The NT's top 10 perfect picnics this Summer
17/05/2007
There’s no better way to enjoy the sunshine than packing a picnic and heading for the great outdoors.
The National Trust has highlighted 10 idyllic spots which will ensure your picnic goes with a swing. So whether you fancy picnicking in a historic park, an island or in the grounds of an atmospheric abbey or castle ruin there’s a magical spot just waiting for you.
Lyme Park, Cheshire
This property played a starring role as ‘Pemberley’ in the BBC
adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and is a breathtaking setting for a Summer's day picnic. You won’t be limited for space in the 1,400 acre park which contains an early 18th century hunting tower called ‘The Cage’.
Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Families can picnic in this ‘forest garden’ with its many miles of walks through woodland and beside the River Derwent. There are streams
to paddle in, woods to explore and open spaces to sit back and relax in. The estate is a Site of Special Interest so look out for red squirrels, kingfishers, rabbits and other wildlife.
Wallington, Northumberland
Another favourite with the children! Picnic on a selection of lawns, including the central lawn in the courtyard where children can let off steam. Or for the braver picnickers you could place your rug near the stone griffin heads!
Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
Soak up the atmosphere in the Georgian water garden at Fountains Abbey which as a World Heritage Site is famous for its lakes, cascades and temples. You could even spread your rug beneath the gothic arches and spectacular ruins of this Cistercian abbey and watermill.
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Here you can take a boat to the island which was an old haunt of smugglers but is now a nature reserve. Take the opportunity to watch the antics of red squirrels, deer and seabirds and take in some spectacular views of Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills. You can take your picnic anywhere on this car free island so why not try out
the new cliff top walk or the Smugglers’ trail.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Have a ‘Famous Five’ picnic here at the property which was the inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Kirren Castle. Take your rug and your picnic basket and find a grassy spot in the outer bailey or west bailey within the castle.
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
If it’s exercise or relaxation you’re after, there’s something to suit at Kedleston as there are plenty of long and short walks to choose from. Why not take a walk around the lakeside or you might prefer a woodland and wilderness walk before you settle down to your picnic by the lake.
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Chances are you will be able to find a secluded spot for your picnic in 100 acres of landscaped gardens, by the lake or even in front of the temple.
Mottisfont, Nr Romsey, Hampshire
For a truly tranquil picnic you couldn’t find anywhere better! Situated alongside the fast flowing River Test the sweeping lawns are a haven for flora and fauna. One of the main attractions of Mottisfont is its magnificent plane trees but be sure not to miss the riverside walks and walled gardens.
Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire
Stowe is the perfect setting for a family picnic. You could opt for the Grecian valley full of beautiful wild flowers of the Temple of Venus overlooking the lake. Either way, make sure you drink in the wonderful view.
(Image courtesy of Stuart Cox)