After what looked to be another wash-out summer the blue skies have finally arrived, along with the need to grab the picnic basket and friends, to enjoy the summer heat in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK. Our friends at the National Trust, who have offered 10 day out passes in our Big Summer Draw, details listed below, have compiled a list of their top locations to enjoy the UK summer.
By Graham Davies + National Trust | 23rd July 2013
No. 1: Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Blickling Hall is one of England's great Jacobean houses, widely believed to be the home to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. The beautiful parkland houses a glorious lake and woodland, offering plenty of picnicking spots. After tucking in, discover the secret garden, ancient temple and smell the wonderful citrus trees in the orangery. You can also hire bikes to explore the park or even play a game of croquet on the lawns.
No. 2: Fell Foot Park, Cumbria
Enjoy a scenic picnic on the shores of Lake Windermere in the surroundings of Fell Foot Park. With views of the Lakeland fells and rowing boats to hire and splash about in, Fell Foot is a tranquil place to relax and doesn’t cost a penny to visit.
No. 3: Florence Court, Co. Fermanagh
There is something for everyone at this warm and welcoming 18th-century property with beautiful park, gardens and surrounding forest to enjoy. Take a stroll into the forest to visit the blacksmith’s forge and carpenter’s workshop or simply relax with a picnic in the peaceful gardens whilst enjoying the views of mountain scenery.
No. 4: Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
This big outdoors estate with four lakes in its centre is a great space for enjoying the summer. Sit down for sandwiches amongst beautiful summer flowers, enjoy cricket matches on the historic pitch or explore the garden and parkland trails.
No. 5: Studland Beach, Dorset
Enjoy a fabulous day out on this golden sandy beach that stretches four miles from South Haven Point to Old Harry Rocks, with shallow bathing wates. Be sure to bring buckets, spades and picnics for a blissful day on the sands. You can also visit the nearby ruins of Corfe Castle to discover over 700 years of history and relive childhood memories by seeing the inspiration behind Enid Blyton’s Kirren Castle in the Famous Five.
No. 6: Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
Seek out your favourite corner of this delightful house and grounds to stop off for a well packed picnic. Surrounded by a large park, discover the grounds following the gardens’ sensory trails or lakeside walks.
No. 7: Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
With a luscious grass amphitheatre to relax on, a serpentine lake with a mysterious grotto to visit, and a vibrant camellia terrace, there is plenty to explore and do over the summer months.
Enjoy a romantic summer evening relaxing on the banks of the garden with your loved ones. Why not have a delicious picnic whilst taking in the magical sun setting over the lake?
Late night garden opening, 22 June, 10am-9pm
No. 8: Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Enjoy a satisfying stroll at Dunham Massey this summer, in one of the great gardens of the North West. Be delighted by the sweet aromas of more than 160 varieties of roses in Dunham Massey’s beautiful brand new rose garden.
No. 9: Dyffryn, Vale of Glamorgan
As the newest National Trust garden, Dyffryn is a wonderful place to visit, with the Grade I gardens featuring a stunning collection of formal lawns, an extensive arboretum and a number of intimate garden rooms for visitors to relax in. The glorious sunshine streams through the garden’s reinstated glasshouse, highlighting its impressive collection of cacti and orchids and makes the beautiful arboretum the perfect place to go for some peace and to soak up the summer sun.
No. 10: Brownsea Island, Dorset
Only accessible by boat, Brownsea Island offers a great day where you can explore the great woodland trees, take a wander on the beach, or follow in the footsteps of the Famous Five by rolling out a blanket and enjoying a Brownsea picnic.
Further your adventures on Brownsea and celebrate 50 years of the National Trust on the Island with its outdoor festival season. Your ticket also includes access to the island from Poole so you can enjoy the exciting surroundings and what Brownsea has to offer, including the shop with its special souvenirs. You can also try some delicious treats at the Villano Cafe before the performance begins, or collect a lovely picnic hamper to enjoy during the show.
Advance booking: £21 per person.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 24, 26, 29, 31 July and 2 August, 5:30pm-10pm
Pericles, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 16 August, 5.30pm-10pm
If you would like the chance to get your hands on some National Trust Days Out Tickets then do enter TheGayUK Big Summer Draw Here: www.TheGayUK.com/BigSummerDraw
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