Everyone should try a dawn picnic once in their life, especially if you have children. You'll need to find a hill that is east-facing, and easily accessible by public footpath.
We chose the South Downs, which has great views of the sun rising. Pack your picnic the evening before – we took a camping stove, matches, frying pan and our favourite breakfast ingredients of bacon and eggs, as well as something comfortable to sit on.
What still leaves an impression was the sense of quiet and then, gradually, a faint glow appearing in the east. Little by little the sky lightened and the sun came up, at which point we raised our glasses – champagne for us and orange juice for the children – in a setting we'd never forget.
Three great dawn picnic spots
• Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire – choose a spot on the golden sand or the high grassy cliffs surrounding it
• Brownsea Island, Dorset – pretend you're castaways and enjoy stunning views
• Avon Valley Country Park, Bristol – acres of countryside and lots of wildlife
Voted for by nationalpicnicweek.co.uk
