These picnic spots are all within a 10 mile radius of Didcot. Most of them are informal spots, rather than dedicated spaces with picnic tables or facilities, so remember to pack a rug to sit on!
I hope you enjoy these picnic spots near Didcot, and leave them as clean (or cleaner) than you find them. Please take all rubbish home with you!
1. Culham Lock
Park in the large car park at Culham Lock. It’s only a few steps to the seats by the lock, from where you can watch the river traffic.
Whilst you’re here, why not take a walk around Sutton pools?
2. Chalk Pits, Blewbury
Park in the car park for Blewbury playground. Cross the playing field (parallel with the road) to join the bridleway. Turn right and head steeply uphill for about 10 minutes.
The chalk pits, an old chalk quarry, are on your right hand side. At the far end there are a couple of memorial benches and a great view over towards Wittenham Clumps and Blewburton Hill.
Be aware the track up can get very muddy and slippy after rain so it’s best after a dry period.
3. Beside the river, Abingdon
A very popular option. Choose between the busy Abbey Meadows side (with playground, swimming pool and splash feature) or the quieter side on the opposite river bank.
4. Wallingford Castle gardens
Despite living in Didcot most of my life I only visited Wallingford Castle gardens for the first time a couple of years ago.
The castle was first built in 1067 on the instruction of William the Conqueror. There’s not much left these days but the replacement gardens are a great place for a picnic. Only assistance dogs are permitted.
5. Wittenham Clumps
The default Sunday afternoon walk destination is also a good picnic spot.
If you’re feeling energetic you can also walk to Dorchester-on-Thames.
There are loads of options for picnics at Wittenham Clumps. I think my favourite is on top of the clump, it’s always good to have a view.
6. Millennium Wood, between Didcot and East Hagbourne
The closest picnic spot to Didcot, although sometimes used by the local youths for out of hours picnics!
Best picnic spot is the stone circle in the middle of Millennium Wood. Access to Millennium Wood is either from New Road in East Hagbourne or via Green Close In Didcot.
7. Ardington Wood, near Wantage
At the Wantage end of Ardington, the woods contain a sundial and an inlaid stone solar system which you can read about here. Popular with dog walkers, lovely to visit in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Either park in the Ardington Woods car park (do not leave valuables on display) or in the village.
8. Lardon Chase and The Holies, Streatley
A little further out than the other suggestions. From Didcot direction, turn right at the traffic lights in Streatley beside the Bull Inn. Follow the road uphill to the top then park in the free car park on the right side (by footpath sign).
You can either cross the road and walk through the woodland (The Holies) or stay on the same side and find a spot on Lardon Chase. There are often cows grazing in both areas so pick your space carefully.
9. Lord Wantage Memorial, Ridgeway, near Wantage
Take the B4494 from Wantage towards Newbury. Park on the left hand side where the Ridgeway crosses the road and then walk along the Ridgeway towards Didcot for about 10 minutes.
The memorial to Lord Wantage is on your right hand side and is a popular stop for Ridgeway users.
10. Hurst water meadow, Dorchester-on-Thames
This is another spot you can reach by parking at Wittenham Clumps and then walking into Dorchester-on-Thames.
There’s a good map and lots of site information on the Hurst water meadow website.
I hope you enjoyed my list of picnic spots near Didcot. Do you have any to add?
