Our top 10 braai spots in the

Heritage Day Braai, Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short

Our top 10 braai spots in the UK

Are you ‘lus’ for a braai? Check out these Saffa ‘tried and tested’ spots.

Our top 10 braai spots in the

Heritage Day Braai, Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short

So you’re planning a braai for the weekend. The best place to buy your boerewors and steak for an Mzansi-style braai in the UK is The Savanna. Now you’ve got what you need, but where to go?

10. Horton Country Park, Epsom, Surrey.

Perfect for families and large gatherings, you can also hire BBQ’s (BRAAI’s) by contacting them in advance. There’s plenty of land to explore and with a golf course next door, we’re sure all the Saffa dads will love this place! For more information visit their website: Horton Country Park.

9. London Fields, Hackney, north London.

For those of you in central London, get out and meet other Londoners with a barbecue at London Fields park in north London.

There's always plenty of new friends to be made over a braai in London Fields, Hackney, London. Photo: Shutterstock.
There’s always plenty of new friends to be made over a braai in London Fields, Hackney, London. Photo: Shutterstock.

 

8. Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire.

Situated 4 miles south of Petersfield, Hampshire. There are 11 braai areas in the forest which can be hired for 2 hour set periods between 11am to 7pm for £10 per session. Each area caters for up to 12 people and comes with a picnic table. There are also 4 larger sites suitable for bigger groups and they offer a 25% discount for booking Monday to Thursday, excluding Bank Holidays. For more information visit their website: Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

7.  Blair Drummond Safari Park, Scotland.

What better way to enjoy a ‘taste of home’ than to braai and get up close and personal with some of our Big 5 and other African animals. Blair Drummond Safari Park is a great day out for the whole family and they have designated areas for you to braai. An hour away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, this is the perfect place for Saffa’s in Scotland to get together. If going in a large group, contact them in advance to arrange a discount (you’ll need to give them your car registration numbers for discount upon arrival).

Saffa gathering at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Scotland. Photo: Marc Christensen.
Saffa gathering at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Scotland. Photo: Marc Christensen.

6. Locks Ride Recreational Ground, Bracknell, Berkshire.

Boasting a splash pad, beach area with sand and kids play area along with small or large braai areas to hire, this is a great spot for families. You do need to book a braai area at least a week in advance though. Costs £10 for 2 hours for up to 10 people or £35 for 3 hours for up to 20 people. For more information visit their website: Locks Ride Recreational Ground.

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5. Frinton-on-sea, Essex.

What could be better than a braai at the beach? Find a spot on the grassy area next to the beach and take along your own portable BBQ. For more information visit their website: Frinton-on-sea.

Frinton-on-sea, Essex. Photo: Shutterstock.
Frinton-on-sea, Essex. Photo: Shutterstock.

4. Southwater Park, Horsham, West Sussex.

Perfect for the kids! This park features a dinosaur themed playground area and if the weather is right, make sure to pack swimming costumes as you can take a dip in the lake.

South African braai at Southwater Park, Horsham, West Sussex. Photo: Claire Roadley.
South African braai at Southwater Park, Horsham, West Sussex. Photo: Claire Roadley.

3. West Wittering beach, West Sussex.

Quite possibly one of the best beach spots. Make sure you’re up before the crack of dawn if you have a long drive as the large car park fills up really quickly. There is a large sandy beach but if it gets a little windy, you can always braai near the car on the grass area.

West Wittering beach, Sussex. Photo: Shutterstock.
West Wittering beach, Sussex. Photo: Shutterstock.

There is also a take-away and restaurant, beach shop and toilet facilities.

2. Wimbledon Park, South West London.

Last year approximately 250 South Africans gather to braai here for Heritage Day. The great part about this location is that you’re near enough to a number of South African shops to stock up on the all important braai meat and other essentials.

Heritage Day braai in Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short.
Heritage Day braai in Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short.

Grab a picnic blanket, pack some boerewors, salad, perhaps even some milelebread and a few cold ones and gather your friends together for a chilled afternoon. The best spot is near the water’s edge and next to the public toilets, a short walk across the grass from the main car park.

Sharing is caring. Various groups sharing utensils and braai's at last year's Heritage Day braai in Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short.
Sharing is caring. Various groups sharing utensils and braai’s at last year’s Heritage Day braai in Wimbledon Park, September 2014. Photo: Hayley Short.

1. Your own back garden.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a patio or patch of grass then get those coals hot and call up your mates! There’s nothing like a last minute kuier to brighten up any weekend. And if rain threatens to spoil your fun, have a gazebo handy.

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Something only South Africans truly understand: bonding with friends, beer in hand, over a braai! Photo: Hayley Short.