Today marks the beginning of National Picnic Week, and what better time could there be to start planning some picturesque al-fresco dining spots to try out during the summer?
The sharp rise in the cost of living means that families might be looking for cheaper days out than usual. And one of the nicest ways to spend a day in the sun is making a picnic and heading to a local beauty spot.
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to picnic spots in Northumberland, from the coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to remote valleys where a limited number of people are allowed to travel per day. So, pack your sandwiches (or sushi), some soft drinks and head for one of these stunning picnic spots - and please remember to not leave your rubbish behind.
Read more: Three North East beauty spots among the most Instagrammable picnic places in UK
Plankey Mill
Recently, Plankey Mill was named one of the best picnic spots in the entire country. Located close to the A69 in West Northumberland, between Hexham and Haltwhistle, getting there will take you through one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in the county.
You can enjoy a spot of wild swimming in the waters of the River Allen, or look out for more than 70 species of birds - and even otters. The secluded gem also has a campsite where you can stay if you really fall in love with the place.
Plessey Woods
The River Blyth runs through Plessey Woods Country Park, which sits between Bedlington and Cramlington. It's a great place to take kids as there are easy trails that meander around the park, from which you can spot kingfishers and otters if you're patient.
There's a visitor centre with café, toilets and children's play area too. Parking is available for visitors at a cost of £3 for a stay of more than two hours and the park is open throughout the year during daylight hours.
Kielder Water and Forest Park
Named one of the best places for stargazing in a study by Land Rover earlier this year and more importantly for this article, one of the most Instagrammable picnic spots in the UK, Kielder Water and Forest Park is not just spectacular at night. And it's so remote and spread out, you might even have an entire picnic area or viewing spot all to yourself under the huge blue skies.
A great place to enjoy a view of the reservoir is from the Janus Chairs, three huge rotating seats that offer seating and shelter. The chairs are part of Kielder Art and Architecture, which was named one of the best sculpture trails in the UK in January - even though it's not strictly a trail!
Read more: Northumberland beauty spot named one of the best places to stargaze in the UK
Read more: Northumberland sculpture trail listed among best in the UK
Bamburgh Beach
Right up near the north end of the Northumberland Coastal Route, Bamburgh beach was voted one of the most beautiful in the world by Kuoni Travel earlier this year, and one of the best in Europe at the Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Awards. Against the backdrop of one of the country's most magnificent castles, there aren't many more dramatic places where you can enjoy your sandwiches.
There's all day parking which gives you access to the beach and the village as well, but you might have to get there early to find a space. Look out for the classic car converted into an ice cream van, which is often in the Beach Car Park for a post-picnic treat.
Cawfield Quarry, Hadrian's Wall
Cawfield Quarry is where Hadrian's Wall and The Pennine Way cross each other, and it's a sight every bit as dramatic as it sounds. You can sit and admire the peace and quiet of the lake or take a walk up to Milecastle 42, which hangs on the edge of the Crag.
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The quarry opened in 1930 and was cut out of the dolerite bedrock of the Whin Sill, the rock which runs under much of Hadrian's Wall. Parking spaces and public toilets make it an easy sell, and the picnic area is sheltered in case the weather takes a sudden and unexpected turn.
College Valley
This one will require a little more planning than most - as cars are banned unless you have a permit. Only 12 are allowed into College Valley each day, meaning that it's almost free from traffic noise.
You'll have to go past Wooler to get there, but it's well worth the long drive. Waterfall Hethpool Linn is the perfect setting for a picnic, but you can also ascend Yeavering Bell, a hill with a neolithic burial cairn at the top.
Read more: North East picnic spots: The 10 best places for a picnic in and around Newcastle
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Cragside
Named one of the top picnic spots in the UK as we nervously emerged from 2020's first Coronavirus lockdown, Cragside is a great place for a picnic. It has has a designated area in its large gardens that is ideal if you're still social distancing.
The first house to be lit by hydroelectricity, it's worth having a look around if you make the journey to Rothbury too. National Trust members go for free while car parking is included in the price of a ticket for non-members.
Where is your favourite picnic spot in Northumberland? Let us know in the comments below!
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