How To Plan The Perfect Autumn Picnic

The British Blanket Company autumn picnic basket with green wool blanket flask book and enamel mug

It might be controversial, but I think that autumn is the most beautiful season of all in Britain. When the sunshine is golden and the leaves are turning red, a cosy picnic is one of my favourite outdoor autumn activities in the UK. From the most magical British picnic spots, to warming food options, our tips can help you host the perfect autumn picnic, no matter what the weather. Roll up your waterproof picnic blanket, pack your hamper and read on for all the autumn picnic ideas and inspiration you need.

Places to go for an autumn picnic in the UK

Whether you venture far into the countryside or simply pop to your local park, it’s easy to find a beautiful autumn picnic spot. Head to an area with deciduous trees where you can lay your picnic blanket beneath a canopy of leaves, turning red, orange and gold above your head. Browse The National Trust’s best walks for autumn highlights to find new locations.

If you’re lucky enough to visit our local area of the South West of England, these picnic spots are our personal favourites for autumn colour:

Tyntesfield: is a dramatic Gothic mansion near Bristol, surrounded misty parkland
Tarr Steps: this historic stone bridge nestles in the heart of the Exmoor National Park
Westonbirt Arboretum: has 2,500 tree species and is most spectacular in autumn
Wistman’s Wood on Dartmoor with twisted oak trees and Lord of the Rings vibes

The British Blanket Company autumn picnic with orange and grey wool blankets coffee flask and miniature donuts

Orange Houndstooth Throw and Charcoal Grey Herringbone Throw, both from The British Blanket Company

Pack the best food for an autumn picnic

The most popular foods for a picnic are easy to carry and not too messy to eat. For an autumn picnic, opt for seasonal crowd-pleasers like individual pies, apple cake and local cheese and chutney. If the weather will be cold, you’ll want some hot picnic foods too. Pop piping hot homemade soup into a thermos flask and it will stay warm for around 4-7 hours. Steaming coffee or hot chocolate (with a splash of Baileys for the grown-ups) always goes down a treat.

What do you bring to an autumn picnic?

There are a few practical things you’ll need to bring to an autumn picnic, as well as tasty food and drink. A large waterproof picnic blanket is essential to sit on if the ground is damp, plus folding chairs for older guests. Depending on how elaborate your picnic is, you may need crockery, cutlery and paper napkins, or just some hand wipes and kitchen towel if your picnic is a more casual affair. Don’t forget waterproof a coat and a golf umbrella in case of rain, and bin bags so you can take your litter home.

large wool waterproof picnic blanket The British Blanket Company

Black Coffee Waterproof Picnic Blanket with Straps, from The British Blanket Company

Why invest in a wool waterproof picnic blanket?

A wool waterproof picnic blanket is a little luxury you’ll never regret if you enjoy spending time outdoors in all seasons. The British Blanket Company has designed the perfect picnic rug with a warm wool top, waterproof polyester canvas backing and real leather carry straps. Our large waterproof picnic rugs are big enough to comfortably seat four guests and you can also wrap them around yourself to keep warm if the weather turns chilly.

Plan fun autumn activities to keep entertained

While sitting and chatting is fine for a picnic in summer, for an autumn picnic you’ll need to keep moving to stay warm! Plan some outdoor garden games that all ages can enjoy – Smite, Kubb and Spikeball are favourites amongst our family and friends.

Another great idea is to combine your picnic with other autumn activities. Try your hand at foraging for mushrooms, find a wood to wander through, or visit a National Trust property or English Heritage site.

oversized blanket scarf merino lambswool The British Blanket Company

Burnished Merino Wool Oversized Blanket Scarf, from The British Blanket Company

What to wear to stay warm on your autumn picnic

Remember the mantra “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing” when exploring outdoors in the UK! Of course, we’re never without one of our soft oversized blanket scarves when it’s chilly outside. If you’d like to support other great British brands when shopping for winter clothing, check out the Rambler’s guide to the best British-made outdoor gear.

For more autumn activities, head over and follow us on Pinterest. Our Picnics and Campfires board is filled with inspiration and Bonfire Eats and Drinks is brimming with recipe ideas to cook and enjoy in the great outdoors.