Picnic Areas and Picnic Sites

Nick Blackstock, the author of SOMETHING HIDDEN, to be published by Picnic is April 2009, writes:

‘My starting point for my latest book involved researching the background to a railway accident in Charfield, Gloucestershire in 1928 on which the novel is based. Obviously, the circumstances in which the bodies of two apparently well dressed and well cared for children could be killed without being missed, struck a national chord. There was massive publicity and everyone, it appeared, had a theory. These ranged from the relatively sane to the totally mind boggling. However, and given that when I was writing the book I did not know it would be published by Picnic, there are two picnics in it. One in France before the First World War, another on the South Coast of England between the wars. However, I have chosen to recommend Gloucestershire, one of the loveliest of counties.
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Address:
Snowshill, Broadway, WR12 7JU

Tel: +44 (0)1386 852410

A Cotswold manor house containing Charles Paget Wade’s extraordinary collection of craftsmanship and design, including musical instruments, clocks, toys, bicycles, weavers’ and spinners’ tools and Japanese armour. There is an intimate Arts and craft inspired garden, run on organic principles, with wonderful views across the Cotswold countryside.

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk


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Address:
Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6TH

Tel: +44 (0)1452 813204

Painswick Rococo Garden is a unique and fascinating insight into early to mid 18th century English garden design. The only complete Rococo garden in England it dates from a brief period (1720 – 1760) when English gardens were changing from the formal to the informal. These Rococo gardens combined formal vistas with winding woodland walks and more natural planting. However, Rococo gardens were so much more, their creators were showing off their wealth and including features that were both flamboyant and frivolous. The gardens featured buildings of unusual architectural styles, to be used as both eye catchers and viewpoints. These became almost regency playrooms, an extension of the house to be enjoyed by the owner and his guests. Here at Painswick we are restoring the garden back to how it was shown in a painting dated 1748. We have contemporary buildings, woodland walks, herbaceous boarders and a large kitchen garden all hidden away in a Charming Cotswold valley with splendid views of the surrounding countryside. A recent addition (situated outside the original garden) is the Anniversary Maze planted to celebrate the 250th birthday of the garden. We have a restaurant selling coffee light lunches and teas situated in the Coach House. These is also a gift shop and plant sales area.

Web: www.rococogarden.org.uk


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Address: 
Court Gardens, Westbury-on-severn, GL14 1PD

Tel: +44 (0)1452 760461

Dutch water garden - a rare and beautiful survival. The only restored Dutch water garden in the country. Reputedly home to England’s oldest evergreen oak. Many other 16th and 17th-century trees and shrubs.


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Address:  Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR

Tel: +44 (0)1386 438333

Hidcote Manor Garden is one of England’s great Arts and Crafts gardens, famous for its rare trees and shrubs, outstanding herbaceous borders and unusual plants from all over the world. The garden is divided by tall hedges and walls to create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ each with its own special and unique character, from the formal splendour of the White Garden and Bathing Pool to the informality and beauty of the Old Garden. The numerous outdoor rooms reach their peak at different times of the year, making a visit to Hidcote enjoyable whatever the season.

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

 

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