Anyone for a picnic?

We’ve recently added a retired greyhound to our family of four, which gives us the perfect excuse to spend more time enjoying the countryside. Subsequently we’ve had more picnics in the last three months than we’ve had in a long time!

What a great way to spend quality time as a family. And it doesn’t have to cost you a penny (though of course, a good fresh food hamper does help)! As a child I loved nothing more than to roam with my brother and sister in wide open spaces defined by wispy shades of green and blue... among endless sweeping meadows broken only by patchy woodland and healthy sprinklings of daisies, buttercups and butterflies bringing the land to life. In those natural playgrounds we were allowed the freedom to explore; to touch, to smell and to enjoy the countryside unworried by our parents’ concerns.

There is no better place to relax and unwind than over a picnic under the warm glow of the mellow English sunshine. When we discover a field large enough for us to see into the distance... open enough to let our daughters, aged 3 and 5 roam free unhindered by our uncertainty about the dangers they might encounter where we cannot see them, my thoughts are taken back to some of the happiest times in my childhood.

On these occasions I am reminded it’s as important to put aside space to do nothing in particular as is anything worthy of our valuable irretrievable time. I am also reminded that the English landscape in my memories is still very much alive... if only I am willing to look for and appreciate it. Try the links below for some ideas:

Magical places
Quick escapes
Simple pleasures

Fancy an evening out complete with fresh air as well as good food and great music? Try our Outdoor events page.

Yearning for a break in the country? Order our free Rural Escapes guide for more inspiration and ideas.

Been anywhere really special? Leave your comments and tell us why you enjoyed it so much. Click here to see what our readers describe as their Perfect English day