The Best Picnic Locations Near Colchester (and What to Eat at Each One)

Here at the Poplar Food Hall - we are passionate about the perfect picnic. From location, through to the food that ties it together - we've collated a list of our favourite local picnic spots near Colchester, stretching across Essex and Suffolk - and the food we'd like to eat there!

If you're searching for a food hall near Colchester or simply artisan food in Essex, we're here to help with our host of fresh, local supplies. For picnics Essex and Suffolk offer endless choice of location; we'll supply the food so you can sit back and relax!

Dedham, Essex - A Classic English Countryside Picnic Spot Near Colchester

What's more quintessentially British than Constable country. With vast, picturesque open fields & the glorious river Stour flowing through, Dedham really is one of Essex's gems. Famed for the works of John Constable, you can take a stroll from Dedham to Flatford and feel like you're stepping into an unchanged scene. And why not stop for a bite to eat along the way too?

For this spot, we're leaning into some of our favourite English treats.

To Eat:

Sourdough - baked by Black Cat Bakeries based in Wivenhoe.

Baron Bigod - an award winning Brie-style cheese from Suffolk

Fairfield's Farm 'Ready Salted' - simple, classic & perfect

Local Strawberries & Cream

To drink:

Fentimans Victorian Lemonade - as "summer in the UK" as it gets

Tuffon Hall Classic Cuvée Sparkling White - a delightfully bright and delicate Essex Sparkling wine

Call us biased, but we're pretty sure there's nothing better than a glass of bubbles and a hunk of bread & cheese...

Sudbury Meadows, Suffolk - A Peaceful Riverside Picnic In Suffolk

There's something about the Sudbury meadows which evokes a real feeling of calm. The tranquil river Stour, occasional rowing boat and the walk through the disused rail line to get there make it feel like a bit of an adventure. Whilst it can be busy, you'll always find a secluded spot to pop down your blanket. For our Sudbury Picnic, we're feeling a little more Mediterranean.

To Eat:

Seasonal fresh salad bowls - Made by The Poplar Food Hall

Antipasti selection & Balsamic Onions - Olive Et Al

Sriracha Hummus with Sourdough Crackers

Fresh Grapes

To Drink:

Frobishers Orange & Passionfruit soda

Flavours of sunshine & long, lazy afternoons by the river... honestly, could it be more perfect

Wrabness - Wide Skies & Peaceful Picnics in Essex

There's something wonderfully peaceful about Wrabness. Gorgeously wide skied, with views across the Stour estuary (a very Stour focused list so far), it lends itself to an afternoon of relaxing with great friends and great food! The meandering woodland paths, calm beach & gentle splash of waves really create the perfect tone, to simply stop and take 5.

For this one, 'picky bits' are calling our name. Less prep, just as much taste.

To Eat:

Poplar Food Hall Sausage Rolls

Toppings Pork Pies

Coastal Cheddar & Vintage Red Fox

Torres Olive Oil Crisps

Poplar Food Hall Peanut Butter & banana Brownie

To Drink:

Scrumpy Golden Ale - Bishop Nick Ales (Braintree based)

Belvoir Sparkling Elderflower presse

Frinton on Sea, Esses - A Classic British Seaside Picnic Spot In Essex

Picnics at the beach go together like sand and sea, strawberries and cream or salt and pepper... it's part of UK seaside culture. While fish and chips may be the first thing which comes to mind, they're not the only choice! Much like Frinton isn't the only beach to choose from along our stunning coastline.

With hundreds of miles of shoreline, East Anglia is home to some of the best beaches the UK has to offer. Perfect for a Seaside Picnic in Essex!

For this day, we have picked some wonderfully varied foodie favourites for a day by the sea.

To Eat:

Selection of Poplar's Gourmet Sausage Rolls

Poplar Food Hall Crab Quiche

Balsamic Onions - Olive's Et Al

A Mix of summer berries

To Drink:

Rosé in a Can - Most Wanted Wines

Aspalls Premier Cru Cider

Arger Fenn & Chalkney Woods - Ancient Woodland Escapes

Ancient woodlands represent the countries oldest continuously wooded landscapes, and here in North Essex, we are lucky to have 2 absolutely beautiful ones right on our doorstep. In fact, Essex alone is home to more than 70 Ancient Woodlands.

Step into Chalkney Woods or Arger Fenn, the world seems to stand still. Time is suddenly NOT of the essence. The serenity, birdsong and the rustling leaves paint these beautiful woodlands as the perfect spots to stop and relax - whether you're having a swift cup of tea, or spending the afternoon walking and snacking. As well as woodland, Arger Fenn is also home to some stunning fenland and wet meadows.

For this one - we're going classic

To Eat:

Cheese and Stokes Pickle Sandwiches, using Dedham Sourdough

A slice of Poplar's homemade Victoria Sponge

Bret's Crisps (we recommend the Aioli ones)

To Drink:

A flask of Breakfast Tea from the Essex Tea Company

Bures - A Family Friendly Picnic Spot Near Colchester

Last, but by no means least, we have Bures. Just a stones throw from Arger Fenn (so you could do 2 picnics in one day, should you require extra sustenance), this large open village field is divided by - you'll never guess - the River Stour. With free-to-use Tennis courts, plus a large children's play area, it really is the perfect place for all the family. With specific paved BBQ spots, this is also the perfect place for a BBQ experience away from home. DUE TO GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE, WE WOULD HOLD FIRE ON A BBQ AT BURES UNTIL WE HAVE HAD SOME MUCH NEEDED RAIN!

To Eat:

A selection of BBQ meats from our Food Hall

Fresh vegetables for your skewers, supplied by a local Greengrocer

Rolls from Mersea Island Bakery

To Drink:

Venture Light Session Ale from Nethergate Brewery (based in Long Melford)

Apple & Rhubarb juice from Cawston Press

Planning your picnic? We've got you covered!

Whether you're heading to the river, the woods, the beach or a quiet village field, these picnic locations around Colchester, Essex and Suffolk offer something for everyone. And if you need supplies, Poplar Food Hall has everything from fresh bread and local cheeses to salads, sausage rolls, sweet treats and drinks — all ready to pack into your basket.