As Watford is set for one of the hottest days of the year this weekend, here are five great spots to have a picnic.

The surrounding area has no shortage of picturesque and tranquil places to take a break from the town's hustle and bustle.

From quiet canal side spots to parks with playgrounds to keep your kids occupied, there is sure to be something for everyone in this list.

Cassiobury Park

Featuring 190 acres of grassland, Cassiobury Park is the obvious choice for a picnic in the sunshine this weekend.

Watford Observer: Cassiobury Park.Cassiobury Park. (Image: Peter Vlad Dan / Watford Observer Camera Club)

It represents great fun for families with its model railway and paddling pools for children to play in, as well as the new Cedar Cafe at the Hub for the adults to enjoy a well-earned break.

Grand Union Canal

Running past Rickmansworth and to the west of Cassiobury Park, the Grand Union Canal has plenty of great locations to have a picnic as you watch the boats pass by.

Watford Observer: The Grand Union Canal near Watford.The Grand Union Canal near Watford. The waterway links Little Venice in London with the centre of Birmingham, and is lined by colourful canal boats and public footpath with a whole range of spots to take a break.

Leavesden Country Park

Rated one of UK’s “Best Kept Secrets”, Leavesden Country Park in Abbots Langley is another spot near Watford to enjoy a meal in the sunshine this weekend.

Watford Observer: Leavesden Country Park.Leavesden Country Park. With around 50 acres of parkland and two children’s play areas for them to blow off some steam, the park has something for the whole family.

Rickmansworth Aquadrome

This 101-acre Local Nature Reserve next to Rickmansworth also provides great opportunities for a relaxed lunch in the fresh air.

Watford Observer: The Rickmansworth Aquadrome.The Rickmansworth Aquadrome. The reserve features two lakes as well as open grassland and woods, as well as the Cafe in the Park if you forgot to bring anything for the picnic.

Whippendell Wood

For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, the ancient woodland of Whippendell Wood is a great choice for a bit of peace and quiet.

The woodland is accessible by footpath and spans 165 acres to the west of Watford, so you are sure to find a secluded spot to enjoy the warm weather. 

Watford Observer: Bluebells in bloom at Whippendell Wood.Bluebells in bloom at Whippendell Wood. You might even catch the last of its collection of bluebells as they have been flowering through the spring into May.