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 is a 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, 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 and took in the meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and towering trees that seemed to whisper secrets of centuries past.
The air was alive with the chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, creating a symphony of sound that served as the perfect backdrop for our picnic! It was picture-perfect!
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, Waddesdon Manor is a testament to the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era. It offers ornate furnishings, priceless works of art, intricate tapestries, and gilded chandeliers that adorn the walls and ceilings.
If you go inside I would highly recommend visiting Baron Ferdinand’s art collections, housed within the Manor’s magnificent galleries.
From exquisite porcelain and rare clocks to priceless Renaissance paintings and stunning sculptures, each artefact offered a glimpse into the eclectic tastes of its collector. It also offers various seasonal events throughout the year. For tickets and current prices visit the National Trust website.
