It’s of little surprise that Cornwall is peppered with pretty spots for both family, friend and romantic picnics. With its varied and breathtaking landscape and plethora of wildlife, it’s easy to see why the western, central and eastern South Coast have been crowned as areas of outstanding natural beauty. 

Summer is a time for traversing new corners of Cornwall, and nothing pairs better with a rambling adventure than a picturesque picnic. Whether you’re seeking to relax in a paradisical garden, a secluded spot with views of the sparkling ocean or somewhere quiet and calm slightly off the beaten track, we’ve rounded up our very finest places to have a picnic in Falmouth and the Helford area. Here is a look at some of south Cornwall’s finest places to relax and de-stress while grazing on some exquisite finger food alfresco. 

Trebah Garden

Here you don’t have to bring your own picnic: the Trebah Kitchen is open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm serving fresh, nutritious, sustainable and locally-sourced meals. Enjoy dishes such as loaded beetroot salad and avocado on seeded bread with heritage tomatoes, and purchase some freshly baked cakes to enjoy outside,  before meandering up and down the subtropical plant-lined paths of the undulating garden. 

Catch your breath under towering canopies of exotic blooms and enjoy your sweet treats surrounded by exquisite tunnels of colour and giant gunnera. Or flop down near one of the giant palm trees and in between the maze of golden, yellow, green and black canes of bamboo. Be sure to visit the beach at the bottom of the valley to dip your toes into the waters for a refreshing pick-me-up before heading back to Hydrangea Valley and the Mallard Pond. 

Pendennis Point

This one is for the sunset seekers. For a view of St Mawes Castle, picnic at the stunning and remote Pendennis Point, which is right next to the historic Pendennis Castle. Some choose to drive the winding lanes up to the viewpoint but if you’ve still got the energy left after a day exploring Cornwall, we highly recommend walking the peaceful and scenic path from Falmouth town or Castle Beach. Lay your picnic blanket by the lapping waves, or land a perfect-for-boat-watching coastal bench and tuck into some fine Cornish delicacies, while watching the ocean horizon change colour from deep blue to fiery orange. If you’re lucky you might catch the Icecream man for a classic Mr Whippy topped with a Cadbury’s Flake. 

The Lizard

Park up safely at the Kynance Cove National Trust car park and take the criss-cross coastal path to the left-hand side. Rugged, wild, and unspoiled, the Lizard peninsular is the perfect place to sit and breathe in the sea air. Pack a picnic or wait until the Lizard Point where you will be greeted by Polpeor Café, the most southerly café in England, who serve morish Cornish cream teas and a selection of savoury dishes. If you own a pair of binoculars make sure to bring them along for the journey as you might be lucky enough to spot seals, basking sharks, Cornish choughs, and fulmars.

Grebe Beach 

While only a ten-minute walk up the road from our office in Mawnan Smith, Grebe Beach is a team favourite and we regularly take a quick stroll to this heavenly spot on our lunch or a dip after work. 

If you’re holidaying at one of the Rose Cottages at Durgan, this gem is only a short woodland walk away. Out of the way and off the beaten track, access to the beach is via a steep footpath. Although this makes it harder to reach for some, its remoteness means that there is rarely a crowd here. 

Grebe is a special place to sit and soak in the midday sun on the pebbled beach, it’s clear waters lend themselves beautifully for post picnic paddles. Backed by woodland, there are shaded areas to keep cool, and the views out to the Helford River, which are simply, stunning will make you lose track of time. 

Low tide presents glittering rock pools and the fallen tree which lays across the shoreline is a prime place to perch for a picnic. Purchase a lunch of selected local goodies from the Village Shop in Mawnan Smith and make your way down to the sparkling waters of Grebe for an unforgettable afternoon.

Trefusis Point

This secluded spot delivers some of the best scenery in the area, boasting both coastal and harbour views. Park at close-by Flushing village and take the gorgeous path through the woods to Trefusis Point. During the months of spring, the banks are filled with golden yellow gorse bushes, during summer these empty to form brilliant hillsides from which to lean back against and dine deliciously on local picky bits. 

Once you arrive, you’ll have worked up your appetite so find a grassy spot to enjoy the panoramic views over Falmouth, dive into a summer feast and pop a bottle of bubbly to raise a glass to your happy holiday in Cornwall. 

Dine With Iris

For those in search of a fresh take on the average British Picnic and who are seeking the pleasure of posh picnicking, let wonderful Dine With Iris do all of the hard work. Simply choose your own Cornish location, suggested date, time, guest count and picnic-style and Dine With Iris will take care of the rest.

Celebrate a special anniversary, a birthday gathering, baby shower, hen-do or simply say “I love you”, with this private, personal and luxurious dining experience. The menu is accommodating and local with options that include brunch, signature grazing boards and dessert platters. Guests can even add seasonal flower crowns, a photographer and private yoga classes to their package.