Grab a blanket, wicker hamper, sandwiches, and bottle of English wine, and enjoy a good old-fashioned picnic in these top spots for a picnic to remember.
Sandwiches by a castle
Once home to the kings of Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle has watched over Northumberland’s shoreline for centuries, and has witnessed royal rebellions, bloody battles and spellbinding legends. These days the castle is a breath-taking landmark on England’s north-east coast, and with stretches of beach offering views up to the fortress, it’s an ideal spot to have a picnic and take in the scenery.
Snacks and the city
It may seem odd to have a picnic outside of Belfast’s City Hall, but trust us on this one. Completed in 1906 and located in the north-east of Northern Ireland, the stunning building covers vast grounds, including an enclosed courtyard. Wrapped around the building are bright open areas of grass, perfect for last-minute picnics and taking in the amazing architecture of the city hall.
A picture-postcard picnic
Despite its somewhat ghoulish name, Lower Slaughter (actually meaning ‘Wet land’) is an idyllic village in the English county of Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds. Through the heart of this picture-perfect village runs the Little Eye Stream lined with unspoilt limestone cottages. Quite the spot for a quaint picnic.
Lunch like lord and lady of the manor
While the mansion of the Wallington Estate in Northumberland is a fairly formal affair (check out the Italian courtyard and Lady Wilson’s ‘cabinet of curiosities’), the surrounding gardens are just made for spreading out on a sunny day. The hardest bit will be deciding where to unfold the blanket: with rolling lawns, grassy courtyards or secluded spots by the lakes and ponds. And you can always nip into the estate’s Farm Shop to top up with some homemade cake.
Nibble with Nessie
Surrounded by centuries of legends, and no end of picnic spots, is Loch Ness in Scotland’s Highlands. This beautiful region has trails to explore, touring cruises to take on the lake, and idyllic locations to hunker down and eat your lunch, you can even try and spot Nessie whilst enjoying a sausage roll or 2...
