Nothing beats a picnic…it is quintessentially British of course!
July is National Picnic Month and as well as the delicious food, finding the perfect spot is, of course, top priority, too.
With more than 400 historic sties across the country, English Heritage has some top places to throw down your blanket, pitch up your basket and settle down for a summer picnic.
And, this summer is the perfect time to save on gift and annual memberships. Check out the link to the website and save those summer pounds! Join English Heritage | English Heritage)
English Heritage’s members have picked their top five English Heritage sites for a picnic, is your favourite on the list?
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland.
‘Watching the sea birds and the waves,’ is one of the reasons one of the charity’s 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. You can find out more about the castle via English Heritage’s website here.
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. Check out English Heritage’s website link to Dover Castle here.
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
Wrest Park offers ‘so much green space to have picnics easily’, which is why it’s proved so popular with 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. Want to know more about Wrest Park, check it out on English Heritage’s website.
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! Be inspired with more about Stonehenge via this link.
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, enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning views and lush gardens just as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would have done. Check out this grand picnic spot and plan your visit here.
We’ve teamed up with English Heritage to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships. English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
To find out more, simply click here for English Heritage’s website.
Want to extend your fun? How about a summer holiday with history? English Heritage not only has some fascinating sites to explore, did you know it has historical places to stay in too.
There’s everything from garden sites to countryside retreats and no holiday is complete without a trip to the coast so it’s good to know some locations are perfect to take in the fresh seaside air!
Check out the top spots here!
Use code NEWSQ25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: December 31, 2025.
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.
