It was the hottest summer’s day of the year and I found myself embarking on a quintessentially English adventure – a picnic in the deepest heart of Buckinghamshire amongst some of its finest and beautiful surroundings, Waddesdon Manor!
So with my very traditional (and very photogenic!) wicker basket our videographer Gary Nunn and set out for the refined manor renowned for its enchanting gardens and elegant beauty.
Managed by the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Manor we found that the beautiful preserved stately home built by Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 in what was a very fashionable French Renaissance château at the time!
Almost like a fairytale, I adored how it features towering turrets, intricately carved facades, lush gardens, and not surprisingly the masterpiece of architectural splendour is now one of the National Trust’s most visited properties.
After parking, even our journey to this picturesque estate was like something out of a storybook. Lush green fields stretched out before me, punctuated by the occasional glimpse of quaint villages nestled amidst rolling hills in the distance.
It was a long walk, especially with a large wicker picnic basket so we took the park-and-ride bus some of the journey.
When we arrived at the huge and elegant house, I felt like we were in a scene straight out of a postcard, starting our own English period drama! I’m sure everyone feels like this when they arrive, especially on days blessed with blazing sunshine!
I stood there there for a few minutes just taking in the gorgeous scenery, I gazed at perfectly manicured lawns where not a blade of grass seemed out of place, the blooming fragrant flowerbeds, and the silvery green trees which swayed just a little in the gentle breeze.
Birds chirped gently in the background and bees (and luckily not wasps!) hummed around us.
Our video of our Waddesdon Manor Picnic on a Summer’s Day
Finding the ideal spot for the picnic was not an easy task, as every corner of the perfectly landscaped gardens seemed to offer its own unique charm.
Eventually, we settled upon a secluded clearing beneath the shade of a majestic oak tree and spread out the chequered tablecloth.
With the sun high in the sky and the temperature steadily rising, I wasted no time in unpacking my basket. Bees hummed around us, colourful butterflies fluttered by, and the gorgeous scent of the flowers surrounded us.
Being a quintessential English picnic we dined on fresh strawberries, freshly baked scones, generously slathered with strawberry jam and a fine array of delicate finger sandwiches all washed down by crisp white wine (of course)!
With great company, it was a perfect al fresco dining spot—truly magical, in my opinion!
A sense of tranquillity and pure bliss washed over me and we bathed in the boiling sun’s rays surrounded by immaculately preserved nature and far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In my opinion, Waddesdon Manor’s Gardens offer a truly idyllic oasis perfect for creating wonderful memories!
More about Waddesdon Manor
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Buckinghamshire, I personally think Waddesdon Manor is truly a jaw-dropping and fine spot! As we ventured inside we find beautiful and ornate furnishings, historic portraits, intricately produced tapestries and antiques galore, from exquisite porcelain and rare clocks to priceless Renaissance paintings and stunning sculptures.
I especially love the gilded chandeliers that adorn the walls and ceilings and the spectacular grand staircase.
Another one of my personal highlights was visiting Baron Ferdinand’s art collections which were housed within the Manor’s magnificent galleries.
It also offered various seasonal events throughout the year including some fabulous food markets. I can highly recommend a visit so for tickets and current prices visit the National Trust website.
- Address: Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH, United Kingdom
- Opening times for House: March to October, Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
- Opening times for Garden: all year-round, Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
