National Picnic Week in Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme

National Picnic Week (15th – 21st June) is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the simple joys of spending time outdoors with good food and great company. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and make meaningful memories with loved ones.

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme & Stoke, we understand just how important companionship can be, especially for older adults. A picnic is about so much more than sandwiches in the sunshine; it’s about connection, conversation, and maintaining wellbeing.

For many older people across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Biddulph, and surrounding areas, a day out can make all the difference.

Why Picnics Are so Beneficial for Older Adults

Getting outside for a picnic can offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Fresh air and vitamin D to boost mood and wellbeing
  • Gentle movement and exercise
  • Social interaction to reduce loneliness
  • A change of scenery to support mental health
  • Opportunities to reminisce and create new memories

For those who may not feel confident going out alone, having someone there to support and share the experience can make all the difference.

That’s where our companionship care services can help.

How Our Companionship Services Support Meaningful Outings

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme & Stoke, our companionship care is all about helping older adults stay connected to the activities they enjoy.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, visiting a local cafe, or packing up a picnic for the day, our Care Professionals can support with:

  • Planning and organising outings
  • Preparing picnic food at home
  • Providing transport or accompaniment
  • Encouraging social interaction and conversation

These small moments often have the biggest impact on emotional wellbeing.

Best Picnic Spots in Newcastle-under-Lyme & Stoke

Looking for somewhere special to enjoy National Picnic Week? Here are some of the best local picnic spots across the area:

Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent

One of Staffordshire’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, Trentham Gardens offers stunning lakeside walks, formal gardens, and plenty of green space for a peaceful picnic.

Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent 

A popular Victorian park with wide open spaces, accessible paths, and scenic lakes, perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

Burslem Park, Stoke-on-Trent 

A quieter, hidden gem with mature trees, open lawns, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for families and older adults alike.

Apedale Country Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme

A beautiful countryside setting with woodland trails, open grassland, and lovely picnic areas. Great for gentle walks and enjoying nature.

Bathpool Park, Kidsgrove

A fantastic local spot with a lake, easy walking routes, and plenty of benches and shaded picnic areas.

Lyme Valley Parkway, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Ideal for those wanting a shorter, accessible outing, Lyme Valley offers open green spaces, riverside walks, and a peaceful place to relax.

Biddulph Grange Country Park, Biddulph 

A wonderful location for a scenic picnic with beautiful woodland surroundings and gentle walking paths.

Supporting Independence Beyond the Picnic Blanket

National Picnic Week reminds us of how valuable social connection and independence are, not just for one week, but every day.

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme & Stoke, we provide a wide range of home care services to support older adults to live independently at home, including:

Companionship Care

Helping clients stay socially active, connected, and engaged with their community.

Home Help Services

Support with household tasks, meal preparation, shopping, and day-to-day living.

Personal Care

Dignified support with routines such as washing, dressing, and medication.

Dementia Care 

Specialist care tailored to individuals living with dementia, helping maintain routine and familiarity.

Respite Care 

Giving family carers valuable time to rest while there loved one is cared for.

Overnight Care 

Providing reassurance and practical support throughout the night.

Making the Most of Summer in Staffordshire

Summer offers so many opprotunities to enjoy the outdoors, and National Picnic Week is a lovely reminder to make time for simple pleasures. Whether it’s a peaceful afternoon at Trentham Gardens, feeding the ducks at Hanley Park, or enjoying tea and cake in the garden at home, these moments of companionship matter.

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme & Stoke, we’re proud to help older adults across Stoke, Newcastle-under-Lyme and surrounding Staffordshire communities continue enjoying the moments that matter most.

If you’d like to find out more about our companionship care or home care services, our friendly team is always here to help. Because great care often starts with simply spending time together.