Where's the best place for a picnic?
Is there anything more quintessentially English than a picnic?
We look after over 400 historic sites across the country, and almost all of them are perfect places to throw down a blanket and start handing round the cucumber sandwiches.
We asked our members to pick their top five best English Heritage sites for a picnic - did your favourite make it onto the list?
1: Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
‘Watching the sea birds and the waves,’ is just one of the reasons one of our members gave for choosing Dunstanburgh Castle as their favourite spot for a picnic. Remote and peaceful, Dunstanburgh has a rich history dating back to 1313 when Earl Thomas of Lancaster chose this particular rugged Northumberland headland to build a stronghold. Enjoy a coastal walk before or after your lunch at one of the most dramatically sited fortresses in England.
Book your visit today2: Dover Castle, Kent
Sitting high atop the iconic White Cliffs, Dover Castle and its grounds have plenty of space to sit and enjoy a picnic surrounded by 2,000 years of history, from a Roman lighthouse to Second World War heritage. Known as the ‘Key to England’, Dover has played a crucial role in the development of the country and offers a great day out for all the family.
Book your visit today3: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Wrest Park offers ‘so much green space to have picnics easily’, which is why it’s proved so popular with our members for a little outside dining. There’s always something new to discover in the vast and infinitely varied gardens, enlivened by stunning vistas, a wealth of statues and charming follies such as the iconic Archer Pavilion, a baroque showstopper built between 1709 and 1711.
Book your visit today4: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
‘We really like Stonehenge as there's always something new to look at,’ is what one member says. Whether you've visited before or never seen the ancient stones for yourself, there’s plenty of things to see and do at one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites. And lots of space for a peaceful scenic picnic too!
Book your visit today5: Osborne, Isle of Wight
Osborne’s colourful grounds, including the lavishly restored lower terrace, are a feast for the senses and the perfect place to see what life was like for Queen Victoria and her family away from the hustle and bustle of London. From lovely grounds to secluded beaches, you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning views and lush gardens just as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would have done.
Book your visit todayHonourable mentions also go to Witley Court and Gardens in Worcestershire, Beeston Castle and Woodland Park in Cheshire and Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Now it's time for you to find your new favourite picnic spot!
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