As the weather starts to improve (fingers crossed) our minds turn to al fresco eating.
Picnics are by no means a modern pastime. The first Pic-Nic Society was formed in London back in 1801. In the 1930s, some cars were manufactured with a rack on which to strap a picnic hamper. And the longest picnic table was over 407 metres long, which is almost the length of four football pitches!
Today, we enjoy three picnics each year on average, according to research, as they allow us to enjoy eating outdoors and embrace the feeling of summer.
Before you pack your next wicker hamper, here's our guide to planning the perfect picnic.
Picnic essentials
The British weather is unreliable at best. So, be sure to pack blankets (waterproof if possible) to protect you from damp grass and to keep you warm should the sun refuse to make an appearance.
A cool bag is essential to keep everything fresh. And don't forget plates, utensils, cups, and a corkscrew or bottle opener, depending on your choice of refreshments.
Finally, pop in some sun cream (just in case) and fly spray to stop uninvited guests buzzing by. Plus, in the spirit of 'take only photos, leave only footprints', be sure to pack a binbag so you can clear everything away once the picnic ends.
Picnic hotspots
Of course, any outdoor space can become an al fresco eatery, whether it's your back garden, local park, or nearest beach.
However, if you fancy venturing further afield, Britain's most picturesque picnic spots include:
- Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire
- Carrick-a-Rede, County Antrim
- Cragside, Northumberland
- Bodnant Garden, Conwy
- Lanhydrock, Cornwall
- Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
- Hardwick, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- Calke Abbey, South Derbyshire and Leicestershire
Food glorious food
Research into the UK's picnic habits by the Co-op found that our favourite picnic must-haves include crisps, baguettes and bread rolls, cooked meat, and sausage rolls. When it came to dessert, cake came out on top.
The passion for cake was echoed in another study by Warburtons, which found cake to be one of the favourite picnic foods as a child.
Fruit cake has long been one of Britain's favourite cakes. Plus, if you're planning a coronation-themed picnic, you can't go wrong with fruit cake. It was the wedding cake for both Charles and Diana and William and Kate.
In fact, a slice of William and Kate's fruit cake sold at auction for $7,500!
Planning a picnic?
Thanks to our range of classic fruit cakes (which includes fruit cake bars soaked in rum or brandy that are the perfect fit for any picnic basket) planning the perfect picnic is a piece of cake.
As for the weather on the day of your picnic, unfortunately, we can't do anything about that!
