Meet the winners of National Picnic Week 2018

National Picnic Week kicks off on the 15th of June and runs until the 24th. We’re encouraging Brits up and down the nation to dust off their old blanket and get back to nature by dining alfresco this week!

• Last year’s winner was Jubilee Gardens, Devon

• Picnic Week aims to cultivate pride in the local area

• Winner and runner-up announced for each region

The winners, by region, are:

Scotland:

Winner: Glenkiln Sculpture Park –

Once comprising six sculptures, the moorland setting around Glenkiln Reservoir is still a scenic wonder. Located just over seven miles west of Dumfries, Glenkiln was home to six sculptures but in 2013 it was reported that one of the sculptures, Standing Figure, had been stolen and so most of the remaining sculptures were removed for security. The only one still standing in its original spot is Glenkiln Cross.

Runner-up: The Fairy Ponds

Found at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, The Fairy Ponds require a healthy walk to reach but the pay-off is well worth it. A 40-minute walk from top to bottom, visitors can wonder at the crystal blue water of the river Brittle as they tuck into their well-deserved picnic.

Nothern Ireland:

Winner: Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House

The perfect place for the ultimate serene picnic, here you can explore beautiful gardens that lead you to the 17th century thatched cottage which – as one of the oldest standing buildings in Northern Ireland – is steeped in history. And if all this isn’t enough for you, how about embarking on an adventure through the endless woodland?

Runner-up: Carrick-a-Rede

With beautiful rocky paths that line windswept grasslands, Carrick-a-Rede is our runner up for Northern Ireland. Surrounded by ancient caverns and crystal green water, the only way to get on the island is to cross a bridge that’s certainly not for the faint hearted.

Wales:

Winner: Colby Woodland Garden

Here you’ll be spoilt for choice with both The Walled Garden, and The Woodland Garden to explore. Colby Woodland Garden wins our vote for Wales’ number one picnicking area because of its natural playground for the kids. Littered with fallen trees, stepping stones and rope swings, you can guarantee the children will be entertained for hours.

Runner-up: Penrhyn Castle

Huge grounds, a princess-like 19th century castle, and an abundance of different wildlife and horticulture: Penrhyn Castle is certainly a spectacular sight. In addition to all this there’s a dog walking trial, so that all the family can enjoy the adventure. We advise settling for your picnic in the Elysian Fields; where you can marvel at the magnificent coastal and mountain views.

North West:

Winner: Saint Herbert’s Island:

Of the four islands that make up Derwent Water, Saint Herbert’s is the largest covering between four and five acres. Named so after the saint who reportedly brought Christianity to the area in the 7th century, the island is still a destination for religious pilgrimages.

Runner-Up: Crook O’Lune

JMW Turner firmly planted Crook O’Lune into history when he put brush to canvas with his landscape from 1821. The banks of the winding Lune river play host to a multitude of scenic spots for a picnic.

North East:

Winner: Gibside

County Durham’s Gibside is an estate in the Derwent Valley and is run by the National Trust. The centrepiece is the neo-classical chapel, but the sprawling 600 acres are made up of all the different environments that make Gibside such a hotspot for wildlife spotting.

Runner up: Raby Castle

This 14th century castle is one the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture this country has to offer. Highlights include the High Force Waterfall and the Woodland Play Area.

West Midlands:

Winner: Ryton Pools

100 acres of winding paths, ancient woodland and natural pools, Ryton has all you need for a day out with the family. Find your own way and explore the rich natural habitats or take an audio guide to discover what makes this place so special.

Runner-up: Lickey Hills County Park

10 miles west of Birmingham, Lickey Hills covers 524 acres of heathland, woodland and grasslands all making for varied habits for life to flourish. There is an adventure park for the kids, a sculpture walk and lots more to keep you busy all day.

East Midlands:

Winner: Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines acts not just as a great natural area of beauty, but also a venue for outdoor events and is the largest public forest in the East Midlands with over 3,300 acres. Boasting a wide variety of events including Go Ape, Sherwood Pines never fails to excite.

Runner-up: Padley Gorge Trail

Not for faint hearted, this two-hour walk is more rewarding than challenging as it snakes through Padley Gorge, offering a plethora of scenic spots to stop for a bite to eat.

Yorkshire:

Winner: Roseberry Topping:

Roseberry Topping is for the avid walkers who find solace in the great outdoors – this wonderous hill stands at staggering 1,049 feet making it the second highest hill on the North York Moors after ‘Urra Moor’. After reaching the summit complete your walk by walking through Newton Wood.

Runner-up: Rievaulx Abbey:

Explore the abbey ruins which were inhabited in approximately 1130 and marvel at its medieval artefacts in the museum. The picturesque ruins can’t help but ignite your imagination and entourage you to explore. Grab a map from the visitor centre and walk in the footsteps of a monk.

South West:

Winner: Dancing Ledge

The Jurassic Coast is a hot spot for natural beauty, but the Dancing Ledge may just be the jewel in the crown. Just a few miles west of Swanage, Dancing Ledge may require a bit of adventure to reach but when you get there you understand just why so many do.

Runner-Up: Durlston Castle

Expect scenic walks, one of a kind views and the historic Great Globe, superb geology. The gateway to the Jurassic Coast is truly a can’t miss location.