Top 5 Picnic Spots | Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is well known for its captivating countryside, historic houses and beautiful beaches, in our eyes it’s the perfect place for a picnic. To kick off National Picnic Week we’ve rounded up the Aberdeenshire Larder team's top picnic spots. We really enjoyed hearing each other's ideas and learning about new places to explore so we hope you love them too! 

If you’re planning a picnic this summer check out our Picnic Selection Box for chef-prepared food made right here in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. There’s Cocktail Sausage Rolls, Pork Pies, Mini Quiches, homemade Scotch Eggs, Burtts Crisps, fresh local Strawberries and even chef's homemade coleslaw. All packed up in a gift box for easy transportation your picnic will be ready to follow you to your perfect spot. Pick up in store or get it delivered straight to your door. 

Pitmedden Garden - Ellon, Aberdeenshire. 

Sit down and enjoy your picnic while you take in the extraordinary garden around you. This 17th-century garden has almost 6 miles of clipped boxed hedging, as well as 6 intricate designed flower beds with colourful flowers formed into geometric patterns. 

With ponds and scenic woodland walks there's loads of areas to explore after you’ve finished eating, you could even pop into the Museum of Farming Life, which is just next to the gardens. 

Cruden Bay Beach - Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. 

Stroll through the quaint fishing harbour and walk over the foot bridge towards 2 miles of golden sandy beaches. This quiet beach is perfect for sitting back and forgetting the world. Look out onto expansive horizons and spend quality time with family and friends. 

Take a walk over to the nearby Slains Castle while you’re in the area. Learn about the long history of its construction and use as a prominent house in the area, as well as the castle's heritage as the inspiration for the tale of Count Dracula. 

Haddo House & Country Park - Methlick Ellon, Aberdeenshire. 

This expansive house and country park has loads of facilities for you to make use of while you have a picnic day out. Take a walk around the lake and house gardens then head over to the kid's play park and let the kids climb free. 

Dogs are welcome too as there is even a dedicated secure dog park for them to run around in. You can even try the dog agility trail with your pup to make sure you both get a good run around. 

Newburgh Seal Beach - Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. 

Famous for its seal colonies, which occupy the peach in their hundreds throughout the year, Newburgh beach is a picnic spot guaranteed to please the whole family.

Just 20 mins North of Aberdeen, the soft sandy beaches are home to an extensive sand dune system at the mouth of the River Ythan. Climb up the sand dunes and look out over magnificent views of the North Sea.

To add to your trip visit Forvie National Nature Reserve, one mile from Newburgh. Home to eider ducks, diving terns and oystercatchers there's lots to learn and see. 

Pitfour Lake - Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire

Enjoy your picnic selection with stunning lake views. Take a stroll around the lake on a well-kept flat path. Look out over the water and you might see a fisherman taking in the atmosphere of the lake along with you. 

Luscious green grass and woodland provide the perfect area to lay out in the sun or tuck yourself away in the shade on a hot day. Look out for wildlife with swans, geese and the occasional otter able to be spotted if you keep your eyes peeled. Spend a few hours in the open air and experience the picturesque beauty of Aberdeenshire.