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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what goes in your beach day picnic?

88 replies

holtol · 24/07/2024 12:39

Family day out to the beach is planned, not something we have done for years, 7 of us in total.

We park a short walk away from the beach and don't have a trailer to transport although think we may need one!

Beach towels, blanket, buckets and spades as well as camping chairs will be out little set up.

But I'm struggling with the picnic - do I freeze loads of bottled water and fill a cool bag with snacks or do we just go somewhere cheap for lunch? Trying to keep costs down!

Picnic ideas are welcomed, was thinking

Sausages in rolls
Fruit - what is easiest to eat - bananas?
Snacky things like soreen bars
Would carrot sticks work?

I feel a bit out of practice so what are the easy things to fill us up and last us the day?

OP posts:
Ailbhe123 · 24/07/2024 14:29

Sandwiches or rolls
Cut up melon
Crisps
Ice cream from the ice cream van

user1492757084 · 24/07/2024 14:27

I would take some nice French bakery bread sticks, buttered, with fillings such as jam or cheese, tomato and lettuce or curried egg and some apples, grapes or mandarines.
I would drink water and bring cash to purchase coffee and something extra like fish and chips, if I stayed beaching for hours and if there were a shop.

Alternatively, you could bring packaged crisps, biscuits and apples and cash and trust that there would be a shop.

Omlettes · 24/07/2024 14:24

mumonthehill · 24/07/2024 12:47

I live by the sea and often see very elaborate picnics!! Honestly being there will be such a treat do not worry too much. Make their favourite sandwiches, add in sausage rolls, cocktail sausages and nicer crisps and they will have a great day. Add in some sweet treats and have a great time!

No wonder kids are so desperately fat and unhealthy in the UK.
Have you heard of vegetables, fruit, fish, real meat?

ObelixtheGaul · 24/07/2024 14:18

mumonthehill · 24/07/2024 12:47

I live by the sea and often see very elaborate picnics!! Honestly being there will be such a treat do not worry too much. Make their favourite sandwiches, add in sausage rolls, cocktail sausages and nicer crisps and they will have a great day. Add in some sweet treats and have a great time!

I live by the beach, too, and am fascinated by the paraphernalia some take with them. The traditional windbreak/toolbox/bucket and spade PLUS one or more small tents, several folded seats, inflatables, etc.. The other week, I saw one family with a big saucepan full of lovely smelling curry, a rice dish, proper plates and cutlery. Not too much further down, a man was barbecuing steaks on a proper mini barbecue, not one of those foil jobs. It wasn't gas, either.
Some people look like they've moved in for a week. You wonder how they fit it all in the car. I love it, it's great to see families enjoying the beach.

holtol · 24/07/2024 14:03

FourNeedWeek · 24/07/2024 13:52

Four pack of Stella, a bottle of Blossom Hill, and some Quavers.

I know this is a joke but actually some pre mixed low alcohol cans may be a shout!

OP posts:
bakebelieve · 24/07/2024 13:56

FourNeedWeek · 24/07/2024 13:52

Four pack of Stella, a bottle of Blossom Hill, and some Quavers.

😆

FourNeedWeek · 24/07/2024 13:52

Four pack of Stella, a bottle of Blossom Hill, and some Quavers.

MavisPennies · 24/07/2024 13:43

Rotisserie chicken, french stick, box of cherry tomatoes, box of chopped cucumber & carrot sticks, hummus, butter, box of strawberries or water melon, everyone gets their own water bottle and then buy a 'nice' drink there.

Sahara123 · 24/07/2024 13:15

My sister is coming to stay soon and has asked can we go to the beach and take a cooked chicken ! This us because when mine were little id pack a chicken, some part baked bread and a home made cake, usually lemon drizzle or Nigellas lemon iced gingerbread 🤣 god I'm a poncey feeder aren't I !
Ive now realised we take a Cobb cooker and cook sausages , is that better or worse ..

storminabuttercup · 24/07/2024 12:58

In the past we've taken some nice sandwiches and got some chips from the chippy on the front to share, means one person can go get chips and you can stay on the beach. We always freeze bottled water as it's lovely to have nice cold drinks later in the day.

MuggleMe · 24/07/2024 12:52

I usually do cucumber and a big melon to keep them hydrated, then rolls, crisps and usual snacks.

mumonthehill · 24/07/2024 12:47

I live by the sea and often see very elaborate picnics!! Honestly being there will be such a treat do not worry too much. Make their favourite sandwiches, add in sausage rolls, cocktail sausages and nicer crisps and they will have a great day. Add in some sweet treats and have a great time!

VivaLaSpag · 24/07/2024 12:43

Personally I would find somewhere cheap for lunch if you’re in a position to, and then just take a few snacks. I find picnics are the devils own work 🤣 because the kids know the stuff is there and just want to get stuck in as soon as we hit the beach/park….
Then there’s squabbling and somehow their appetites increase just coz they know the food is there.
If you have lunch out you might get away with an ice cream mid afternoon and some drinks. Your load will be lighter too