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[Jennifer Jane]

We are planning our annual family picnic later this month and I wondered if anyone had any tips for good places to take a picnic. Previous picnics have been held at Chatsworth & Shugborough, but my SIL has since moved so we need to go south.

 

Our locations range from Leicestershire to Somerset, which is why I thought Gloucestershire/Cotswolds would be fairly central. Our ages range from 14 to 83. It would be nice if there was somewher indoors in case of bad weather, and walks (not too long!) & gardens for if the sun shines.

 

You've helped me out before, so I'm hopeful that there will be some great ideas.

[Medwriter]

Two places that probably meet your requirements are:

 

Sudeley Castle nr Cheltenham - 'reclaimed' castle with links to Elizabeth I, nice gardens with pheasantry (!) and picnic/play area. I visited with my parents (79 and 84) in May (www.sudeleycastle.co.uk)

Eastnor Castle between Malvern and Ledbury - 19th century 'castle' with extensive grounds (www.eastnorcastle.com)

 

Neither is as grand as Chatsworth, but both are close to the M5/M50, so suitable for people coming from various points across the country, and are in lovely surroundings.

 

Hope you have a great day, wherever you go

[..lay a little egg for me]

If you're keen on gardens, Hidcote is fantastic. My mother, a keen gardener always raved about it.

If history is your thing then Sudeley as mentioned above is good, but also Chedworth Roman Villa, which I remember visiting on a school trip. Unfortunately, the main mosaics are not open this year, but will be next year so perhaps you could go there next year!

If weird collections and nice gardens interest you, try Snowshill Manor, another place I remember from a school trip as being very interesting.

 

Eastnor Castle as mentioned above is lovely (although in Herefordshire not Gloucestershire) and was where I was married

Another good picnic spot but in Worcestershire not in Glos is Croombe

Also the National Trust have published a free family picnic guide for you to download which may give you some ideas.

[yvonne]

There is an arbouretum in the cotswolds; not sure of the exact location though.

[Medwriter]

The National Arboretum is at Westonbirt nr Tetbury. Haven' t visited it, so can't comment/recommend.

[Jennifer Jane]

Thank you for the host of suggestions. They all sound interesting, though Sudeley does sound particularly tempting to me as I love the Tudor period. I'll put it to the vote, and we have plenty of options for years to come.

 

Thanks again.