How To Plan a Winter Picnic

The clocks went back this past weekend, and I’m already missing those long, golden summer evenings. This time of year, it can feel like such an effort to leave the house – which is exactly why I’ve become a little bit obsessed with winter picnics. Yep, you heard me right – and I’m officially making them a thing this year.

There’s something so lovely about wrapping up warm, heading out for a walk in the Peak District, and then tucking into delicious picnic food with a cosy, wintery twist. What’s not to love? 

Below, you’ll find a handy guide for planning a winter picnic. I cover everything you need to know, from food & drink, to picnic essentials, cosy clothing, where to have your picnic, and more.

 

What To Take On a Winter Picnic

Beyond the obvious snacks, drinks, and a blanket, winter picnics need a few extra essentials to stay cosy and comfortable. These include:

• Picnic blanket
• Insulated food containers, such as flasks 
• Cutlery & napkins
• Drinking glasses or mugs
• Hot water bottles, or a small, portable heater
• Camping tables & chairs – if your winter picnic is nearby
• Warm clothing (more on this later!)

Top Tip: Consider packing cushions or a small rug for extra comfort, and a lantern or fairy lights if you’d like your picnic to have more of a romantic feel.

Winter Picnic Food Ideas

Cold weather calls for hearty, warming picnic food – think hot, comforting, carby, and easy to pack.

Hot Food (Flask-Friendly)

Hot food on a cold winter’s day is your best friend. Ideally, you want something that is easily kept warm in a flask, like:

• Comforting soups
• Heart stews
• Chilli con carne
• Smoky Baked Beans
• Sausage & mash pots
• Mini shepherd’s pies
• Mac ‘n’ cheese

 

Top Tip: Never add hot food into a cold flask/thermos – it won’t stay piping hot for long. Instead, add boiling water to your flask for 10 minutes before using, as this helps to pre-heat the container, keeping your food hot for twice as long.

Cold Snacks

If you also want to serve a couple of cold nibbles, make sure they are comforting, carb-heavy (what else is winter for?!), and made with best-in-season winter produce. Some of my favourite winter picnic snacks include:

• Sandwiches
  • Pork & apple sauce
  • Brie, bacon, cranberry, & rocket
  • Roast chicken & stuffing
  • Cheese & caramelised onion chutney
• Winter salads
• Scotch eggs
• Homemade sausage rolls
• Rustic pate with toasted baguettes
• Mini pork & apple pies
• Roasted root vegetables 
• Butternut squash & goats cheese tarts
• Cheese & charcuterie
• Honey-mustard cocktail sausages

 

Sweet Treats

Something sugary is essential at the end of a winter picnic, especially if there’s a long walk back to the car! We love:

• Banana bread
• Gingerbread cake
• Chocolate tiffin 
• Spiced flapjacks
• Mince pies
• Cookies (triple choc, or spiced oat & raisin are gorgeous)

 

Drinks

Alongside a few bottles of water (hydration is still key, even in winter!), I always pack a hot drink or two for my winter picnics. Bonus: they double as the perfect hand warmers on chilly days!

• Water – an essential!
• Mulled wine or apple cider
• Hot chocolate
• Tea (herbal or classic black)
• Coffee
• Spiced latte or chai
• Winter fruit punch (can be served warm or cold)

 

Top Tip: Pour drinks into an insulated thermos to keep them hot and ready for sipping mid-walk.

Where To Have Your Winter Picnic

When it comes to choosing the perfect winter picnic spot, a little planning goes a long way.

 

• Safety first: Beware of routes that might be slippery or icy – you don’t want to risk a tumble while carrying your food!
• Timing: Midday is ideal for maximum daylight, but sunrise or sunset picnics are incredibly magical this time of year.
• Location: Look for sheltered spots to protect against wind, scenic views for that cosy winter vibe, and easy access to facilities if needed.

 

If you’re in the Peak District, check out our blog on How To Plan a Birthday Picnic. In the blog, we list some of our favourite picnic locations, including Monsal Head, Chatsworth (by the river), and Curbar Edge.

 

What To Wear On a Winter Picnic

If you’re in the UK, or any cold climate, ensuring you have the appropriate clothing is essential to enjoying a winter picnic – and not freezing your tits off! Of course, the obvious hat, gloves, and scarves are recommended, but I also recommend popping on a thermal long-sleeve top and leggings underneath whatever you’re wearing.

If you’re combining your winter picnic with a hike/long walk, good footwear is essential. I opt for my trusty Hunter wellies if it’s a flat walk, or proper walking boots with good ankle support if I know there will be rough terrain.  

 

Plan the Perfect Winter Picnic With Savery Grazing

There’s just something about hearty food, cosy drinks, crisp fresh air, and a little adventure that makes even the coldest days feel extra special. If you’re looking for more winter activity ideas, cosy recipes, or anything in between, check out the Savery Grazing Blog. You can also keep up to date with us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

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