Autumn Picnic Ideas in the UK
Autumn Picnic Ideas in the UK: Cosy Days, Golden Leaves & A Warming Pumpkin Soup Recipe
There’s something magical about autumn in the UK. The air turns crisp, the trees glow in shades of amber and gold, and the countryside feels like it’s wrapped in a soft, warm blanket. It’s the season of woolly jumpers, flask-filled adventures, and finding beauty in the slower pace of the year.
At The Colourful Garden Company, we believe every season is picnic season but autumn picnics have their own special charm (and a few amusing challenges).
The Reality of a Cosy Autumn Picnic
Let’s be honest: autumn picnics don’t always go to plan. You might set off dreaming of golden fields and thermos coffee under a tree, only to find yourself battling drizzle and gusty winds.
But that’s part of the fun because with the right attitude (and a personalised picnic basket packed with treats), even a car picnic can become a memory worth keeping.
Think warm soup poured into enamel mugs, sausage rolls wrapped in napkins, and your favourite blanket spread over your lap while you watch the rain streak down the windows. It’s cosy, it’s imperfect, and it’s very British.
Beautiful UK Spots for Autumn Picnics
If you’re planning an autumn adventure, here are a few beautiful places to visit in the UK this time of year:
- The Lake District – The reflections of gold and russet leaves in the lakes are breathtaking, even on a misty day.
- The Cotswolds – Honey-coloured villages and quiet country lanes make the perfect setting for a peaceful autumn picnic.
- Richmond Park, London – You don’t have to go far to find autumn magic; the deer and oak trees are a photographer’s dream.
- The New Forest – Crisp walks, wild ponies, and a patchwork of autumn colours make this a classic spot for a picnic (or a cosy car picnic when the rain sets in).
Wherever you go, the key is to embrace the season — layers, blankets, and a big flask of something warm.
A Perfect Autumn Gift: Personalised Picnic Baskets
As the days get shorter and Christmas starts to appear on the horizon, a personalised picnic basket makes a thoughtful, timeless gift.
It’s something special they can use all year round from spring picnics in the park to cosy autumn lunches in the car. Add a name, date, or family message, and it becomes more than just a basket it’s an invitation to make memories.
If you’re looking for unique autumn gift ideas, a personalised basket filled with their favourite treats is a beautiful way to say, “Let’s make time for moments that matter.”
Warming Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Your Autumn Picnic
Nothing says autumn like a bowl of homemade pumpkin soup. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect to pour into a flask for your next picnic or to enjoy at home after a long walk through crunchy leaves.
Simple Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 800g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 750ml vegetable stock
- 100ml double cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or chilli flakes for extra warmth
Method:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, then add the diced pumpkin. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting it caramelise slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender.
- Blend until smooth using a stick blender or food processor.
- Stir in the cream, season to taste, and add a sprinkle of nutmeg or chilli flakes if you like a little heat.
Pour it into a flask, pack a few crusty rolls, and you’ve got the perfect picnic lunch — wherever you end up enjoying it.
Making the Most of the Season
Autumn reminds us to slow down, savour simple moments, and enjoy the world as it turns golden. Whether you’re walking through crunchy leaves, taking a weekend drive, or sharing soup from the backseat, it’s the little things that make this season special.
So pack your flask, grab your blanket, and don’t worry if the weather doesn’t play along sometimes, the best picnics happen when you least expect them.