The school holidays have arrived so it is the perfect time to plan a family picnic, check out our favourite picnic locations across Suffolk and north Essex.

Stowmarket Mercury: The stunning Rendlesham Forest is great for a family day out. Picture: TIM DENNEYThe stunning Rendlesham Forest is great for a family day out. Picture: TIM DENNEY (Image: Archant)

Rendlesham Forest, Woodbridge

If you would like an adventure before getting comfy and munching on your picnic, Rendlesham Forest is for you.

With UFO trails, obstacle courses, zip lines and cycling routes, prepare for an action-packed day!

If you are in need of a hot drink or snack, Bear Grills forest caterer can be found in the main car park.

Stowmarket Mercury: There is plenty to do at the Colchester Castle Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThere is plenty to do at the Colchester Castle Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Castle Park, Colchester

You may want to soak up the sun on your picnic but at this park you can also soak up the history.

Colchester is the oldest town in Britain and its heritage can be seen by more than 2,000 years of history in the Castle Park.

With 27 acres of land you’re bound to find the perfect picnic spot.

Stowmarket Mercury: The kids will have hours of fun at Holywells Park. Picutre: BARRY PULLENThe kids will have hours of fun at Holywells Park. Picutre: BARRY PULLEN (Image: Archant)

Holywells Park, Ipswich

This park is always a favourite with children with the massive play area and the wet play facility to help them cool down.

If you fancy a treat there is an icecream hut right next to the play area and a café opposite the pretty lake with a bridge.

The park is 67 acres so if you are after a more peaceful picnic this park can accommodate that too.

Stowmarket Mercury: The famous Abbey Gardens are a must see this Summer. Picture: MARTIN GRAYLINGThe famous Abbey Gardens are a must see this Summer. Picture: MARTIN GRAYLING (Image: Archant)

Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds

Enjoy your sandwiches while admiring the beautiful flower beds at Abbey Gardens.

Make sure you check out the willow maze area, the rose garden and the riverside area before you leave.

To get an idea of what to expect when you arrive check out their website.

Stowmarket Mercury: Lay down your picnic blanket in the lovely Elmhurst Park in Woodbridge this summer. Picture: ARCHANTLay down your picnic blanket in the lovely Elmhurst Park in Woodbridge this summer. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge

Located in the centre of Woodbridge this is a great park for family fun.

The park has a children’s play area as well as lots of space to play rounders.

It even has views of the river Deben.

Stowmarket Mercury: The peaceful Thetford Forest is great for picnics, bike rides and walks. Picture: EVE STONEBURGHThe peaceful Thetford Forest is great for picnics, bike rides and walks. Picture: EVE STONEBURGH (Image: Archant)

Thetford Forest, Thetford

Lay your picnic blanket down in the UK’s largest man-made lowland forest and relax amongst the trees.

The park is rich with a variety of animals and plants so keep your eyes peeled.

There is play areas, tranquil walks and heritage to enjoy.

Stowmarket Mercury: Make sure you bring your camera to photograph the beautiful scenes of Helmingham Hall Gardens. Picture: ARCHANTMake sure you bring your camera to photograph the beautiful scenes of Helmingham Hall Gardens. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Helmingham Hall Gardens, Helmingham

Work up an appetite by taking a walk around the ancient grounds of Helmingham Hall, which have been here since the 1500s.

Educate yourself on the Tollemache family who have resided at Helmingham for hundreds of years.

Gorgeous gardens, history and a tearoom, what more could you want for a picnic destination?

Stowmarket Mercury: The massive Hylands Park in Chelmsford. Picture: RICHARD SNASDELLThe massive Hylands Park in Chelmsford. Picture: RICHARD SNASDELL

Hylands house and Park, Chelmsford

The park is a massive 574 acres and has Hylands House on its grounds.

Hyland house is a Grade II neo-classical villa which has been there since 1730.

Why not bring a frisbee for family fun.

Stowmarket Mercury: The perfect picnic location with the family or friends Promenade Park. Picture: ARCHANTThe perfect picnic location with the family or friends Promenade Park. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Promenade Park, Maldon

Promenade Park has been a favourite summer playground for more than 100 years.

The kids will have hours of fun in the splash park while you relax with a cup of tea from one of the refreshment kiosks.

There is plenty to do before and after your picnic, from crazy golf to sandpits and swans.