Places to Picnic - Our Top Picks

Wrest Park in Bedfordshire

When the weather’s fine, there’s nothing better than packing up your picnic hamper and heading off to the great outdoors. Our properties provide some stunning locations to spread out your picnic rug, from the grounds of a romantic ruined castle, to the magnificent landscaped gardens of an elegant Victorian residence.

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Places to Picnic

Here are our top five picnic spots:

Our favourites

Fancy al fresco dining in an unusual setting?

  • At Old Wardour Castle, explore the Grotto - hidden from view until you enter the site
  • Enjoy spectacular views over eight counties at Beeston Castle 
  • Discover the unusual Pet Cemetery at Wrest Park, hidden within peaceful woodland

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Places to visit

Witley Court and Gardens
Witley Court and Gardens

Worcestershire | West Midlands

A hundred years ago, Witley Court was one of England's great country houses, hosting many extravagant parties. Today it is a spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937.

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Wrest Park
Wrest Park

Bedfordshire | East of England

Visit this Bedfordshire visitor attraction, one of the most magnificent gardens in England yet one of the least well known.

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Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey

North Yorkshire | Yorkshire and the Humber

Rievaulx Abbey is the perfect choice for a peaceful and tranquil day out.

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Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park

Cheshire | North West

If you’re planning a family day out in Cheshire, then a visit to Beeston Castle in Tarporley fits the bill perfectly. This 'Castle of the Rock' is famous for its spectacular views.

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Eltham Palace and Gardens
Eltham Palace and Gardens

London

When millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their 1930s Art Deco mansion by the Great Hall of medieval Eltham Palace, they created a masterpiece of 20th-century design.

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Old Wardour Castle
Old Wardour Castle

Wiltshire | South West

Set in landscaped grounds beside a lake in peaceful Wiltshire countryside, these 14th century ruins provide a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike.

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Events

Chinese and French Wallpaper Room Tours
Chinese and French Wallpaper Room Tours
Venue: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Date: First Sunday of each month

Join us for a guided tour of the spectacular, and usually unseen Chinese and French Wallpaper Rooms
Fashion From the Past: Costume Display
Fashion From the Past: Costume Display
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Date: Mon 21 - Fri 25 May 2012

Tudor costume fit for a King and Queen on display. A variety of replica costumes for Tudor noble men and women, plus hands-on activity for children.
The Medieval Year: Spring and Summer
The Medieval Year: Spring and Summer
Venue: Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

Meet the medieval townsfolk of the York City Levy as they reveal some of the tasks, customs and celebrations of the medieval Spring and Summer. Costumed performers present life in the 15th century through presentations and living history.
Bringing Audley End to Life!
Bringing Audley End to Life!
Venue: Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

Spring is here and it’s time for tea! Come and visit Mrs Crocombe’s kitchens, and learn about the tastes and textures of a truly Victorian afternoon tea. From delicate scones to the original victoria sandwiches, come and share in Mrs Crocombe’s secrets.
Fashion From the Past: Costume Presentations
Fashion From the Past: Costume Presentations
Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

A weekend of fashion from the past, taking a look at fashion with rations from the 1940’s contrasting with displays of Regency dress for dandies and ladies. Plus sumptuous Tudor costume on static display.
A Grand Medieval Joust
A Grand Medieval Joust
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

A magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Revel in the drama of clashing knights on horseback and cheer on your favourite. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too. Let the battle commence!
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