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White Horse Hill,
Uffington
A climb is rewarded with breathtaking views
of six counties at this, the highest point in
Oxfordshire, and, of course, the famous Bronze
Age horse.
No one knows why the horse was built, but it is
a magnificent sight.
Again, it is a National Trust owned area. For
thousands of years, man has come here –
evidence dates back to Neolithic times, at
Waylands Smithy long barrow, then the Bronze
Age white horse and the Iron Age hill fort. From
Roman times to today, it has been cultivated
and grazed.
Fly a kite or go hill rolling then enjoy your picnic
Caversham Court Gardens,
Reading
A unique, fairly formal space but well worth
a visit and, because it is on the banks of the
Thames in Reading, it is a superb place to
picnic.
Caversham Court Gardens, a multi-award
winning site, is of national importance and
listed in the English Heritage
Register of
Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic
interest in England
.
Go in June for nepeta – flowering under the
yew hedge on the long walk – roses, grape
vines and acanthus, as well as the flowering
Japanese pagoda tree. And go in July to see
the wondrous lavender bank.
There’s also a tea kiosk open from 11am-6pm
in June, July and August (other times from
March to October) which is run by five local
charities and organisations: The League of
Friends, Sue Ryder/Duchess of Kent, The
Ways and Means Trust, The Women’s Institute
and Compass Opportunities and all profits go
to them.
No parking and limited parking nearby – park
in one of Caversham’s paid-for car parks.
Basildon Park, Basildon
This gorgeous Palladian mansion was also
used in
Downton Abbey
– but as it is a National
Trust Property you will pay to enter, although
admission gets you into the house too. Adults
are £12.70, children £6.80, but you can pay a
slightly higher Gift Aid price.
The gardens are worth the price alone. There
are gravel paths round them as well as and
woodland trails.
This could be the cheat’s picnic place because
you can prebook a picnic
48 hours before you arrive.
Choose from a range of
items including sandwiches,
Victoria sponge cake,
cheese straws, wine and
even picnic blankets,
There’s an impressive
1950s kitchen to visit and
on Fridays you can take
an accompanied wildlife
walk around the parkland,
leaving from the ticket office
at 11am.
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