Seven top picnic spots in Sheffield and the Peak District

A few simple items - good bread, cheese , fruit and a bottle of wine - is enough to make a basic lunch, and there are many Sheffield and Peak District shops offering far more inventive options to pack up for a picnic.

Here are seven places - although with 95 formal parks in the city alone, there’s plenty more to go at - to consider.

n Padley Gorge. Apparently once rated the best picnic spot in the country, this is an obvious choice but for good reasons.

Young, old and dogs will love paddling in the brook, and there are stunning views every which way you turn. An ice cream van is normally there too for dessert.

n Sheffield General Cemetery, Sharrow. Somewhat quieter than Padley, this green gem has lots of historical points of interest including catacombs, restored chapel and graves of notables such as football legend William Prest, who co-founded Sheffield FC. There’s plenty of shade and Ecclesall Road’s shops and restaurants are two minutes away if you need more supplies.

n Love Square, city centre. The number one work lunch spots in the city centre would likely be Devonshire Green or the Peace Gardens, but this urban pocket park on West Bar is taking shape and will include a community cafe in future. Now, its a handy spot to gulp down a sandwich and simultaneously get some sun.

n Bole Hills Park, Crookes. Long popular with dog walkers and students, awareness of this park is growing thanks to an increasing number of events.

The views of the city centre below are spectacular and cheating with a chippy supper from the Five Star Fish Bar is recommended - as are treats from Urban Pantry.

n Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Inquisitive squirrels, beautiful flowers and plenty to explore - from the famous listed bear pit, built to house a bear in 1836, to the rose garden - make this a lovely pitstop at any time.

n Monsal Head, Peak District. Dine in the shadow of a towering railway viaduct and next to a river on the Monsal Head trail.

Bikes can also be hired for a pleasantly scenic ride through to Bakewell to pick up a pudding for dessert, or to Chatsworth.

n Amphitheatre above Sheffield railway station. Take a break from commute misery - and a seat - at this 1,000 seat space under Park Hill. It’s a handy space for a sandwich.