THE Easter weekend is here, where some people will be enjoying a bumper four days off work.
With children on holiday from school for the next two weeks, there's plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Herefordshire weather.
While the forecast could be unsettled, there are due to be some nice days as well.
Here's a list of 10 of our favourite picnic spots in the county, along with some suggestions from Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, to give you some inspiration for the weekend, and the week ahead.
The gateway between south Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, Symonds Yat is famed for its beautiful river scenery, woodland expanses and its challenging rock faces.
Canoe along the popular village wildlife spotting and bring along your picnic blankets and sit on the riverside, taking in the view.
Sit and ponder the history of the ancient fishing town, or journey to Symonds Yat Rock, which towers 120 metres above the river and is home to resident Peregrine Falcons.
The Brockhampton Estate, Bromyard
The ancient grounds of Brockhampton are full of great picnic spots, from the damson orchards to one of the six walks around the manor house estate.
A short walk away from the much-photographed house itself lie the orchards, where families are welcome to enjoy their own food and the summer sun.
If you are looking for a whole day out, you could always take a stroll along one of the wild flower strewn woodland paths, until you find the perfect spot to sit down for a bite to eat.
Just a stone's throw from the estate is Bromyard Downs, another of our favourites for a bite to eat while overlooking Bromyard.
Queenswood is the place to go if you want to have lunch with a view.
Settle under the cover of the arboretum’s ever-changing tall trees, perch down along one of the woodland walks or simply make use of the benches and barbecue facilities by the playground.
Children can take part in the interactive Gruffalo Trail and, if you are curious to explore the many paths and trails, you’ll eventually be rewarded with the magnificent view point looking out to the Malvern Hills in the east across to the Black Mountains in the west.
The 47-acre site is managed by the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and is as educational as it is beautiful.
Lea & Paget’s Wood, near Hereford
Situated in the beautiful village of Fownhope, Lea & Paget’s Wood is a tranquil place to escape this summer for a peaceful picnic.
Admire the ancient woodland, which is complex and brimming with sessile oak trees, or sit amongst the carpets of woodland flowers.
Known for its butterflies, fungi foraging, and birdwatching, the wood is also famous for its wildlife, from dormouse to bank vole. Enjoy!
Haugh Wood is the place to bring wildlife enthusiasts for a picnic lunch where they should definitely pack their binoculars – this Site of Special Scientific interest is host to a multitude of different species.
The ancient woodland spans 850 acres and is especially known for its moths and butterflies, with over 600 species recorded within it.
This really is one of the best places to go for a picturesque picnic this time of year.
Nestled up in the hills of Kington, Hergest Ridge is a 1,000 acre common straddling the English-Welsh border. Its highest point is 426metres, which gives you utterly tremendous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Forming part of the Offa’s Dyke Path you’ll find periodic benches with, of course, amazing outlooks, perfect for breaking into the sandwich box.
If you don't want to head out of Hereford to find a picnic spot, then Aylestone Park could be a good option if you want to eat within walking distance.
Nestled on the edge of the city, down the A465 from the colleges towards the A4103 Hereford to Worcester road, this spot can feel like a countryside spot.
The site even has a playground for children to keep them occupied, and you can walk around the vast green space.
Bishop's Meadow and King George V Playing Fields
We can't do a list of picnic spot recommendations without mentioning one of the best spaces in Hereford, Bishop's Meadow and the adjoining King George V Playing Fields.
This vast area right on the edge of the river is perfect for sunbathing and having a picnic.
Like Aylestone Park, there's a playground for children and lots of space to have a kickabout or other game to tire the children out for the evening.
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