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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wonder why people have picnics in car parks?

92 replies

Tournesol · 25/05/2015 18:13

I dunno if it is just a National Trust thing but it seems people seem to be obsessed with sitting round their car having a picnic when if they walked just 50 metres they could sit in a proper lovely picnic spot with picnic benches and everything!

Can anyone enlighten me? Am I missing out on something here?

OP posts:

paxtecum · 25/05/2015 18:15

It's a palaver to carry it all.

MargoReadbetter · 25/05/2015 18:17

I don't know where they find the space near their car. At NT car parks they pack you in.

So where did you go today, OP?

almondcakes · 25/05/2015 18:18

Hassle of carrying things, dogs, disabled people, shelter from the wind, don't like picnic spots.

treaclesoda · 25/05/2015 18:20

It's nice and cosy in the car. Sometimes that's nicer.

sadpanda · 25/05/2015 18:20

I think it's a 'posh people' thing. I know that it's traditional at a lot of sporting events, eg Twickenham

WipsGlitter · 25/05/2015 18:20

OMG. DP and I always comment on this!! With nt places it could be because they are expensive. We went to a local beauty spot. Couple in car park, deckchairs and thermos out, watching the traffic how past them (they were sitting on the exit route). Literally two minute walk away amazing beach / grassy knoll.

Koalafications · 25/05/2015 18:22

I think it's a bit odd, too.

I'm sure they have their bizarre reasons though

Fluffyears · 25/05/2015 18:25

Our neighbours had a nice garden but would sit in the carpark behind the houses in deckchairs with their friends having a drink, one night they asked us to join them, we politely declined and couldn't work out why they couldn't sit in nice garden.

Varya · 25/05/2015 18:27

My husband wont eat outdoors or away from the car either, he says its because he does not like insects buzzing around. A bit of a killjoy, IMO.

Canyouforgiveher · 25/05/2015 18:27

We live near a lake and I often see people who drive down, park, and sit there facing away from the lake/view. baffling.

Original poster

Tournesol · 25/05/2015 18:29

I am glad it is not just me! It was yesterday actually, we were at the lovely Wimpole Hall which is literally surrounded by acres of picnic heaven and yet there they were, the usual suspects sat around their car boot, enjoying the car fumes and the view of some cars while they munched their sandwiches.

DH was so puzzled he actually insisted I ask on MN!

OP posts:

sadpanda · 25/05/2015 18:29

Trust me on this it's a posh person thing.

Ascot car park:

To wonder why people have picnics in car parks?

Postchildrenpregranny · 25/05/2015 18:29

Picnics in the car in the pouring rain are very British. But not in the car park, I agree. Though my DPs used to take a primus to make tea and you wouldnt want to lug that far . Those were the days ...

jaynebxl · 25/05/2015 18:31

That's so funny. We were just talking about this today. Went to a lovely place with lots of lovely picnic benches about 30 sec walk from car park and there was a family sitting on the grass just by their car having their picnic. They looked really uncomfy and I was dying to ask them why. It was a mum, dad and 2 children. No toddlers or buggies. All I can think is they particularly like the smell of the exhaust fumes.

almondcakes · 25/05/2015 18:31

Tournesol, I have given you reasons!

I don't own a car, but my parents love a picnic in or near the car.

I think it is also an extension of them preferring a caravan to a hotel.

Diamond23 · 25/05/2015 18:38

It's not a posh person thing, it's just that events where you take a picnic tend to be a bit middle class (although Ascot is common as muck)

Phalarope · 25/05/2015 18:39

It's the same people who set up camp on the beach two paces from the path from the car park. An enjoyable day spent watching everyone else tripping up over you. Bonus points if you're also by the overflowing dog poo bin and/or sewage outlet.

Lulabellarama · 25/05/2015 18:42

Saw evidence of this at West Wittering beach on Saturday. Beautiful beach 20 feet away, picnicking/barbecuing next to their car.
Definitely not posh either!

Mrsstarlord · 25/05/2015 18:49

We have been known to do this, a) it's easier than carrying everything b) it's warmer c) in the indoor places it's preferable to being packed into the picnic warehouse.

TwartFaceBeetj · 25/05/2015 18:50

Ascots different though it's an event.

It's normal for 'events'

There was a stately home we went to regularly and there were some people who arrive early with friends in another car put up a gazebo, get table and chairs out, then set up cricket in the middle

I don't think ever made it to the gardens or house. It was a very normal thing at this place

Phalarope · 25/05/2015 18:52

Actually, have just realised I'm guilty of the opposite, dragging everyone on an epic trek to find the mythical picnic spot of dreams, ignoring the wails of the footsore and weary, eventually ending somewhere equally godforsaken but with a significantly longer walk back to the car.

Koalafications · 25/05/2015 19:35

Why not just picnic at Tesco then? That way they don't even have to lug the food very far!

BeeHappyAndSmile · 25/05/2015 19:41

Beats me, I'd never have a picnic in the car but then we have picnics in our garden from time to time so who am I to judge?!

Sparklingbrook · 25/05/2015 19:42

at 'Picnic at Tesco', you could be onto something Koala. You get the sausage rolls and I'll get the pop and I will spread the picnic blanket just by the scan and shop tills.

ConferencePear · 25/05/2015 19:42

This is definitely a British thing. In France I see people who take a cloth to cover the picnic tables provided and then they all sit down together. Much more civilised.

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