The sprawling parks of London may be filled with merry young people soaking up this British sunshine, but step outside here in the Cotswolds and you will find a different scene entirely. The fields are filled with waist-high golden wheat, which look like they are being bathed in a dreamy sunset no matter what the time of day. The meadows are humming with activity as wildflowers dance in the breeze, speckled with ladybirds and bees.

There is a special joy in the quiet to be found here, the shady spot beneath an oak tree upon which a blanket can be sprawled, the tree that once stood tall now lying on its side to make a perfect perch when a cool drink beckons, the anticipation of a wicker basket packed with goodies to be eagerly unwrapped.

How to Create Picture Perfect Picnics

Choose your location thoughtfully - The beauty of countryside picnics lies in discovery - a hilltop with sweeping views, a shady tree perched by a bubbling stream. Don’t be afraid to follow an unknown footpath and you might discover an unexpected treasure.

Embrace Local Flavours - Nothing enhances a countryside picnic quite like local produce. Artisan cheeses from nearby farms, freshly baked bread from the village bakery, and seasonal preserves made with fruits from local orchards create a genuine taste of the place. These ingredients not only taste better but also connect the meal to the landscape surrounding you.

Pack with Purpose - The key to a memorable picnic lies in thoughtful preparation. Include a sharp knife for cheese, a chopping board, proper glasses for wine, and cloth napkins that add a touch of elegance. Don't forget essentials like a good blanket and plates that won't blow away in the countryside breeze.

Create Atmosphere - Small touches make all the difference. Fresh flowers picked from the garden, a string of fabric bunting draped over a tree, or even a deck of cards for after-meal entertainment can transform a simple meal into a cherished memory. The goal is to create a sense of occasion, even in the most informal setting.

The Perfect Picnic Menu

There is no cuisine more suited to picnics than that of the British. Neat pork pies from the farm shop deli served with a sharp blob of piccalilli, a local cheese served with freshly picked blackberries and sweet onion chutney. Crucially, it must travel well and not compromise on quality. Why not pack an English wine or sparkling cider to complete the feast and delight your guests?

Two Farmers Salt & Vinegar Tins provide the perfect crisp in handy sharing tins ready to be slipped inside an awaiting backpack. Don’t forget to keep the tin to repurpose as a planter or for storage.

Kitchen Garden Orchard Cider is the perfect accompaniment to any cheese, we’d encourage you to try and find one as local as possible. Our favourite is Godsell’s Cheese which is handily stored in village vending machines.

Hayles Vintage Sparkling Cider is sure to impress guests with its elegant glass bottle, whilst being light enough to ensure you enjoy the rest of the walk home.

Honeymakers Wildflower Honey has the floral notes to perfectly balance your bucolic escape, made from honeybees in the summertime meadows.

We recommend The Gardener for the perfect accompaniment to a day spent outdoors. Or why not try The Little One, packed with nibbles to enjoy alfresco.

Making Memories

The real joy of picnics goes beyond the food we eat or the path we tread, to the memories we make on the way. Watching a child’s hands turn purple as they pick juicy blackberries, laughing at the struggle to reach the top of the hill that promises the perfect view, or the blanket that just won’t stay put in the summer breeze. The contentment that comes with slowing down in nature and returning to simple pleasures.

So pack that bag, venture down the untaken path and see what magic awaits when good food meets great company in nature’s dining room.