IF YOU grow tired of eating inside, perhaps in an office underneath artificial lighting offering no vitamin D like the sun would, why not venture outdoors.
Across the five boroughs of Gwent, there are plenty of alfresco locations which would make the perfect places to get out the gingham and unpack the hamper for a picnic.
Between June 16 and June 25, the country is celebrating National Picnic Week, and it offers an ideal chance to release oneself from the shackles of the sweatbox that is your house and break free.
So, in no particular order aside from alphabetically, Blaenau Gwent is first up.
- Bedwellty House: bedwelltyhouseandpark.co.uk
With sumptuous Victorian gardens and the infamous Grade II listed Homfray House, take a stroll around the 26-acre in Tredegar, which includes an Edwardian bandstand.
After taking in the sites of the park, and a Coronation chicken sandwich, visitors can enjoy the duck pond or the renowned lump of coal – a single 15-ton block hewn by miners and put on display at the Great Exhibition in 1851.
For anyone left slightly peckish still afterwards, Bedwellty Park’s Orchid Tea Room is open daily from 10am to 4pm, and there is a special Sunday lunch service which does require pre-booking.
- Parc Bryn Bach Park: parcbrynbach.co.uk/
Sticking with Aneurin Bevan’s old stomping ground, just up the road from Bedwellty is Bryn Bach, a shining beacon set amongst the wondrous spectacle of nature.
With something to cater for adrenaline junkies, although perhaps wait a bit of time after scoffing down the Cornish pasties, the 36-acre site has a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor activities, with stunning backdrops of the Welsh valleys to add into the question.
At the centre of Bryn Bach is the lake, which at roughly 2.5km in diameter offers the perfect chance to walk off any overindulgences before heading back to home.
Staying in the north of the region, Caerphilly comes next.
- Cwmcarn Forest: your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/content/welcome
Close to the foot of Twmbarlwm, the forest mixes scenic views and wildlife like few other places in Gwent.
So after packing up the plastic forks and knives and putting the top back on the bottle of Pimm’s, get out and about and at one with nature.
The reclaimed mines have been turned into wonderful forest, while the lake at the centre of the site is the perfect spot to pitch up from the harsh Welsh sun, looming overhead.
Despite ongoing work to remove larch trees along the Cwmcarn Forest Drive, the valley floor is unaffected by this.
- Sirhowy Valley Country Park: your.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside/parks/sirhowy-valley
Just before the famous golden keys outside of Crosskeys, the Sirhowy Valley Country Park offers a welcome respite to the hustle and bustle of the working week.
With designated eating areas, Sirhowy is a great spot to visit after tucking into a potato salad and has two car parks open at various times throughout the year – 8.30am until 5pm during the summer months.
You might just see a few woodland critters to sweeten the meal, or for history fans, have a look out for the restored Penllwyn tram road bridge complete with original stone sleepers.
Into Monmouthshire and its abundance of lush, green land.
- Banks of the River Wye in Chepstow: chepstow.co.uk
What could be better than sitting beside the river on a sunny day with an ice cold drink in one hand and pork pie in the other – perhaps a town with 950 years of history and a charming castle to boot.
Alongside the town’s iconic bridge and with England a stone’s throw away, enjoy one of south east Wales’ most famous market town.
To add the natural wonder, the town’s interesting limestone cliffs can be seen at various stages along the meandering Wye, making it the perfect place to visit for lovers of the natural world.
- Tintern: tinternvillage.co.uk
If Chepstow offers too much in the way of a metropolis and you are looking for something more idyllic, just head a few miles along the A466, or row if the means permit, to Tintern.
Stand back and wonder at the marvellous ruins of the 13th century Cistercian abbey while munching on a Scotch egg, the quaint village will provide a much more leisurely eating experience, while taking in the superb surrounds.
Pop round to the Old Station for an ice cream or perhaps something warmer – after all this is a Welsh summer’s day in the middle of June.
Back into the city of Newport.
- Parc Belle Vue Park: newport.gov.uk/en/Leisure-Tourism/Countryside--Parks/Parks/Belle-Vue-park.aspx
Built in 1894, and incidentally the first of the 10 suggested places to receive the Gorsedd stones when it hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1897, Belle Vue is a haven in the midst of the city.
If you can find a flat spot on the undulating ground for the blanket, the offering of shade will be most welcome when sampling a samosa – filled with meat or vegetables depending on your tastes.
The glorious bandstand below the pavilion creates a feeling of Victoriana, but now offers a sweet treat or two from the modern age.
- Tredegar House and Tredegar Park: nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
When the scaffolding is down, Tredegar House is the perfect place to enjoy a prawn cocktail or two from the hamper to mirror the decadence of the 17th century mansion.
With gardens and a pond brimming with life, it’s hard to imagine a more enjoyable place to lie back and relax.
And if any younger dinner guests have a bit too much energy, just cross over the A48 and you are in Tredegar Park, which will offer something to keep the little ones entertained until it’s time to head back to the homestead.
Lastly, but by no means least, Torfaen.
- Garn Lakes: visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/VisitBlaenavon/ThingsToDo/GarnLakes.aspx
CREDIT Yoan Jones
Where else in Wales can you sample the delights of a Müller Corner while surrounded by rolling hills and all set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its industrial importance to the entire world.
Blaenavon has it all at the Garn Lakes, which also comes with a designated area including benches for outdoor eating.
It did not always used to be such a desirable location as the area was formerly used to be covered in spoil tips and old colliery workings.
Post-lunch, why not head down into the heritage town or visit Big Pit or the Ironworks.
- Pontypool Park: torfaen.gov.uk/en/LeisureParksEvents/ParksandOpenSpaces/Pontypool-Park/Pontypool-Park.aspx
Home to the mighty Pooler and more recently a swimming pool, Pontypool Park offers a wealth of different options across its expansive 150-acre site.
Pop down by the bandstand for a spot of quiche before popping up to the Shell Grotto or Folly Tower – both of which are short but pleasurable walk away from the centre.
The Italian Gardens provide an oasis of tranquillity in the centre of the town, and if it all gets too much, just head on over to the Active Living Centre for a dip.
For information or advice, recipes and tips about how to have a picnic, visit nationalpicnicweek.co.uk.
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