The school holidays have arrived so it is the perfect time to plan a family picnic, check out our favourite picnic locations across Suffolk and north Essex.
Rendlesham Forest, Woodbridge
If you would like an adventure before getting comfy and munching on your picnic, Rendlesham Forest is for you.
With UFO trails, obstacle courses, zip lines and cycling routes, prepare for an action-packed day!
If you are in need of a hot drink or snack, Bear Grills forest caterer can be found in the main car park.
Castle Park, Colchester
You may want to soak up the sun on your picnic but at this park you can also soak up the history.
Colchester is the oldest town in Britain and its heritage can be seen by more than 2,000 years of history in the Castle Park.
With 27 acres of land you’re bound to find the perfect picnic spot.
Holywells Park, Ipswich
This park is always a favourite with children with the massive play area and the wet play facility to help them cool down.
If you fancy a treat there is an icecream hut right next to the play area and a café opposite the pretty lake with a bridge.
The park is 67 acres so if you are after a more peaceful picnic this park can accommodate that too.
Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds
Enjoy your sandwiches while admiring the beautiful flower beds at Abbey Gardens.
Make sure you check out the willow maze area, the rose garden and the riverside area before you leave.
• To get an idea of what to expect when you arrive check out their website.
Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge
Located in the centre of Woodbridge this is a great park for family fun.
The park has a children’s play area as well as lots of space to play rounders.
It even has views of the river Deben.
Thetford Forest, Thetford
Lay your picnic blanket down in the UK’s largest man-made lowland forest and relax amongst the trees.
The park is rich with a variety of animals and plants so keep your eyes peeled.
There is play areas, tranquil walks and heritage to enjoy.
Helmingham Hall Gardens, Helmingham
Work up an appetite by taking a walk around the ancient grounds of Helmingham Hall, which have been here since the 1500s.
Educate yourself on the Tollemache family who have resided at Helmingham for hundreds of years.
Gorgeous gardens, history and a tearoom, what more could you want for a picnic destination?
Hylands house and Park, Chelmsford
The park is a massive 574 acres and has Hylands House on its grounds.
Hyland house is a Grade II neo-classical villa which has been there since 1730.
Why not bring a frisbee for family fun.
Promenade Park, Maldon
Promenade Park has been a favourite summer playground for more than 100 years.
The kids will have hours of fun in the splash park while you relax with a cup of tea from one of the refreshment kiosks.
There is plenty to do before and after your picnic, from crazy golf to sandpits and swans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here