How the Victorians Perfected the Picnic - and How to Enjoy Yours at Heritage Houses This Summer
Picnics may seem like a simple pleasure, but they weren’t always so popular or refined. It was the Victorians who turned the outdoor meal into a true social event - complete with generous menus, careful packing, and beautiful parkland settings.
This summer, you can recreate that timeless tradition yourself. Here’s how the Victorians revolutionised the picnic - and how you can enjoy your own heritage-inspired version at some of our most beautiful historic member houses.
The Victorian Picnic Revolution
While the word picnic arrived from France in the 18th century, it was the 19th-century Victorians who made it a beloved British pastime.
New railways made countryside escapes easy. Families packed elaborate cold spreads into baskets, complete with plates, cutlery, and even teapots. Parks and estate grounds became social spaces for long, relaxed feasts.
Victorian picnics weren’t rushed. They were about sharing, showmanship, and enjoying nature in style - a tradition that still feels special today.
How to Pack a Timeless Victorian-Style Picnic
Want to add a little historic flair to your next outing? Here’s a simple Victorian-inspired menu and approach:
Hearty, Travel-Friendly Fare
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Pork pies, Scotch eggs
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Thick-cut sandwiches (roast beef & horseradish, cucumber & butter)
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Ploughman’s-style board with cheese, crusty bread, pickles
Sweet Treats
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Fruit turnovers, jam puffs
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Strawberry Fool in jars
Classic Drinks
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Homemade lemonade with fresh mint
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Bottled cordials or infused water
Elegant Touches
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Wicker basket or hamper
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Real plates and cutlery
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Large picnic rug
It’s simple but special—and everything is designed to hold up beautifully outdoors.
Perfect HeritageXplore Houses for a Victorian-Inspired Picnic
Our historic houses make the perfect backdrop for a picnic with a bit of 19th-century charm:
🏰 Blenheim Palace – Grand Capability Brown parkland.
🌿 Sudeley Castle – Award-winning gardens and ruins.
🌳 Grimsthorpe Castle – Rolling royal parkland.
🦌 Stonor Park – Ancient deer park and shaded woodlands.
See the full guide here:
👉 Where to Picnic: Top HeritageXplore Houses for Outdoor Dining
Make It Your Own This Summer
Whether you’re marking National Picnic Month in July or just enjoying a sunny day, bring along a taste of history.
Embrace the Victorian spirit: generous food, good company, beautiful surroundings - and the simple pleasure of slowing down outdoors.
