How the Victorians Perfected the Picnic - and How to Enjoy Yours at Heritage Houses This Summer
Picnics are a quintessential summer tradition, but they weren’t always the refined outdoor feasts we know today. It was the Victorians who elevated the humble picnic into an art form, turning it into a grand social event with carefully packed baskets, indulgent spreads, and picturesque parkland settings.
This summer, step back in time and recreate this timeless tradition at one of our stunning HeritageXplore properties. Here’s how the Victorians revolutionized the picnic – and how you can enjoy your own heritage-inspired picnic in the most beautiful historic surroundings.
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.
Want more ideas? Check out our full guide on the best places to picnic at HeritageXplore houses and immerse yourself in history while you dine.
👉 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.
