Cartwright & Bulter have narrowed down the best Royal gardens to enjoy a picnic just in time to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
With Summer (and hopefully some good weather) on its way, the luxury hamper brand has researched the most picturesque and instagrammable gardens to enjoy an alfresco lunch.
The food retailer has ranked the top eight, based on Instagram data, by analysing Royal Gardens against their corresponding hashtag to reveal the most popular places on the social media app.
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1. Kew Gardens
Number of posts: 683,000
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "With 500 acres of woodland, Kew Gardens was revealed as the most Instagrammable royal garden for a picnic. The gardens have multiple spots for picnics across the space, including their rose garden, arboretum, and Mediterranean garden. "
2. Hampton Court Palace
Number of posts: 176,000
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Hampton Court Palace is a Grade 1 listed royal palace in Richmond upon Thames. With 60 acres of gardens to explore, it offers the perfect location for a picnic with a royal feel."
3. Sandringham Gardens
Number of posts: 136,000
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Sandringham House is a country house in the parish of Sandringham, Norfolk, England and is one of the royal residences of Queen Elizabeth. Sandringham is also set over 60 acres of gardens, providing great spots for a family picnic."
4. Hever Castle
Number of posts: 78,100
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the castle & gardens here boast over 700 years of history to experience as well as award-winning gardens."
5. Windsor Great Park
Number of posts: 61,200
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "With royal history spanning over 1,000 years, Windsor Great Park is one of the ultimate royal picnic spots in the UK. The Royal Park is set over 2,020 hectares, including a deer park."
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6. Garden Wisely
Number of posts: 58,100
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "RHS Garden Wisely is the flagship and one of five gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society. Based in Surrey, the garden boasts an exotic garden, a conifer lawn and stunning gardens set next to the River Wey."
7. Tintagel Castle
Number of posts: 41,500
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Set high on the Cornwall’s rugged north coast and linked to the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle allows you to immerse yourself in history, myths and picturesque scenery."
8. Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Number of posts: 23,500
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Amongst one of Britain’s biggest historical sites, Kenilworth Castle is a fortress that endured a famous siege and later became an Elizabethan palace."
9. Cliveden
Number of posts: 22,000 posts
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Previously home to the Astor Family, Cliveden is now part of the National Trust and has stunning gardens overlooking the Thames in Berkshire – the perfect set up for a picnic."
10. Osborne House
Number of posts: 20,400 posts
What did Cartwright & Bulter say?: "Based on the Isle of Wight, Osborne House was the partial holiday home of Queen Victoria"
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Cartwright & Bulter's ultimate picnic checklist:
- Picnic blankets & cushions
- Picnic hamper
- Reusable / environmentally friendly plates and cups
- Tablecloth & napkins
- Cutlery
- Salt and pepper shaker
- Water jugs
- Cool box and icepacks
- Citronella candles
- Flower posies
- Great Food & Drink - a feast fit for royalty (or just a foodie)
- Table décor to really posh up the picnic
To take your picnic to the next level, Cartwright & Bulter has also shared some top tips:
1. Set the scene with the decor: Throw out those worn picnic blankets in favour of pastel throws and cushions for that Pinterest touch. You could even arrange with bunting, flowers, napkin rings and candles to give your alfresco meal a luxury feel.
2. Pack your favourite food and drinks: The decorations make the atmosphere but the food makes the picnic. The trick to a really posh picnic is nailing the timeless classics that everyone loves.
Cartwright & Bulter recommends putting your own stamp on the following:
- Sandwiches: Try smoked salmon (a reported favourite ingredient of the Queen’s) and cream cheese, or cucumber and tomato. Opt for bread like sourdough or a French stick to avoid soggy, unappetising sandwiches!
- Finger foods: Crisps and dips, sausage (or vegan) rolls, scotch eggs, mini frittatas, cheese straws, olives, fruits
- Salads: Use pasta or grain-based dishes with your favourite veggies instead of salad that will wilt during the day. Then, bring your dressing in a separate pot, add it to your salad for extra flavour
- Cheeseboard: Cheese takes the crown of every meal but don't forget to pack a range - enough for everyone - as well as any crackers, chutneys and fruit to make your cheeseboard truly regal
- Drinks: Cartwright & Butler recommends something refreshing to wash down your picnic like iced tea with sliced lemon, raspberry lemonade, or fresh orange juice.
3. How to repel pesky bugs
A picnic is an open invitation to everyone - well, almost. If you want to avoid any unwanted winged creatures like wasps and flies, try citronella scented candles. Alternatively, you can also use natural remedies like herbs or flowers known for repelling insects including rosemary, lavender, marigolds and mint.
Games and activities to complete the day
Once you're out of cheese and crackers and the picnic basket has depleted somewhat, you need some games and activities to take your posh picnic over the finish line.
Bond with friends and family over a friendly (if slightly competitive) game of football, badminton, or cricket.
Don't forget to leave some time to unwind with paints and crayons so that you can enjoy and sketch the scenery around you.
For more information and picnic inspiration, visit the Cartwright & Bulter website.
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