1. Coate Water

COATE Water Park was frequently cited as the place to go if you want to have a picnic or barbecue.

With a wide lagoon-like reservoir, well-established cafe, and, more importantly, lots of green space to set up camp and activities to keep children entertained this is a safe bet for any day out.

Elsie Mayo said: “It’s nice walking along the planned routes. You can walk around to the Pitch & Putt. I used to swim there back when I was a kid.”

Although swimming is no longer allowed parking is quite modest, you can pay £1 for two hours, or £2 for 24 hours, and unless there’s an event on you can find a space easily.

2. Lydiard Park

SET in 260-acres of parkland, Lydiard Park boasts some of the most historic but also well-kept picnic spots.
 The park is a perfect place to take the dog for a walk, go run or bike ride. There are BBQs available to hire in the summer and lots of areas for a picnic.
J.G Morris told the Adver she had fond memories there: “I used to take my children there every Sunday, and they have a really nice cafe.”
Parking is £2.10 for up to two hours, or £4.40 all day. Alternatively, hop on the bus from Swindon Station and get the 1a, asking for Lydiard Park.

3. Town Gardens

BUILT on a former quarry Old Town Gardens date back to the 19th century and now are admired as a nature and picnic spot.
Well-known for its flower beds, Rose Garden and cherry blossoms in the spring the park has ample room to lay down a rug and enjoy the Victorian bandstand and surroundings.
Rex King said: “It’s an ideal place, they have all the lovely spring flowers out at the moment, and you get to know a lot of the people there and their dogs.”
Roadside parking is limited so it is recommended drivers use the Bath Road car park, which is only 250 metres from the gardens.
There is a cafe that sells light refreshments, a small pond and aviary, and live music at the bandstand during the summer.

4. Queens Park

Well placed near to shops and for anyone living centrally is the lovely Queens Park.
The Grade II-listed oasis in the middle of town was built in the 1950s and ‘60s in two phases, with charming paths snaking their way past a variety of different trees and foliage dotted throughout the site.
For picnics there’s a large green space leading away from the main Showhouse building and a newly repaired water feature in front. There is also a cafe.
Wayne Keen said: “It’s nice to walk around, you can feed the ducks with a bit of bread. Or you can have a nice chit chat.”
For those coming from further afield parking can be found not far away at Regent Circus.

5. Faringdon Road Park

ADJOINING the Railway Village is GWR Park on Faringdon Road.
Formerly used by railway workers as a cricket field the open air park has a huge grassy area circled by trees, perfect for a picnic or organising some outdoor games.
Jack William said: “There’s plenty of room, you can have a BBQ, or find some shade under a tree and have a picnic.”
There are a number of interesting memorials for history enthusiasts, including a recently installed sculpture by Dr Mike Pringle for the Centenary.
The nearest parking is in the centre, which for 3-4 hours will set you back £5.60.