You don’t need a king’s ransom to embrace National Picnic Week, which kicks off today – the humble picnic can be as down to earth as you like.

Whether you have napkins and cake forks in your picnic basket, or just a carrier bag with goodies in, we can all share in the great outdoors with an old fashioned picnic. Here’s our pick of where to pitch yours.

CANTERBURY TALES

Escape the city hustle and bustle in the Canterbury Tales’ Medieval Story Garden between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, June 18, as the attraction marks International Picnic Day. Go armed with your picnic and be serenaded by medieval live music while you tuck in from two-piece band Grimalkin. Find the mini medieval haven just off Canterbury High Street. For details visit canterburytales.org.uk or call 01227 696002.

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK

There are a number of colour-coded waymarked trails across the park ideal for families to explore and a visitors’ centre plus toilets. The site is run by Kent Country Parks and is just off the A2 near Cobham. There are no admission fees but there are parking charges. Visit kent.gov.uk or ring 0300 333 6488.

MANOR COUNTRY PARK, WEST MALLING

There are a range of habitats and landscapes to explore in the 52 acres, as well as a lake and a play area at Douce’s Meadow, where there are picnic tables and space for ball games. The park is open from 9am to dusk.

BARTON’S POINT COASTAL PARK, SHEERNESS

The 40 acre park off Marine Parade, Sheerness, includes a salt water lake and play area, and is a perfect spot for bird watching and flying a kite. If you run out of provisions, there’s the Boathouse Cafe for some last minute top-ups. For details go to bartonspointcoastalpark.

KNOLE PARK, SEVENOAKS

It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a vast, picturesque place to picnic. Managers recommend picnicking in the enclosed outdoor seating area and visitors are asked not to feed or pet the deer. Dogs on leads are welcome. Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/knole.

DETAILS

National Picnic Week runs from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 25. For more, go to nationalpicnicweek.co.uk For other picnicking place ideas try destinationkent.co.uk or visitkent.co.uk