July is National Picnic Month, so what better reason to share our favourite picnic spots in the Lake District? Picnics are one of the UK's favourite traditions and the Lake District provides some fantastic places to throw down the rug, tuck into some fabulous food and soak up the amazing scenery. Below are a few of our favourites. 

Brant Fell
a Lake District picnic spot on your doorstep If you don't fancy venturing too far from your Matson Ground cottage in Windermere, Brant Fell is perfect. Lying at the heart of the estate, you can be at the summit in no time at all, enjoying stunning views of Lake Windermere and the Lakeland fells. 

Orrest Head 
Staying close to home, Orrest Head is short walk up from the centre of Windermere. But the climb is worth the effort. So pack up a picnic and head for the summit where you are rewarded with amazing views of England's largest lake with the Langdale Pikes, Scafell Pike, Coniston Old Man and Morecambe Bay as a back. This is the spot where Alfred Wainwright first fell in love with the Lake District and once you're there, it's easy to see why. 

Fell Foot Park 
Fell Foot Park, at the southern end of Lake Windermere, is less than half an hour in the car from our Windermere cottages and a fantastic spot to enjoy a picnic. No need for a long hike, or even a picnic rug. Facilities at Fell Foot Park include picnic benches, toilets and a cafe (just in case you didn't pack enough food). There's an adventure playground for the children and boats for hire if you fancy splashing about on the lake. Parking in the pay and display car park is free for National Trust members. 

Glencoyne Bay, Ullswater 
Guests staying in one of our Ullswater cottages are also spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots in the Lake District. Just a mile from Glenridding is Glencoyne Bay, made famous by William and Dorothy Wordsworth as it was the inspiration for one of the most famous poems in English literature - "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud". Obviously summer is not the time to admire daffodils, but the pebble beach is the perfect picnic spot, with views across the lake to Place Fell and down to Barton Fell. 

Aira Force 
Another must visit for our Ullswater guests is Aira Force. These spectacular falls, tucked away amongst ancient woodland, provide the perfect back for a picnic. Arguably the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lake District, there's plenty of space to enjoy a picnic, although the area directly by the waterfall gets very busy. However, you'll easily find a more sheltered spot in extensive woodlands. 

Buttermere
What a fantastic spot for a Lake District picnic Finally, if you want to make a day of it, then a trip to Buttermere will not disappoint. The four-and-a-half-mile circular walk is easily accessible and will take about three hours to complete. However, factor in a little more time as the lake shore is dotted with little beaches you can make your own, so you can while away the time enjoying some al fresco dining. If you're after some beautiful scenery and a bit of tranquility, Buttermere is the answer. There are so many fantastic picnic spots in the Lake District, but we hope that we have given you a little inspiration. And it goes without saying, please always take you rubbish home with you, don't light barbecues on the ground, and please, please don't build bonfires. Bon appetit!