Planning a Picnic at a Historic Garden

Why a Historic Garden Is Worth the Trip

There is something quietly wonderful about spreading a blanket on the lawn of a historic garden. The children have room to run, the grown-ups get to sit down, and the backdrop is a good deal prettier than the average park. Walled gardens, rose borders, ancient trees and crumbling follies give a picnic a sense of occasion without any of the stress of a full day at a theme park. The trick is a little planning beforehand so the day runs smoothly.

Check the Practical Details Before You Travel

Historic gardens are not always open every day, and many run reduced hours outside the main season. Check opening times, last entry, and whether you need to book in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays. It is also worth checking the garden's policy on picnics. Some welcome them on the main lawn, others restrict them to a designated area, and a few ask that you use the café instead. A quick look online or a phone call saves disappointment at the gate.

While you are checking, look at the family facilities. The things that matter most are:

• Parking, including whether there is an extra charge and how far it is from the entrance
• Toilets, and whether baby changing is available
• Paths suitable for buggies or wheelchairs
• Whether dogs are allowed, and where
• A café or kiosk for hot drinks and ice creams
• Any family trails, activity sheets or play areas

If you are visiting with very young children or grandparents, ask about seating and the steepness of any slopes. Many gardens sit on hillsides, and a short walk on the map can feel much longer with a pushchair.

Pack a Picnic That Travels Well

The best picnic food is the sort that tastes good cold and does not mind being squashed in a bag. Keep it simple and familiar. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs, chunks of cheese with oatcakes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, hummus and a tub of strawberries all work beautifully. Add a bag of crisps and some flapjack or shortbread, and you have a feast.

A few practical notes:

• Use a cool bag with ice packs, particularly for anything containing mayonnaise, ham or soft cheese
• Wrap children's portions individually so they can help themselves
• Freeze water bottles overnight — they keep the bag cool and are ready to drink by lunchtime
• Take a flask of tea or coffee for the adults
• Bring a small chopping board or plate if you plan to cut fruit or cheese on site

If the weather turns, a picnic in the car or under a gazebo is still a picnic. Do not let a grey sky put you off.

The Kit That Makes the Day Easier

A good blanket is the foundation of the whole operation. Choose one with a waterproof backing, or lay a tarpaulin or picnic mat underneath to keep bottoms dry. British grass is often damp even on a sunny day.

Beyond food and blanket, pack:

• Sun cream and hats, even in spring — gardens can be surprisingly exposed
• Waterproof jackets and a spare layer for everyone
• Wipes, hand gel, tissues and a few plasters
• Bin bags for your rubbish, plus one for wet or muddy clothes
• Insect repellent, especially near ponds and long grass
• A ball, frisbee or skipping rope, and a pack of cards for quieter moments

If you have a little one, a light carrier is often easier than a pushchair on gravel paths and steps.

Choosing Your Spot and Settling In

Arrive reasonably early. Car parks fill up, and the best spots — dappled shade near a hedge, a flat patch with a view of the borders — go first. Look for shade if it is hot, and shelter if it is breezy. Stay clear of obvious wasp nests, and avoid pitching right beside a bin.

Give the blanket a good shake before you sit, and check for ant hills. Then decide your order of play. Some families eat first while everyone is fresh and hungry; others explore first and eat once the children have burnt off some energy. Either works, but having a rough plan avoids the mid-afternoon meltdown.

If the garden has a maze, a walled garden or a kitchen garden, save one of those for after lunch as a gentle stroll. Ponds, streams and fountains are beautiful but need a watchful eye with toddlers.

Making the Most of the Visit

Ask at the entrance about family trails, spotter sheets or seasonal activities. Many historic gardens run these during school holidays at no extra cost, and they give children a focus as you wander. A simple scavenger hunt of your own works just as well: find a leaf with five points, spot a stone urn, count the different colours of rose.

Treat everyone to an ice cream from the café before you leave, and take a last look at the borders on your way out. Remember to take all your rubbish home or put it in the bins provided, keep off delicate lawns where signs ask you to, and leave the flowers for the next family to enjoy. Do that, and a picnic at a historic garden becomes one of those easy, golden days that everyone remembers.