6 of the best spots to enjoy an al-fresco G&T in the UK

Snowdrops and bluebells pushing through the soil, the buzz of the first bumblebees emerging from their underground cells and light nights are all wonderful signs that spring is on its way… 

As the nights get lighter and the air warmer, venture to these urban utopias to drink in the views (and a gin or two)!

This Grade II listed park in Salford, Greater Manchester is said to be the inspiration behind Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel, 'The Secret Garden', due to its abundance of wild flowers and picturesque setting.
 
The beautiful, 87-acre park is the largest and most popular park in the area – making it Manchester's own secret garden to escape the noise of the city. Pack your favourite floral gin in honour of the classic novel this park inspired.

With stunning views of Canary Wharf, the Gherkin, the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral, Parliament Hill is undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy views of London. 

Also home to a public lido and farmers market, there are plenty of things going on, so pack up your picnic blanket (and maybe your swimming cossie!) and gaze upon the iconic London skyline, while sipping on your favourite G&T.

Birmingham is one of Europe's greenest cities, largely down to the beautiful parks dotted around the city. Cannon Hill park is probably the most popular of these parks, boasting beautiful flower beds, two stunning lakes and wide-open spaces – making it hard to believe that you’re in the middle of a city!

With plenty of spots to spread the picnic blanket, why not pay Cannon Hill Park a visit to view the hundreds of snowdrops and toast the beginning of spring with a beautiful G&T.

Considered one of the oldest open spaces in Bristol, Brandon Hill Park dates back to 1625 and is crowned by the Cabot Tower, built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot, who ventured from Bristol to the land that we now know as Canada.

The park is home to stunning Japanese gardens, which are well worth a visit in the spring. Let yourself be transported to the orient to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the park while sipping on a beautiful gin cocktail!

Just a short walk from the busy city centre, the Nottingham Arboretum is a historic, beautifully maintained park, home to over 800 trees, a flower garden, healing garden and dell garden. The park was specifically designed for relaxation, making it an ideal escape for frazzled city workers in need of some tranquillity.
 
The flower garden is a little slice of paradise in the spring, a perfect place to say goodbye to the cold winter months with a good book and a ginny tipple.

Bute by name and 'beaut' by nature! Cardiff's Bute Park is fondly known as 'the green heart of the city' due to its 56 hectares (the equivalent to 75 football pitches!) of nature and greenery. One of the largest urban parks in Wales, Bute Park is just a stone’s throw from Cardiff's city centre, offering a peaceful setting and providing a safe and natural a habitat for wildlife.

Flanked by Cardiff Castle, this Instagram-worthy park is the perfect backdrop for a gin-infused picnic to celebrate the start of spring!

Do you have a favourite al-fresco sipping spot? We'd love to hear from you! Email: content@craft-clubs.co.uk and tell us all about it! Cheers!