Time to picnic: 20 hotspots with the national trust.
18/02/2011
There’s no better way to enjoy the sunshine than packing a picnic and catching up with friends and family. With parks and gardens in full bloom, the National Trust has highlighted a number of idyllic spots with the best views possible for lunch outdoors.
Where better to spread out a blanket than in a historic park, an intriguing island or in the grounds of an atmospheric abbey or castle ruin? And for those whose picnic preparation isn’t up to scratch, there are plenty of ways to make it extra special with the delicious seasonal food on offer at National Trust cafes and shops.
Here are the top 20 National Trust recommendations for a hot picnic spot:
Aberdulais Falls, Neath Port Talbot
A picturesque gorge, a famous waterfall and wheel plus a plethora of wildlife – that’s the backdrop for picnickers at Aberdulais. Sample a slice of industrial history that dates from Elizabethan copper smelting and a pioneering Victorian tinplate works, to the present day’s environmentally-friendly, hydro-electric scheme. And for dessert? Try the lemon drizzle cake in the Old Works Library tearoom.
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
Lying at the heart of a richly planted garden and sweeping parkland setting, Blickling is one of England's great Jacobean houses. The extensive park features a vast lake and beautiful woodland, with plenty of picnicking opportunities. After tucking in, discover the unusual pyramid-shaped Mausoleum in the medieval park, enjoy the breathtaking views from the Doric temple, get active by hiring bikes or simply take a relaxing game of croquet on the elegant lawns.
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Miles away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and dramatically located in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is the perfect location for a summer picnic. With plenty of history and intrigue, the islands’ story is bound to entertain all who visit- Brownsea acted as decoy to protect Poole and Bournemouth from bombers in the Second World War and the resulting bomb craters are now home to rare wildlife, plus if you believe the rumours, the island is haunted by the ghosts of smugglers. There’s also the chance to spot the island’s most distinctive inhabitant- the rare red squirrel, with its bushy tail and auburn coat.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
The majestic ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset make a remarkable spot for a picnic, where you can discover over 700 years of turbulent history, including the torture, treachery and imprisonment of the Civil War. The ruined castle was also the inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Kirren Castle in the Famous Five, so don’t forget to pack a hamper with lashings of ginger beer. Whether discovering grisly dungeons or chilling out by King John’s medieval tower, a picnic at Corfe Castle is the perfect space to enjoy the longer, lighter days of summer.
Croome, Worcestershire
This stunning 18th-century park was a revolution in garden design and the first complete landscape of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Croome is the perfect summer picnic spot with trails and walks for people of all ages. There are elegant temples, statues and wrought iron bridges to admire and acres of parkland and lakeside gardens to explore. A relaxing circular path around the pleasure garden offers walkers the chance to see the temple greenhouse, pavilion and grotto; walks into the wider estate provide spectacular views across to the Malvern Hills. Restored, former RAF buildings contain a 1940s-themed tea room, shop and visitor facilities.
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire
Land of power and influence for more than 1,000 years, Dinefwr is an iconic place in the history of Wales. The naturalistic park stretches over 480 acres towards the bank of the Tywi, with water-meadows and oak woodland. Home to more than 100 fallow deer and a herd of rare white park cattle, Dinefwr makes a breathtaking backdrop for a summer’s picnic.
Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh
Visit Florence Court and explore this great Irish estate. The beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest offer fantastic opportunities for all the family to enjoy. There are miles of walking and cycle trails, a playground for the children and the opportunity to discover more about nature with adventure tracker packs. Take a stroll into the forest to visit the original mother of all Irish yew trees, visit the blacksmith’s forge, carpenters workshop and sawmill or simply relax with a picnic in the peaceful gardens and enjoy stunning views of mountain scenery.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
With over nine centuries of history and the most important 18th-century water garden in England, it can be difficult deciding just where to spread a picnic rug at Fountains Abbey. Explore the extensive ruins of the Cistercian abbey, or discover the water garden with canals, moon-shaped ponds, elegant temples and neo-classical statues – all guaranteed to capture the imagination.
Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne
For a taste of the country on the edge of the city, escape to an 18th-century ‘forest garden’ and landscape park, just miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. Woodland walks, riverside rambles, wide open spaces and atmospheric buildings make Gibside the ideal place to roll out a rug and enjoy picnicking in the summer sun. Take time to explore the ruins of the orangery and hall, stroll down the beautiful tree-lined ‘long walk’ or marvel as red kites soar above the dramatic Column to Liberty. For spontaneous picnics, treat yourself to some of the North East’s finest seasonal foods and mouth-watering produce from the Gibside Larder farm shop.
Glendurgan, Cornwall
Get lost in the valleys of Glendurgan garden and, for those feeling brave, enter the laurel maze. A superb subtropical valley with nearly 200 years of history, the garden has spectacular examples of species from all over the world, boasting some of the tallest trees of their kind in Europe. Tiptoe over the bamboo bridge, and work up an appetite on the Giant’s Stride swing. Admire the beautiful fishing cottages at the bottom of the valley in the picturesque hamlet of Durgan and cool off after a picnic with a paddle in the calm estuary.
Ickworth, Suffolk
The impressive rotunda gives a striking impression of 18th-century life. The house stands in 70 acres of stunning gardens and 1,800 acres of idyllic parkland, including a vineyard, canal, lake and woodland walks – picnickers will be spoilt for choice. For 200 years the infamous and eccentric Harvey family continued to add to the treasures inside and out, creating the first and finest Italianate garden in England. For the adults of the group, Ickworth’s award-winning wine, made from grapes grown in the estate’s vineyard, is the perfect picnic accompaniment – available in the shop.
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, Kedleston Hall’s spectacular garden has been restored to an 18th-century pleasure ground. With broad lawns and spectacular views over parkland, the garden is full of fascinating buildings and ornaments - look out for the unusual statue of the young poet, Thomas Chatterton, which lies on the ground. Relax in the wider park with a picnic by the charming lakes and cascades and then, work off lunch with a stroll around the grounds with stunning views over the lakes.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
Lyme, which played a starring role as Jane Austen’s ‘Pemberley’ in the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is a breathtaking setting for a picnic. There’s plenty of room to choose a picnic spot in the 1,400 acre park, which contains an early 18th-century hunting tower called ‘the cage’, as well as woodland and a lantern folly with breathtaking views. After lunch, take a gentle stroll though the opulent Victorian garden, with its sunken parterre, and enjoy the luxurious Jekyll-style borders and the lake where ‘Darcy and Elizabeth’ famously met.
Mottisfont, Hampshire
A picnic at the heart of this tranquil rural estate will not disappoint. The grounds of Mottisfont set alongside the fast-flowing River Test, reflect layers of history, including the Gothic remains of the original 13th-century Augustinian priory. With the handsome old house as a back-drop, large expanses of lawn and generous shade provided by the majestic plane trees, Mottisfont is a must for picnic lovers. Don't miss the spectacular walled gardens and idyllic riverside walks.
Mount Stewart, Co. Down
The famous gardens at Mount Stewart are particularly spectacular during the summer months when the series of carefully-planted outdoor ‘rooms’ and parterres are alive with colour. Bring a picnic and explore the mythology of the magical gardens created by Lady Edith Londonderry in the 1920s and take a closer look at how plants from such far flung corners of the world as South Africa and Japan are able to flourish in the gentle microclimate here. Take in the magnificent views across Strangford Lough from the romantically idyllic Temple of the Winds. There are all kinds of oddities to delight children; find the crocodiles and dodos in the gardens or discover the life size white stag – perfect to picnic next to.
Petworth, West Sussex
Enjoy a summer’s picnic in the parkland that inspired Turner. With more than 700 acres, Petworth’s grounds were landscaped over a period of 14 years by ‘Capability’ Brown in the mid 18th-century. Remaining intact today, Brown’s park provides pure escapism, so why not make a day of it and bring a picnic. Take a wander down the rolling slopes to the magnificent serpentine lake, breathe in the endless open space, and discover the neo-classical buildings in the pleasure ground. There’s also the opportunity to observe the largest herd of fallow deer in England, which roam right up to the windows of the grand house. (Please note: picnics are not permitted in the pleasure ground)
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Celebrated for its beauty across the world, Stourhead near Bath, is a haven of tranquillity. Hidden away in a secluded valley, the 18th-century landscape garden is the perfect location for a picnic. With over a 100 acres set around a huge lake, scattered with classical and Gothic buildings, it may be difficult deciding just where to sit. From discovering the circular temple dedicated to Apollo, to cooling off by the natural spring and grotto, it’s little wonder Stourhead has been attracting visitors for centuries.
Stowe Landscape Garden, Buckinghamshire
An 18th-century landscape that continues to amaze today, Stowe is full of mystery and hidden meaning. Discover some of the most famous figures in British history immortalised in the niches of the Temple of British Worthies, explore the ruins of the Temple of Friendship (once an important 18th-century political hub) or simply unwind with a picnic surrounded by wildflowers in the Grecian valley. With over 40 ornamental garden monuments, in a landscape that includes wide open spaces and beautiful lakes, Stowe has everything it takes for an atmospheric picnic.
Sizergh Castle and Garden, Cumbria
Situated close to the Lake District, this imposing house with a collection of gardens has plenty of impressive places to spread out a picnic rug. The 1,600 acre estate includes limestone pasture, orchards and ancient, semi-natural woodland and the National Trust’s largest rock garden. Take a stroll along the footpaths from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and Lakeland Hills, or even bring the picnic up here for lunch with a
breathtaking view.
Wallington, Northumberland
With a garden that has developed over more than two centuries, Wallington has plenty of space for picnics and play. Lounge on the spacious east lawn by the line of mysterious dragons’ heads, or under the shade of the tall golden yews on the west lawn. For a cool retreat from the summer heat, take time to discover the hidden pond in the walled garden. Lined with fragrant shrubs and grassy areas, it is an enchanting spot.