford-Country-Park-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655203617&s=8cc2a6d8274a542ab7c320e458bdb0f5)
With its beautiful walks through woodland, lakes, grassland and river views, Melford Country Park is perfect for a picnic.
If a traditional blanket picnic is not for you then they have plenty of picnic tables and benches. After your picnic, why not take a stroll on the Melford Walk, a 2km trail along a former railway line around the eastern boundary of the picturesque village of Long Melford.
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