Planning a Visit to Tog Hill Picnic Area: Evertything You Need to Know
There’s something truly refreshing about packing a simple meal, heading outdoors, and enjoying nature’s calm on a sunny afternoon. Whether it’s a family outing, a casual date, or a solo escape, picnics bring a special kind of joy. If you’re looking for a perfect spot with scenic views, easy access, and peaceful surroundings, the Tog Hill Picnic Area is an ideal destination to consider for your next adventure. In this guide, we’ll cover routes, nearby walks and attractions, and tips for the perfect picnic.
Why Visit Tog Hill Picnic Area?
Picnics are always a joy, but why choose Tog Hill over other spots? If you're after a hidden gem that rivals the best camping areas in UK for views, peace, and easy countryside access, here's why it's worth the visit:
Accessibility: Unlike many countryside picnic spots that require long walks, this one sits directly off a main road with its own parking. That makes it easy for families, older visitors, or anyone carrying heavier picnic gear.
Stunning Panoramic Views: Sitting at 221 metres elevation, the summit delivers breathtaking views across the Somerset Levels, the Cotswolds, Bristol, and even South Wales on a clear day.
Direct Access to Nature Trails: Tog Hill is part of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, with public footpaths easily accessible via Gorse Lane and Toghill Lane, leading through peaceful farmland and woodland.
Gateway to Popular Walks: It's a perfect starting point for scenic routes. You can try a circular walk through Doynton Village, or join the Mendip Way to explore further afield, like Cheddar Gorge or Bath's hills.
Best Time to Visit Tog Hill
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is the sweetest window. Wildflowers dot the pastures, daylight stretches long, and breezes stay gentle, perfect for lounging or frisbee. Mornings or late afternoons bring the softest light and usually lighter crowds, whereas autumn offers crisp air and atmospheric colour, and winter vistas brim with open, moody skies.
How to Get There & Where to Park?
Tog Hill is located off the A420 between Bath and Bristol, making it straightforward to reach by car.
Driving Directions:
From Bath: Follow the A46 north and join the A420. Signs point toward Tog Hill.
From Bristol: Take the A420 east toward Chippenham; the picnic area is on your left.
Parking:
There's a small free car park at the site, but spaces are limited. Arrive earlier on sunny weekends to secure a spot. Overflow parking is not formally available, so be considerate of local access roads.
Public Transport:
While buses run along parts of the A420, stops aren't directly next to the picnic area. For those relying on public transport, pairing a bus ride with a short walk is possible, but less convenient.
What Amenities You'll Find at the Picnic Area
The Toghill picnic area has:
Picnic benches
Grass areas for blankets
Bins for rubbish
And what's missing:
No Toilets - plan stops in nearby pubs, cafés, or Dyrham Park (2 miles away).
No Running Water - bring bottles or a refill flask.
No Shops/Cafés - stock up in Bath, Marshfield, or a local farm shop.
This limited setup is part of the charm—it feels rustic, not commercial. But it does mean you'll need to prepare ahead with food, drinks, and any extras for comfort.
Nearby Walks & Attractions Worth a Visit
Tog Hill isn't just a picnic spot; it is also a great base to explore nearby walks and attractions that offer fun all within easy reach.
Nearby Walks
Being on the edge of the Cotswolds and offering expansive views, Tog Hill is a great starting point for walks:
Tog Hill Circuit (Doynton Walk 4): A popular local walk that takes you around the Tog Hill area, offering fine views of Doynton and the Cotswold escarpment. It's a moderate 3-mile walk, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours, with one steep climb and some potentially muddy sections. You can find detailed routes through local village websites like Doyntonvillage.
The Cotswold Way: This famous National Trail passes very close to Tog Hill (around 1 to 1.5 miles away at Hamswell or Cold Ashton). While walking directly from Tog Hill onto the Cotswold Way via main roads might be tricky due to traffic, you can easily drive to a nearby access point. This long-distance footpath offers numerous sections with stunning views, picturesque villages, and historical sites. For those tackling the trail over several days, overnight stays and even a touch of wild camping are sometimes part of the adventure.
Local Footpaths: The surrounding countryside, including areas around Doynton and Wick, is crisscrossed with public footpaths, perfect for shorter, more gentle strolls through fields and woodland. Many of these offer lovely views and connect to local villages and pubs. Toghill House Farm, a nearby B&B, even has marked walking routes within its grounds that guests can use.
Nearby Attractions
Bath: Just 5–7 miles (around 15–20 minutes' drive) from Tog Hill Picnic Area. This UNESCO-listed gem is home to iconic landmarks like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent. You can also enjoy the Thermae Bath Spa, browse the Jane Austen Centre, or take in sweeping views along the Bath Skyline Walk.
Dyrham Park: Only a couple of miles from Tog Hill, Dyrham Park is a National Trust estate featuring a grand 17th-century mansion, baroque gardens, and a vast deer park. It's ideal for a half-day visit, with walking trails that showcase both landscaped grounds and Cotswold hills stretching to the Bristol Channel.
Castle Combe: Often described as England's prettiest village, Castle Combe lies about 20 minutes'drive from Tog Hill. Its cobbled streets, stone cottages, and medieval market cross make it a favourite filming location (including War Horse and Stardust). Visitors can enjoy a riverside walk, a pint at The Castle Inn, or a round of golf at the Manor House Hotel.
Lacock Abbey: Roughly 30 minutes by car, Lacock Abbey is a medieval abbey turned country house with picturesque cloisters, set within a village frozen in time. Owned by the National Trust, both the abbey and the village have starred in TV and films, from Harry Potter to Downton Abbey. Strolling through Lacock feels like stepping into the past, with a mix of heritage, gardens, and tearooms to explore.
Tips for a Perfect Picnic
A little preparation can turn a simple stop at Tog Hill Picnic Area into a memorable outing. Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your day without hassle.
Food Ideas
Keep your picnic menu simple and easy to pack. Items like sausage rolls, sandwiches, or wraps travel well and don't require much setup. Adding a flask of tea or homemade treats like flapjacks makes the day feel extra special. For storage, reusable containers or beeswax wraps are better than clingfilm—both eco-friendly and reliable for keeping food fresh.
Weather Planning
The weather in South Gloucestershire is famously unpredictable, so it's smart to prepare for all possibilities. A lightweight groundsheet will protect against damp grass, while an extra jumper helps once the sun goes down. Even in cooler months, sunscreen and hats are important on clear days, as UV levels can catch people by surprise. Checking the Met Office forecast before heading out gives you the best chance of a comfortable picnic.
Tech & Comfort
Small touches can make your outing more relaxed. A portable speaker can add background music if used at a respectful volume. More importantly, keeping phones charged is useful for photos and navigation if you're walking after lunch. Compact solutions like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station allow you to charge devices easily or even power a small cooler to keep drinks chilled.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Family & Dogs
Families will find plenty of space for children to run and play games like frisbee or football. Dogs are welcome too, though leads are advisable near livestock. A portable water bowl and fresh water keep pets comfortable on warmer days.
Checklist
Bringing the right kit avoids last-minute frustrations.
Blanket or foldable chairs
Reusable cutlery & cups
Hand sanitiser & wipes
Bags for waste
Portable shade (umbrella or sunshade)
With these basics covered, you'll be free to relax and enjoy the views.
Conclusion
The Tog Hill Picnic Area is a gem for anyone seeking a countryside escape near Bath. With sweeping views, links to walking trails, and family-friendly open space, it makes an excellent day trip. While facilities are limited, that can be easily solved with some planning. Bring your food, your flask, and perhaps a portable power station for comfort, and you'll be rewarded with a day that feels simple, scenic, and restorative.
Whether you're passing through on a road trip, heading out for a walk, or meeting friends in the countryside, Tog Hill deserves a spot on your map.
FAQs
Is Tog Hill Picnic Area dog‑friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome, and many walkers bring them. The open space is ideal for play, though leads are recommended where sheep or cattle graze nearby. Always bring waste bags and use the bins provided to keep the site pleasant for all visitors.
Are there toilets or bins at Tog Hill?
There are bins provided at the site, but no toilets or running water. Plan ahead by stopping at nearby service stations or cafés before your visit. Bringing hand sanitiser and wipes will make your picnic more comfortable.