Ten of the best picnic spots in and around Croydon

We are big picnic fans in our family.  Alfresco eating always seems to make food taste better and it's a great activity for the summer holidays.

Here are ten of the loveliest picnic spots that we know in and around Croydon.

1.  Coombe Wood - these woods and gardens to the south-east of Croydon are a brilliant spot for a picnic.  There is a flat lawn area with beautiful colourful borders and when you've finished all of your food, there are more gardens, hilly woods and a pond to explore.

2.  Heathfield is just up the road from Coombe Wood and has always been really quiet whenever we've visited.  It has a walled garden, which is our favourite picnic spot here, and also more gardens and woods to explore, including an area with streams and stepping stones.  Just don't fall in the water!  There are lovely views over the surrounding fields.

3.  Kelsey Park - this great park in Beckenham has lots of lovely areas to picnic on so you're spoilt for choice really.  My favourite though is the grassy area over looking the lake (which is also great for scooting around).  The park has a huge play area with play equipment to suit a wide range of ages.

4.  Park Hill Recreation Ground is a great choice if you're looking for somewhere close to the centre of Croydon.  It has beautiful flower beds, an attractive old water tower, and a great view over Croydon whilst still managing to create a quiet oasis separate from the noise of the town.  It also has a play area, a walled garden and a small cafe.

5. Morden Hall Park is a short drive or tram journey from Croydon and provides a beautiful spot for a picnic, for example in its rose garden or by the rivers and streams that pass through it.  It has lots of grass and woody areas, a play area, a river (great for Pooh sticks), a cafe and also a garden centre.  It's a National Trust property but is completely free to visit and often has activities on during the holidays for children.

6.  Croham Hurst Woods are on a hill so it's a bit of a challenge but the promise of a well-deserved picnic at the top should be enough to lure kids up this hill.  It stunning views to the south from the top.

7. Beddington Park - this is a lovely big park with big grassy areas, trees, a lake, a river and a super play area and cafe.  There are great paths around the park for scooting and riding bikes on to help you work up an apetite.

8. Wimbledon Park isn't in Croydon but it's not too far by car or by tram and tube.  As well as providing lovely spots for a picnic, it has a paddling pool so it's great for kids on a hot day.  It also has a lake with lots of swans and ducks, a cafe, two play areas, a crazy golf course and beach volleyball.

9.  Emmett's Gardens is a National Trust property a little over half an hour drive or so from Croydon.  There is a glorious meadow for picnicking in, with wonderful views over the surrounding hills, a play area, a cafe and lots of gardens to explore.  There is a small hut by the picnic meadow which has a selection of outdoor games to play.

10. Crystal Palace Park is a short drive or train journey from Croydon.  It has plenty of grassy areas for picnics.  It also has dinosaurs, a maze, a lake, a play area and a cafe, so it makes a great day out.