From last Monday (8 March), lockdown rules were slightly relaxed.

School children were allowed to return to the classroom with outdoor after-school sports and activities also allowed to restart.

People are also now allowed to have socially distanced one-to-one meetings with others outdoors in a public space – meaning friends and family members could sit down for a coffee or have a picnic in the park.

(Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash)

Using TripAdvisor, we have compiled of the best South Cumbrian parks to visit for a picnic with a friend.

How many have you visited?

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1. South Walney Nature Reserve

South Walney Nature Reserve

(South Walney Nature Reserve
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alexander P Kapp - geograph.org.uk/p/3244078)

If you live near Barrow you will have undoubtedly visited this nature reserve. If not, it’s well worth the visit.

The reserve boasts stunning views across Morecambe Bay, which you can enjoy as your tuck into your picnic spread.

There is even a designated picnic area in the reserve.

To work up an appetite, you can embark on one of the reserves walking trails which are outlined by waymarkers.

If you are an animal lover, then the nature reserve is also a great place to go bird watching or admire some seals.

Their new seal and bird-watching shelter is currently open and it’s next to Braithwaite Hide.

However, don’t just take our word for it.

Plenty of reviewers have praised the nature reserve for being a great little picnic spot.

One person wrote: “It’s a lovely place for a walk around the dunes and coast.

“Allow 3-5 hours to explore everything depending on your walking capabilities.

“Take a picnic and find a quiet spot- lovely place well worth a visit.”

The entry fee for non-members is £3 for adults or £1 for children.

2. Barrow Park

Have you ever visited Barrow park?

Pre-lockdown, there was plenty to see and do in the 45 acre park; park runs and charity balloon races are just some of the events that have taken place in the past.

However, until restrictions ease we will have to settle for a picnic and just enjoy the beautiful park as it is.

The gardens are award winning and renowned for their beauty so this shouldn’t be a problem.

The park has a 4/5 rating on Trip Advisor with reviewers praising the space.

One person wrote:  “Take in the scenery, the gardens, bowling, boating lake and a whole lot more. Go on a nice day, take the kids and have a picnic.”

Kendal

3. The Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park

(Photo by Andrew Measham on Unsplash)

It goes without saying that this is one of the best picnic places in Cumbria.

Trip Advisor ranked this as the number one nature spot and park near Kendal.

There are numerous vantage point and beauty spots to choose from in the National Park and you really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots.

Coniston, Orrest Head and Tarn Hows are some of the top-rated picnic spots in the district.

Afterwards, make sure to head out on a walk through the national park to help the picnic food go down.

4. Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

This is somewhat of a hidden gem nature reserve in Cumbria.

If you look carefully, you can spot an abundance of wildlife including lizards and adders- some rare butterflies have also been found in this area too.

What It lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in terms of beauty and nature.

One reviewer said: "This is a wonderful reserve - it is signposted for seeing the ospreys but quite honestly it is a treasure for so many other things.

“You could walk around the whole site in about half an hour if you were not looking for wildlife but if you love nature, then take a picnic and spend the day - it really is fantastic.

“There’s nothing in the way of facilities except a portaloo and some picnic tables - but then it is there for the wildlife and they don't need facilities.”

Penrith

5. Aira Force

Aira Force waterfall

(Photo by George Bannister on Unsplash)

There are so many places to have a picnic at this stunning area of natural beauty.

As well as having plenty of walking routes, there is also a lot of wildlife to admire and spot in the area.

Aira Force is home to the iconic red squirrel as well as Ring Ouzel and Peregrine Falcons.

While it isn’t the most obvious choice for a picnic spot, some people have set up theirs on the rocks and watched the waterfall while they ate.

One person said: “There are easy to moderate routes to choose from and beautiful views. Good picnic spots nearby and there are loos and basic amenities on site. Well worth a visit.

6. Lowther Castle and Gardens

(Facebook/ Lowther Castle and Gardens)

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a takeaway with a castle as their backdrop?

Lowther Castle and Gardens is re-opening on Monday 15th March.

On the company website, they wrote: “We are re-opening on Monday 15th March. We will of course be very Covid-cautious. Please make sure you book your tickets in advance and online.”

Once they do, make sure you are ready with a picnic in hand.

The gardens dates back to the 17th century and since then they have been continually improved upon and fully restored back in 2008.

Summerhouses, tree hives for wild bees, wildflower meadows and rambling woodland – all these can be found across the gardens’ 130 acres.

One reviewer wrote: It’s a lovely place great to walk around take a picnic if it's nice.

“They do have a cafe but on a nice day would be great to take a picnic with you.

“I’m going to take my grandkids with me next time- the castle is lovely too.”