You really cannot beat a British picnic when the weather is on your side. Pack some good food, find a nice spot in the countryside and spend the afternoon outside with friends or family.
The only problem is that British weather is never completely reliable. Even on a warm day, you can end up with damp grass, a cold breeze or a sudden shower. Packing the right things makes a big difference, especially when you are planning to stay out for most of the day.
Personally, I think YETI products are some of the best things you can take on a picnic. They are practical, hard-wearing and actually keep your food and drinks at the right temperature.
Here are some of our favourite British picnic essentials, along with a few lovely places to enjoy a picnic near Market Harborough and around Leicestershire.
What Do You Need for a British Picnic?
You do not need to take too much, but there are a few things that will make the day much more comfortable.
A good picnic setup should include a waterproof blanket, a cool box or insulated lunch bag, reusable food containers, bottles or cups, napkins, cutlery and an extra layer in case the weather changes.
It is also worth packing sun cream, even when it does not feel particularly hot, along with a bag to take any rubbish home with you.
A Cooler That Actually Keeps Everything Cold
There is nothing worse than opening your picnic and finding that everything has gone warm.
For a smaller picnic, the YETI Roadie 15 Cooler Box is a great size. It is compact enough to carry without too much effort but still has plenty of room for lunch, snacks and cold drinks.
For family picnics or longer days out, the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler Box gives you a bit more space. It is especially handy when you need to pack food and drinks for several people.
The YETI Daytrip 5L Lunch Box is another good option for couples, solo picnics or shorter trips. It is structured, so your sandwiches and snacks are less likely to end up completely squashed.
A Waterproof Picnic Blanket
Even when it has not rained, the grass somehow always seems to be damp.
The YETI Lowlands Blanket is ideal for British picnics because it has a waterproof base and a softer top layer. It is comfortable to sit on, easy to clean and comes with its own carry bag.
It is also a good choice for dog owners because mud, spills and pet hair are much easier to deal with than they would be on a normal picnic blanket.
Reusable Food Containers
Reusable containers make everything easier to pack and help stop food from getting crushed or leaking inside your bag.
YETI Food Storage Containers are stackable, airtight and available in different sizes. You can keep sandwiches, fruit, salads and snacks separate rather than putting everything together in one large container.
For cooler days, the YETI 24oz Insulated Food Jar is useful for soup, pasta or any other warm lunch. It can also be used for chilled food during the summer.
Drinks for Every Type of British Weather
On a hot day, plenty of cold water is essential. On a typical British day, you might also be grateful for a hot cup of tea or coffee.
The YETI Rambler 18oz Bottle is easy to carry and a good size for walks, family days out and picnics.
For tea or coffee, the YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler helps keep your drink hot and is much more practical outdoors than a normal mug.
For evening picnics or something a little more special, the YETI Rambler Wine Tumbler is a much safer option than taking delicate glasses outside.
A Bag Big Enough for Everything
Once you have packed food, drinks, cups, napkins, sun cream and an extra jumper, you usually have more to carry than expected.
The YETI Camino 35 Carryall is one of the most useful bags for outdoor days. It is roomy, strong and easy to wipe clean if it ends up sitting on wet grass or a muddy path.
It also has internal pockets, which helps stop smaller items from disappearing underneath everything else.
Always Pack an Extra Layer
Even when the forecast looks good, it is worth keeping a lightweight jacket nearby.
A waterproof jacket from Barbour is ideal for sudden showers and cooler evenings. Something lightweight can easily be left in the car or packed into your picnic bag without taking up too much room.
A cap and sunglasses are also useful because the sun can be stronger than you realise when you are outside for several hours.
Easy British Picnic Food Ideas
Picnic food does not need to be complicated. In fact, the easiest things are usually the best.
Some classic British picnic ideas include sausage rolls, pork pies, Scotch eggs, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, cold chicken, pasta salad and plenty of fresh fruit.
For something sweet, you cannot go wrong with strawberries, scones, Victoria sponge or a few individual cakes.
Finger food is always the easiest option because you do not need to carry lots of serving utensils or plates. Just remember to keep meat, dairy products and anything else that needs chilling inside a properly insulated cooler.
The Best Picnic Places Near Market Harborough and Leicestershire
Welland Park, Market Harborough
Welland Park is one of the easiest picnic options if you do not want to travel far from Market Harborough.
There is plenty of open space, gardens, play areas and a café, making it a good choice for families or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Best for: Families, young children and easy local picnics.
Foxton Locks
Foxton Locks is probably one of the best-known places near Market Harborough for a walk and a picnic.
There are grassy areas, picnic benches and plenty to watch as the boats move through the locks. You can also visit the museum, stop for a drink or walk along the canal before finding somewhere to eat.
It is close enough for a quick afternoon out but still feels like a proper countryside trip.
Best for: Couples, families, walkers and visitors to the area.
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is a lovely choice when you want somewhere with plenty of space and good views.
There are more than 800 acres to explore, with woodland, open countryside, historic ruins and deer roaming through the park. You can use the picnic tables near the main areas or carry your blanket and find somewhere quieter.
Glass bottles and glasses are best avoided because of the wildlife, so reusable bottles and tumblers are ideal here.
Best for: Longer walks, family days out and wildlife lovers.
Beacon Hill Country Park
Beacon Hill is a great spot when you want to combine a picnic with a proper walk.
There are woodland paths, open hillsides and wide views across the Leicestershire countryside. There is also a picnic area, café and toilets, which makes it easy to spend a full afternoon there.
It can get quite breezy at the top, so this is definitely somewhere to pack an extra layer and possibly a hot drink.
Best for: Walkers, couples, dog owners and scenic picnics.
Get Ready for Your Next Picnic
A picnic does not need to involve lots of planning, but having good equipment makes the whole day easier.
A cooler that keeps your food cold, a waterproof blanket and strong reusable drinkware are all worth having if you regularly spend time outdoors.
Shop the full range of YETI coolers, drinkware, bags and outdoor accessories at A Farley Country Attire and get ready for your next picnic in Market Harborough, Leicestershire or further afield.