Spring is here and that marks the start of picnic season. Picnics are fantastic way to enjoy quality time with friends, family or partners. Whether you’re looking a break from exam revision or done for the summer and ready to plan some fun, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our favourite picnic spots around campus, along with some food tips and activities to make the perfect picnic.
Belfast
City Hall
If you’re not looking to venture too far from campus city hall is the ideal spot. It’s just a 10-minute walk away, and there’s lots of benches and grassy areas to relax on. If you don’t have time to prepare food, don’t worry! There are lots of amazing coffee shops nearby where you can grab some delicious bites. Here are some of our top picks:
City Picnic
They offer a diverse menu with burgers, fresh salads and a range of sides. Their grab and go option allow you to pick up your food and head to your picnic spot hassle free.
The Juice Jar
If you’re looking for something healthier, juice jar is the place to be. With their fruit juices and fresh smoothies to their overnight oats and Acai bowls – the options are endless. It’s perfect if you’re just looking for a light bite.
Joe Coffee
If you’re in need of a caffeine boost, you won’t want to miss out this spot. One of the most popular coffee shops, known for their cold brews and iced coffees, it’s the perfect way to cool down on warm days. Their pastries are a great addition to any picnic.
Botanical Gardens
Botanic Gardens is the student hotspot on sunny days. With plenty of green space, its perfect for spreading out a blanket and chilling with friends. If you’re a plant lover, then the palm house is your place to go, with a range of tropical plants from all over the world. It’s a great place to explore before or after your picnic. If you’re into photography or just want a cute Instagram photo, then check out the rose gardens.
In the summer months you will find ice cream vans – the best thing on a hot day! As well as a Ferris wheel, which allow you to take in the beauty that Belfast has to offer.
Botanic Gardens
It is also near some fantastic restaurants such as:
Maggie Mays
Undoubtably one of the most popular student cafes in the botanic area, they offer a variety of food options, ranging from an all-day breakfast to homemade sandwiches and wraps. Plus, they have a separate chippy that serves all your traditional favourites, from sausages and burgers to goujons and chips – it’s the perfect takeaway food, and it’s well priced.
Kaffe O
Just 2 minutes from the botanic gardens, they have Greek yogurt and chia pots. Or if you’re looking for something more filling, they offer hot pressed rye sandwiches with a range of meat fillings and some vegan options too.
Café Nero
If you’re looking for a classic coffee and pastry then Café Nero is the best spot. With great prices and a variety of sweet treats, from caramel squares to carrot cake as well as amazing coffees.
If you’d rather stay on campus, then the roof garden on the 6th floor of BD is the ideal spot. Not only are you able to take in the incredible Belfast views – it’s also extremely convenient if you have some time between study sessions and don’t want to venture too far.
This is the perfect chance to try out some of the food spots on campus if you haven’t already:
Vert
Located right beside the roof garden, Vert is a plant based vegan café serving delicious options from freshly made soups to kale salads and plant-based sausage rolls.
The Junction
Found on the bottom floor of BC it has a hot food bar with daily specials such as burger Wednesdays. They also have a salad bar where you can make up your own salad box or sandwich – perfect for the days you prefer something cold to eat.
Street Beats
Around the corner from the Junction, Street Beats offers Asian inspired street food such as burritos and bao buns.
Vert Cafe
Coleraine
Whiterocks Beach
Whiterocks is a picture-perfect picnic location, with its white shores, clear waters, and cliffs. It’s a year-round hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. If you’re into surfing, paddle boarding or swimming, this is your chance to dive in — literally.
If the water isn’t your thing the surrounding caves and cliffs offer shelter from coastal breezes and the perfect place to set up your picnic. It can get very busy on a warm day so you may want to go early to miss the midday crowds or wait till the evening for a sunset picnic.
Beach Picnic
On Campus
If you’d prefer to stay on campus, you won’t have to search to find a spot to relax. The Coleraine campus is full of naturistic areas to choose from, here are a couple of our favourites.
The waterfall – Located at the rear of the daffodil garden it’s a lovely place to relax, unwind and listen to the flowing water. There are some benches scattered nearby if you don’t fancy sitting on the grass.
Lawns by the Riverside Theatre – In front of the Riverside Theatre you’ll find a large grass lawn which has been a popular spot for years. With views of the River Bann in the distance and close by to on campus accommodation, you won’t have to travel far with your picnic.
Picnic
If you’d prefer to buy food on campus you can choose from:
Flow & Co is the main canteen on campus, serving a range of hot foods such as baked potatoes, paninis and salads - great for any occasion and well-priced.
Truva found inside the Riverside Theatre, is the go-to spot for a sweet treat. They offer homemade tray bakes like rocky roads, brownies and shortbread, alongside traditional crisps and sweets. Plus, they have tubs of Morelli’s ice cream available – ideal for cooling down on a warm day.
Derry~Londonderry
Brooke Park
Only a 15-minute walk away from campus and is an ideal spot for anyone not looking to venture too far. You can either relax on the grass, find shade under the many trees or set up your picnic and one of the many benches scattered around the park. Gwyn’s café is on site so if you didn’t have time to whip up a picnic don’t worry! They have a variety of tray bakes and pastries as well as hot food items like a traditional fry, toast with egg and avocado, freshly made sandwiches as well as hot and cold drinks.
St Columb’s Park
If you’re looking to travel a bit further St Columb's is the place to go. It’s situated on the edge of Lough Foyle, at the end of the peace bridge and can be accessed from Ebrington Square. There is lots of lovely walkways and a trail that takes you to the ruins of a medieval church, perfect for any history lovers! While there is lots of grass areas that you can lounge and have your picnic on, they have a specific area full of picnic tables so you can set up hassle free. They also have ‘Café in the Park’ which offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you won’t be stuck for choice. They serve a variety of quick hot foods from sausage rolls to burgers as well as lighter bites like scones and deli salads.
DLD
On Campus
If you’d prefer to stay on campus, the area outside the student’s union is great. With round tables and benches, there are plenty of seating areas to choose from. It close to all the popular campus eateries like The Scullery and Jitters, where you can pick up fresh sandwiches, scones and hot food. Plus, the Day Today shop which is perfect for picking up an ice lolly or ice cream to cool you down! Right beside the seating areas you will also find a table tennis table, outdoor large chess and a paddle/tennis court – perfect for ending off your picnic with a match with your friends.
SU Picnic Table
Picnic Essentials
Now that we’ve covered the best locations, let’s break down some picnic must-haves:
Bag / cool box
A cool box is great for hot days — especially if you’re driving somewhere and want to keep your food cold, ask your friends/family if they have on you could borrow. Alternatively, a sturdy tote bag will work just fine and are easier to carry.
Picnic blanket or throw
Whether you go traditional or bring a fluffy throw, a blanket is essential to keep your clothes clean and dry. If you have room, you could also bring a few spare blankets to wrap around you if there’s a bit of wind.
Speaker
Music is a picnic essential for keeping the vibes flowing. Create a playlist and jam out with your friends — just remember to keep the volume respectful to others who may be nearby.
Easy to eat picnic foods
When it comes to picnic food, simplicity is key. Choose items that are easy to eat and require minimal prep or cleanup. Here are some of our favourites:
Wraps
They are super easy and affordable to make, and you can fill them with a variety of things to suit everyone’s taste. Some classic fillings include chicken and bacon, tuna, goujons and cheese. You can make it as simple or fancy as you’d like.
Sandwiches – Similar to wraps these can be as basic or elaborate as you wish. Some easy and cheap options include.
BLT
You can never go wrong with a classic BLT, simply chose your bread, add some mayo and start stacking your bacon, tomato and lettuce on. If you want to switch it up, you could add some sliced boiled egg in.
Ham and Cheese
If you are a plain jane a ham and cheese sandwich will be right up your street. Pick your ham whether it is smoked or plain deli ham – it’s up to you, add in your cheese whether that’s sliced or grated and if you want to add a sauce of choice for more flavour then do so.
For more quick and easy sandwich ideas visit Lunch Sandwich Ideas
If you’re a vegetarian there are plenty of delicious options, you can make – from egg and onion to chickpea salad. For more vegetarian ideas visit Veggie Sandwich Ideas
Picnic Activities
Your picnic, your rules. Whether you’re chilling in the sun or planning fun activities, here are a few ideas:
Board games
Perfect for groups, board games are easy to pack and guaranteed to bring some laughs. Some favourites include Uno, Jenga, and Guess Who. Pick one that suits your group’s and let the games begin!
Football
A classic. Whether it’s a quick kick-about or a full-on match, it’s a great way to stay active.
Painting
If you’re feeling creative, bring along some supplies and paint canvases, tote bags, or even mugs. If you want a challenge, you can even try painting each other!
Students playing football
A few friendly reminders
As fun as picnics can be, it’s important to be respectful of others and the places you’re enjoying.
Pick up your rubbish
Don’t leave behind food wrappers, bottles, or any other litter. Use a bin if one is nearby or bring a bag and take your rubbish home with you. Not only does litter make the place look messy, but it can also be harmful to local wildlife.
Keep the volume down
If you’re picnicking near a residential area (or even around others enjoying the peace), be mindful of your noise level. That includes both music and general chatter — keep it calm and avoid shouting or screaming.
Be aware of your surroundings
Remember to be respectful to others who might be lounging around you, if you’re playing football don’t kick the ball too far or high to avoid hurting or disrupting others.
Respect the wildlife
If you are picnicking near wildlife, don’t feed them any human food as it could be harmful to them as well as avoiding distributing any of their habitats that might be nearby,