Traditional Picnic Season Is Just Around the Corner – But Why Wait Until Summer?
Traditional picnic season is just around the corner, but why wait until summer (or daylight – see below!) to indulge in the joy of eating outside? After all, a bacon butty and a trusty flask of tea on a crisp spring morning can be just as perfect as any picnic spread on a sunny day. In fact I have had many snowy picnics too; It’s always soup! There’s something about enjoying food al fresco — no matter the season — that makes everything taste just a little bit better. Whether it’s that squashed sandwich on a walk, a bit of squished cake, a slightly sandy scotch egg at the beach, or a simple ice cream on a sunny afternoon, food always seems to have more flavour when enjoyed under the open sky.
Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the natural surroundings that make every bite feel like an adventure – if you’ve had a hike to get there, then you’ve also earnt your battered butty and luke-warm tea. But whatever it is, eating outdoors always feels a little more special. You know the scene: biting into a slightly soggy sandwich while the wind tugs at your hair, or trying to keep that scotch egg intact as sand sticks to your fingers, all while the waves crash nearby. These moments — these little outdoor bites — taste better because they’re more than just food; they’re about the whole experience.
And at Quabbs, we’re lucky to have so many beautiful spots to enjoy outdoor meals, whether you’re nestled on the sun-drenched deck, tucked under the covered porch, or enjoying the cool shade in our glade. There’s something about food in these spaces that just feels right, whether it’s in the warm glow of the morning, the soft light of dusk, or the gentle moonlight at night. Each place offers its own magic, and I promise, no matter where you are, the food always tastes better.
And let’s not forget about moonlit picnics — oh, they’re truly something special and my absolute favourite – a stolen hour when everyone else is indoors. Just perfect – we don’t get many balmy evenings in The UK, but when we do,… we are outside having a moonlight picnic and a gaze at the stars – I can guarantee it; it’s mesmerising. There’s something about sharing food under the stars that feels like a little slice of magic. Picture this: the soft glow of the moon casting shadows on the meadow, a light breeze in the air, and your food tasting just a little more delicious in the night’s stillness. It’s a peaceful, almost enchanted experience — perfect for a quiet evening with a loved one, or even just a moment of solitude to reconnect with nature.
For a moonlit picnic, the food needs to match the mood — simple, comforting, and just a little indulgent. Wrap up warm and give it a go – I promise you won’t be disappointed. You will hear the owls and rustles of the night-time wildlife around you if you are quiet and still. And my favourite place, by a waterfall in the woods – I will share that one with you : Water Breaks It’s Neck about 8 miles from us at LD8 2TN which will take you to the car park – who knows if you are lucky; you may even see a moonbow! Know what one is..? To get the best sighting of a moonbow, plan your picnic around water / misty rain at full moon – a waterfall is best and just an hour of so after the moon rises. Be warned it feels a bit spooky, a little like a portal to another world. I seem to have gone off-topic here… Not unusual…
And of course, it wouldn’t be a picnic without the perfect setting. At Quabbs, we have just the spot for a moonlit meal, whether it’s under the twinkling stars on the sun deck, on the porch wrapped in a blanket, or even down by the fire pit, where you can roast a marshmallow or two as the moon rises. It’s the perfect way to wind down your day — the moon casting its silvery glow, the air crisp and fresh, and the food tasting better than you could have ever imagined.
Let’s be honest, though — it’s not just the food that makes outdoor eating so delightful. It’s the experience. It’s that moment when the tablecloth flaps in the wind, or the dog hovers a little too close, waiting for a stray crumb. It’s like stepping into an Enid Blyton story, complete with a bottle of ginger beer and a bit of mischievous fun. It’s the unpredictability of outdoor dining that makes it so enjoyable.
To make sure you have everything you need for your perfect alfresco meal, we have our very own picnic basket available to borrow. Packed with everything you’ll need — from plates and cutlery to a blanket — it’s ready to accompany you on your next outdoor adventure. Take it to the hills for a picnic overlooking the valley, or set it up in the garden for a peaceful, nature-filled lunch. It’s all about making outdoor dining as easy as it is enjoyable.
And if you’re looking to elevate your outdoor meals (while at the cabin), we’ve also got something special you can borrow on request — our gorgeous Emma Bridgewater pottery tea set. It’s pink and just oozes summer teatime. Picture yourself sipping tea from one of these beautiful mugs, nibbling on home made cake (remember there’s always cake left for you at the cabin) as you watch the sun sink low or the moon rise high. The soft clink of china, the rich aroma of your drink, and the peaceful outdoor setting make every meal feel like a celebration. It’s a simple touch that turns any outdoor meal into something really dreamy and romantic.
Food tastes good anywhere, but eating outside — surrounded by nature, fresh air, and a sense of calm — takes every bite to a new level. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the meadow, a meal by the fire, or a relaxed afternoon on the sun deck, eating al fresco is an experience you won’t forget. And with a picnic basket ready for use and a stunning tea set to make it all the more beautiful, your outdoor dining is guaranteed to be as special as it is delicious.
So why wait for summer or daylight? The outdoors are calling — and your next delicious bite is waiting.