There are always a few elements required to put together a memorable picnic, but some good food and the right location are the essentials. Ayrshire and Arran offers plenty to help out on both scores.

Various local delis and sandwich shops are well worth knowing about if you're looking to pick up ingredients or something ready made. The Wee Deli in West Kilbride, Logans Larder in Fenwick and Jane's Delicatessen in Maybole are great examples in different parts of the region, while for specific ingredients try stopping in at the shop and tearoom at Dunlop Dairy by Stewarton, where they make a range of artisan farmhouse cheeses including cheddar-like Dunlop and soft cheeses shaped like local landmark Ailsa Craig. Bhaile Craft Bakery in Ayr sells a range of breads, pastries and treats that would adorn any picnic, while over on Arran The Bay Kitchen & Stores in Whiting Bay is a handy place to stock up on supplies and The Sandwich Station makes an array of memorable and imaginative sandwiches right by the ferry pier in Lochranza.

As for places to go, Ayrshire's long coastline and rural hinterland has plenty of top spots to offer, among them the estates around Dumfries House by Cumnock and Culzean Castle on the coast near Turnberry, both of which offer extensive grounds, family activities, on-site cafés and historic buildings to check out. One of Scotland's most exclusive picnics is available through Glenapp Castle, a luxury hotel beside Ballantrae, which offers a package for eight people to take a special picnic hamper (and a bottle or two of wine) on the hotel's private speed boat to the uninhabited landmark island of Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde.

All venues featured on the Ayrshire Larder Food Map.