Food always tastes better outside, and one of the joys of summer is the increased likelihood of days that inspire us to pack a picnic and head outdoors.

Whether a woodland, lakeside, coast or countryside setting, with facilities or offering isolation, Cumbria has options for all sorts of al fresco dining.

To help prevent forest fires and keep wildlife safe, choose cold options for lunch, don’t build a campfire and leave disposable barbecues at home; follow the Countryside Code and leave nothing but footprints. If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

BROWN HOWE, CONISTON

Its proximity to the lake means you can combine a picnic with a dip or stand-up paddleboarding. Park in the pay and display car park on the A5084, on the west side of Coniston Water between Torver and Greenodd. There are toilets and an accessible trail to the lake. Alternatively, choose one of the walks in the area such as Blawith Fells and Beacon Tarn.

 

Cockshott PointCockshott Point COCKSHOTT POINT

Cockshott Point is a waterside park that is just a short walk from the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere. Lay out a blanket or set up your chair and watch the craft on the lake; little ones can play by the water’s edge. There are plenty of takeaway food options nearby if you forget something.

 

Family picnic outside the boathouse cafe at Fell Foot [National Trust Images/Steven Barber]Family picnic outside the boathouse cafe at Fell Foot [National Trust Images/Steven Barber] FELL FOOT PARK

It’s all about outdoor play and water sports at Fell Foot, near Newby Bridge. With lakeshore lawns for picnics and free to use sports equipment, a children’s play area and a café and ice cream parlour for a sweet treat there is plenty to supplement your packed lunch. Afterwards, or if the weather turns, take Windermere Lake Cruises’ Fell Foot Ferry for the short hop across to Lakeside, for the Lakes Aquarium and Haverthwaite steam railway.

 

RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve [Sam Turley/rspb-images.com] RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve [Sam Turley/rspb-images.com] RSPB GELTSDALE

RSPB Geltsdale nature reserve is hidden away in the north-west corner of the North Pennines. Geltsdale is a patchwork of blanket bog, heath, grassland, meadows, woodland and rolling hills rising high above sea level. Go for a walk, then enjoy your lunch on one of the picnic benches outside the main office at Stagsike.

 

Grizedale Tarn [Forestry England]Grizedale Tarn [Forestry England] GRIZEDALE FOREST

Grizedale Forest is a haven of peace and tranquillity and with so much space to explore you will have a choice of picnic spots to choose from. Some trails lead to the peaceful Grizedale Tarn. On the way, art watchers can keep an eye out for sculptures dotted throughout the forest from some of the country’s leading artists including Andy Goldsworthy, Sally Matthews and Richard Harris and younger visitors can try Gruffalo Orienteering.

HAMPSFELL

Head up Hampsfell from Cartmel or Grange-over-Sands, either route ensuring you will have earned your lunch at the top and will be rewarded with far-reaching views of the Howgill fells, Furness Peninsula, the Kent Estuary, Arnside Knott and the Coniston fells. Across the limestone pavement lies Hampsfell hospice, a stone tower built in 1846 at the behest of the vicar of Cartmel as a shelter for travellers.

 

Kirkby LonsdaleKirkby Lonsdale KIRKBY LONSDALE

The large park off the A65 at Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale is a spectacular picnic spot next to the River Lune. There is everything you need nearby – free parking, toilets and a popular butty van – and a wide open space for family games. A pleasant riverside walk takes you into the town centre with its independent shops, pubs and overnight accommodation if you choose to stay.

 

Loughrigg TarnLoughrigg Tarn LOUGHRIGG TARN

Nestled between Skelwith Bridge and Grasmere, Loughrigg Tarn has nothing except a grassy place to sit and a lily pad covered tarn, and for that reason it is a beautiful gem.

You don’t even need to make your own lunch if you walk up from Chesters by the River at Skelwith Bridge having stocked up with their vegetarian pasties, salads and bakes.

MOSS ECCLES TARN

Reached via a track from Near Sawrey, Moss Eccles Tarn was one of Beatrix Potter’s favourite places. Perch on one of the big rocks at the side of the tarn, watch the waterfowl and birdlife and imagine her painting while her husband William Heelis fished from their rowing boat. Although this area around Claife Heights is popular with walkers, you can still find moments of seclusion, high up above the tourist hot spot of Hill Top, the author’s farm.

 

Whitehaven Coast [National Trust Image/Rob Grange]Whitehaven Coast [National Trust Image/Rob Grange] WHITEHAVEN COAST

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along the post-industrial coastline that stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head. Park at Haig Pit car park, in Solway Road, CA28 9BG.

Work to restore this stretch of land is starting to show with wildflower meadows blooming each summer. The National Trust is running a free Summer of Play event with everything from arts and crafts to lawn games and play trails along the wildflower meadows on August 26-27 and an industrial heritage guided walk on September 10.