Here we take a look at some of the best spots to enjoy some al fresco snacking this summer and share a few top tips on where to pick up those picnic essentials.
We have also featured local produce and farm shops, where you can purchase goods directly from the supplier or even pick your own.
Rochester Farmers' Market
What better way to stock up for your picnic than with a visit to the Rochester Farmers' Market?
Tantalise the taste buds with local produce including cheeses, meats, bakery delights and much more. You can even grab some treats for your four-legged friend.
The market runs on the third Sunday of every month in the Blue Boar Car Park. More details click here.
Mockbeggar Farm Shop
For the ultimate farm to fork experience visit one of Medway's farm shops. Mockbeggar Farm Shop near Cliffe on the Hoo Peninsula is famous for its delicious strawberries, amongst other produce.
During the summer months you can pick your own fruit to take home. It also has a popular tea room. Visit website.
Court Farm Butchery and Country Larder
Specialising in traditional beef and lamb native breeds raised outdoors, Court Farm Butchery and Country Larder offers a wide range of fresh and tasty meat.
Because we butcher the whole bodies we can supply you with just about any cut you could wish for. Latest attraction at Court Farm is Moot Brew Co an onsite independent brewery and tap room that strives to use to use local ingredients and hops to make fresh, hop forwards beers.
The woodland trails are part of the North Downs Way that borders this ancient farm with its striking set of three converted Oast Houses (once hop drying kilns and warehouses). The shop has Visitor Maps for local circular walks through the heritage forest, past our stunning Blue Lake then down to the Medway River and Halling Marsh. Visit website.
Grange Farm Shop Gillingham
Established over 40 years, this family run farm shop offering the best in locally sourced produce, ranging from potatoes, fruit, vegetables and eggs. At Christmas this is a great place to buy logs and your Christmas trees.
Deli-cious Fayre
If you're heading out for a picnic in Rochester, you'll be spoilt for choice if you want to grab some bites to eat locally.
The High Street is home to a number of popular delis, including The Garden House, The Cheese Room and Deli, as well as popular bakeries include Tony Lorenzo's and Morleys.
Maze Moon - Pick your own Sweetcorn and Sunflowers
From July until the end of August, you can pick-your-own sweetcorn and sunflowers at Maze Moon in Rainham. This is a great family day out, where you can wander around the maize fields on a moon mission and maps are provided for you to complete.
Later in the year, you can pick your own pumpkins at Pumpkin Moon in Rainham.
For further details, click here.
Perfect Place for Your Picnic
Here are some suggested places for that perfect picnic....
Rochester Castle Gardens and The Esplanade
The gardens of Rochester Castle are a popular spot for a summer's day picnic. Stretch out a blanket underneath the impressive Norman castle keep.
The castle moat - with its glorious views of Rochester Cathedral and rolling slopes beneath the rampart walls - is another popular spot for family picnics. Just make sure the food has gone down before the hill rolling begins, and don't climb on the ancient rampart walls!
Capstone Farm & Riverside Country Parks
Make a day of it in Medway's largest greenspace, Capstone Farm and Riverside Country Parks.
On a sunny day you'll see families galore laying out a rug and enjoying a picnic beside the lake or heading to the top of the park to relax in the wildflower meadows and on the rolling hills and enjoying the designated play areas with the kids.
Great Lines Heritage Park
Take in the panoramic views over Chatham and Gillingham with a picnic at the Great Lines Heritage Park.
If it's a Monday or a Saturday, make sure you head to Gillingham Market in the High Street where you can grab some fresh fruit, some international street food and some treats from the bakery stall.
