Picnic Hamper Archives

Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots

Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots that you just have to see include some classics like the Peak District and other, lesser-known spots you can visit with your hampers UK-wide. Just remember to pack your other essentials like drinking water, sun cream, some spare cash and a blanket so you’re ready to go when you arrive!

Castleton, Derbyshire

Under the Shivering Mountain, you’ll see the ruins of the Norman Peveril Castle and the old lead mines. Castleton is a hidden gem in the Peak District where the semi-precious Blue John stone is found. Enjoy your hampers, UK; under the rolling hills or as a reward after a walk up to Cave Dale. And there are plenty of places to stay nearby if you want to take your time and really explore the many nearby Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots.

Norwich, Norfolk

It’s not just beaches and fun regional accents in Norfolk. The cobbled streets and narrow lanes make for amazing shopping. When you’re tired of browsing, pop down a picnic basket in the nearby Broads National Park or in the ever-present shadow of the Norwich Cathedral. Or drive a bit further out and sit beachside with your Picnic Feast for Two. It’s one of our most popular picnic hampers, UK!

Aira Force, Lake District

Who wouldn’t want to see 70ft of majestic waterfall in the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria? Owned by the National Trust, their own website states, “There are some fantastic picnic spots at Aira Force. Roll out the rug by the lake, on the Glade or find a spot at one of our picnic benches.” So, pack your hampers, UK! It’s hours of woodland exploring or lazy walks in tiny towns when you visit this area of natural beauty. Why not try to get there by boat for an even more unique visit?

Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots like corfe castle in dorset

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Visit Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck to surround yourself with history. You’ll learn about the civil war and take amazing photographs everywhere along your journey. You’ll see many of the ruins and local buildings made from the region’s iconic grey Purbeck stone. Pop your picnic blanket anywhere and read some of the local children’s author Enid Blyton’s works to really get a feel for the area from a new perspective. You can’t stay in the castle over the weekend, but there are loads of quint B&Bs nearby.

Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

This pretty little village is known for its tranquil atmosphere. It’s full of dog-friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants; so it’s ideal for furry family members too. And with loads of guest houses situated near the stunning woodlands, you might want to make a full weekend of it. Bring your hampers, UK – it will save you on food while you’re out and about. We recommend the Picnic Treats for Two in any of our Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots because it’s just enough to satiate you without ruining your dinner plans.

Taking our hampers, UK? We’ll help you find the ideal one for any Summer Bank Holiday 2023 picnic spots you might visit. Click here to shop our bestsellers!

King Charles Coronation: How to Celebrate

King Charles coronation is a historic occasion for the whole nation. It’s been decades since we’ve crowned a new monarch, so you might be looking for ideas on how to celebrate. With a few weeks left to go, here are some ideas you can jump on to get into the festivities right away.

Plan a street party

Bunting, music, cakes and laughter. Street parties are an amazing UK tradition! And there might even be some funding available from your local council to put on such events. Remember to think about allergens, seating, cutlery, tableware, decorations and music when planning your event. And if you can have King Charles coronation coverage showing on the big screen? Even better.

Learn a maypole dance

Dancing the Maypole is a popular English tradition (as with many other cultures). It consists of dancers -of all ages- frolicking around a raised central pole. Colourful ribbons are tied to this pole and they are held while dancing. It’s a fun and coordinated effort that goes back centuries. And it’s easy to learn! Try some of the PDF guides here.

a picnic basket for King Charles coronation

Couple’s viewing picnic

Grab your Picnic Treats for Two and a tablet with a stand. Host a private viewing picnic with amazing treats for you and your mate. Use your phone as a hot spot (if you have the data) and stream King Charles coronation in real time for you and your hunny. Bring a cheeky bottle of gin to make your own cocktails with the Breckland Orchard Ginger Beer with Chilli and Breckland Orchard Elderflower Drink. Pair it with the savoury Odysea Alexandria Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Brown Bag Crisps – Beetroot, Carrot and Parsnip Crisps, Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts. Or sweeten it up with the Chunky Apricot Flapjack or Cranberry Burst Flapjack.

Bring it home

Invite all your friends over and put King Charles coronation on the flat screen at home. Curate an amazing butter board and make fresh bread to fill your home with luscious scents. Grab a Great British Tower and give a box away to each one of your guests as a patriotic take-home gift. (And don’t forget the bunting!)

Give back

Part of the official festivities is about giving back to your local community. See what initiatives you can get involved in. Or maybe donate some money to a nearby charity. You can find reputable charities near you on this government website. Don’t forget that just giving your time is an amazing thing and try volunteering if you can. Most charities are very understaffed and need help as much as they need money.

Support your local

Lastly, you could go down to the pub. Many pubs will be showing King Charles coronation live and would welcome your custom. As one of the largest employers in the country, it’s important we help UK hospitality thrive. Search for pubs near you and get in contact via email or phone to see what they’ll have on in May. (Don’t forget to book so you’re not caught out on the day.)

Bonfire Night 2022 essentials

Bonfire night is fast approaching and if you’re wondering what Bonfire Night 2022 essentials you should have to hand before the 5th of November, this is your ultimate list. Grab the kids or invite over some mates and throw a fabulous Bonfire Night party.

What is Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night is where the straw effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on a large pyre to celebrate the failure of his plot to blow up the houses of parliament in 1605. Often, kids would carry these dolls down the road before the 5th and ask people for pennies. And there are popular rhymes associated with this tradition including, according to Britannica,

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November

Gunpowder treason and plot

We see no reason

Why Gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot….”

So, while it’s all a little bit gruesome, it’s still a fun tradition to participate in simply for the community spirit that often comes with it.

What you’ll need

There are a number of Bonfire Night 2022 essentials that you’ll want to gather beforehand:

A guy doll

You may have your kids make their own straw doll to burn or participate as a block to make one together. You’ll need (of course) straw, old clothes and something to round out the head with like a papier-mâché balloon. Children really enjoy customising these figures leading up to the big day.

Some fireworks

While the big bonfire is the main event, it’s typical to set off a range of fireworks as well. Just remember to always practice fireworks safety and never let children hold or play with fireworks ever. If you have sparklers or poppers, teach them how to use them safely and discard them properly.

The food

You’ll want a mix of warm, holdable food like baked spuds, hot dogs and bangers. Plus, you’ll want vino for the adults and hot cups of tea or non-alcoholic cider for the little ones. Lastly, you’ll want a few nibbles laid out for people to munch on while they watch the fireworks. We love our picnic baskets for this. They’re full of great goodies and convenient to transport too. Oh, and don’t forget some marshmallows to toast on the bonfire later. It’s a classic treat!

The fire

There are many local bonfires you could travel to and that’s probably your easiest option. But, if you want to make a bonfire at home, first, clear a space in your back garden that you can walk completely around and that has no overhang. Fill several buckets of water nearby, just in case. Make your fire out of dry wood – pallets are great and often free to get a hold of. And before you light the fire, use a torch to make sure there are no children or animals hiding inside of the pyre. When it’s going, help your partygoers to toss the straw doll onto the flames. Never leave the fire unattended and don’t let kids play in it. Fully douse it with the hosepipe before going to bed and check it once more just to ensure there have been no flare-ups.

And that’s it! You’ll have a fabulous party on Guy Fawkes Night with these tips. And if you want a unique basket for your Bonfire Night 2022 essentials party list, talk to our team about your needs here.

Great summer picnic destinations in the UK

Check out our selection of great parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) to enjoy with your family & friends. These great summer picnic destinations in the UK are perfect places to take the Picnic Feast for Two or the Pimms & Sicilian Lemonade Gift Hamper for a truly indulgent afternoon.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

Great for birdwatching, taking in the flora and enjoying a lazy picnic; Cannock Chase is an AONB. Take a walk or cycle along the many trails or check out the iron age hill fort ruins. It’s fairly convenient to get to from most large cities and makes for a breathtaking day out.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

If you love history, travel to Corfe Castle. Enjoy your picnic with views of the commanding structure which is a standout in the Purbeck Hills. Do more than just explore nature by touring the castle, parish church and model village or take a steam train right to nearby Swanage.

Upton House, Warwickshire

Roll out the picnic blanket under the cedar trees on the south lawn or down by the fish pond in the bog garden. Want some silence? Visit the orchard. Didn’t pack your own food? Visit the Pavilion Cafe for snacks & decadent ice cream. And lastly, send the kids to the sunken garden to let loose all that energy.

Brockhampton, Herefordshire

There are 1,700 acres of stunning natural scenes to take in here. Explore the orchards, manor house and moat. Need some scran? Visit the granary kiosk for nibbles. Then, take the carriage rides trail for full views of the estate and maybe even Clee hill or Clent hills in the distance.

Emmetts Garden, Kent

Take the Weardale walk from Chartwell to Emmetts Garden to work up your appetite. When you arrive, unroll your picnic fixings in the vast meadow from one of the tallest places in Kent. Take in the views of Ide Hill with its village accoutrements and buildings.

King Charles I Castle, Isles of Scilly

According to Children of Wanderlust, “The Isles of Scilly, a small archipelago of five inhabited islands, is blessed with white sand beaches and stunning scenery looking out onto the wild Atlantic Ocean. This makes them perfect for plenty of spots for a great picnic, but the best one to head for is at King Charles I Castle. The castle itself is in ruins these days and small in size, but it’s the view and the surrounding scenery that makes it great.”

Remember to pack for the changing weather with sun protection, sunglasses, wet weather clothes, a light jacket, plenty of water and muck boots. You’d much rather be prepared for the conditions than caught out. Also, it’s a good idea to carry some cash on you as many of the little kiosks at places like these will not have card readers.

And if you’re planning to bring your own picnic with you to these beauty spots, why not shop our amazing selection of picnic hampers with fast UK delivery.

Spring bank holiday hampers you’ll love

What better time to showcase our selection of spring hampers for your long weekend? Spring bank holiday hampers you’ll love come in all shapes and sizes. But one thing they do have in common is the ability to help you get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. So, order one of these beauties to really kick-start your bank holiday in style.

Pimms & Sicilian Lemonade Gift Hamper

There’s nothing that says spring in the UK quite like Pimms No. 1 Cup with Luscombe Organic Sicilian Lemonade. With this luscious basket, get a picnic on the go with Elizabeth Shaw Raisin & Hazelnut Biscuits, Brown Bag Crisps Lightly Salted, Olive & Sesame Savoury Mini Breadsticks, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds and more. And once the munchies are gone, use the magnetically-latched box for other goodies.

Picnic Treats for Two

Get out and about with this conveniently packaged picnic hamper. Indulge your tastebuds with Breckland Orchard Elderflower Drink, Odysea Alexandria Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Brown Bag Crisps, Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts, Flapjacks, Odysea Harissa Spicy Meze Dip and more. When you’re done, reuse the basket with cutlery and serving ware for your next outdoor adventure.

Continental Beer Basket

Beer, sun and a cool breeze; what’s not to love. With this smart little basket get a range of treats to enjoy outdoors. Cheers the great weather with a Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italian Lager and Pilsner Urquell Czech Lager. Then snack on Brown Bag Crisps Lightly Salted, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Butter Shortbread and more. Just remember to chill the beers before you leave for your picnic spot.

Picnic Feast for Two

When nibbles aren’t enough, go for something more substantial with the Picnic Feast for Two. This mega picnic spread contains a huge range of delicacies. These include Peters Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Belgian Chocolate Sticks with Mocha Coffee Filling, Cottage Delight Farmhouse Pickle, Alexandria Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts and much more. Like with the Picnic Treat for Two, this basket and cutlery can also be reused for your own selection of goodies.

Gourmet Treats | Luxury Wine & Food Hamper

For the most premium experience for your spring bank holiday picnic, try this luxury basket. You’ll love both wines. The Luis Felipe Edwards Lot 18 Merlot from the Rapel Valley of Chile and the Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc from South Africa is gorgeous. Then to snack on you have Cottage Delight Dipping Crackers with Hot Pepper, Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Borders Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Nuts, Peters Yard Smoked Chilli Sourdough Flatbread, Pineapple in Syrup, Duck Pepper & Olive Pate and so much more. There’s so much to explore here, it’s a great choice for 4-6 people. And, as always, the wicker basket is fully reusable for storage or gifting.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Let our team help you find the perfect picnic basket for your spring bank holiday celebrations.

Make the most of your bank holiday weekend

The sun is peeking out and Spring bank holiday weekend is nearly here. Make the most of your bank holiday weekend with our spring and summer hampers just perfect for a picnic. They’re just ideal for popping in the boot and tucking into at your local beauty spot.

Pimms & Sicilian Lemonade Gift Hamper

When the Pimms is out, you know summer is on its way. This lovely hamper with magnetic closure is easy to store or carry in a shopping tote to the park. Just bring some ice and your favourite glasses to enjoy Pimms and Luscombe Organic Sicilian Lemonade to wash down your Elizabeth Shaw Raisin & Hazelnut Biscuits, Brown Bag Crisps, Olive & Sesame Savoury Mini Breadsticks, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds and the ever-popular Buchanan’s Chocolate Eclairs.

The Amber | Luxury Wine & Food Hamper

The Amber is a masterpiece of savoury and sweetness. Bring the lot with you for a shady, secluded picnic at the waterside or in your local gardens. Enjoy the Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé, Reflet, Estandon, France wine with the Cottage Delight Duck, Pepper & Olive Pâté, Pineapple & Papaya in Vanilla Syrup slices, Sicilian Lemon Butter Cookies, Peters Yard Seeded Sourdough Flatbreads, Baronie Italian Orange Chocolate Sticks and Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles plus many more treats. It’s all lovingly presented in a dark and light wicker basket.

Picnic Treats for Two

Picnic Treats for Two is our curated selection of outdoor favourites. They all come handily sealed in a picnic basket with strap closure. Serve with a full set of two forks, knives, spoons, plates & cups plus one bottle of toothpicks. Enjoy Breckland Orchard Ginger Beer with Chilli or Elderflower and snack on Chunky Apricot Flapjacks, Odysea Harissa Spicy Meze Dip, Cottage Delight Italian Dipping Crackers with Rosemary, Odysea Alexandria Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and much more.

Continental Beer Basket

Perfect to serve chilled to perfection in your back garden, the Continental Beer Basket is a delight for hop enthusiasts. Cool the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italian Lager and Pilsner Urquell Czech Lager to enjoy with the Brown Bag Crisps, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Joe & Seph’s Popcorn in the flavour Caramel, Cranberry, Orange, Lime, Vodka & Triple Sec and so much more. It all comes in a handy green striped wicker basket you can repurpose in your home as well.

Gourmet Treats | Luxury Wine & Food Hamper

If nothing is too over the top, then the Gourmet Treats | Luxury Wine & Food Hamper is perfect to help you make the most of your bank holiday weekend. Start with a glass of Luis Felipe Edwards Lot 18 Merlot from Chile or chilled Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc from South Africa. Follow with the Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Borders Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Nuts, Peters Yard Smoked Chilli Sourdough Flatbread, Duck Pepper & Olive Pate, Lindt Excellence Chilli Intense Bar, Honey Roasted Peanuts or any of the other goodies provided in the handcrafted wicker basket.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Shop the full range here.

How to picnic in the fall

As the UK turns away from summer and into autumn, the leaves change colour and the air gets crisp. However, with just a light jumper, it can still be lovely weather for a day out in the park or by a lake. Ideal as a low-cost activity for families and a romantic afternoon for couples, picnics are universally appealing. So, if you’re wondering how to picnic in the fall, we’re sharing tips. We’ll guide you to the right location for your picnic blanket, how to pack and hacks for convenient dining like fall picnic hampers.

Selecting a pitch

Overall, you want a smooth and dry spot. Since the sun is unlikely to be a large factor in autumn, it’s not necessary to consider shade during a picnic in the fall. A patch of leaves can provide a lovely cushion for your blanket, old towel or purpose-designed picnic mat. Just check that there aren’t any sharp objects or roots growing up into your picnic location before sitting down your fall picnic hampers or DIY picnic kit to prevent injury. Perhaps bring a dustpan and brush to clear any rubbish from your patch before laying out your blanket and food items.

What to pack

We’ll cover food including fall picnic hampers next, but you’ll want plates, cups and utensils in addition to your ground covering for a more DIY option. There are biodegradable disposable varieties that are better for the environment than plastic options. Or you could simply bring some of your usual dinnerware – packaged with care – for use in the park. Store any cold items in an insulated bag and don’t forget to bring a wine bottle opener if you need it. Also include some napkins and cleaning wipes for afterwards. Bring a rubbish bag with you or maybe two, just in case there are not readily available bins at your picnic site. Remember to pack some warm accessories in case the weather turns like mittens, scarves, hats and outerwear.

What to eat/drink

If you want to skip all the faff and invest in fall picnic hampers for your day out; like our Picnic Feast for Two, they include everything you need for a luxurious meal as a couple.

Skip the DIY with our luxurious fall picnic hamper for two – £80

However, if DIY is more your speed, consider packing a mix of sweet and savoury treats. We love nuts, olives, cured meats, pickles, hard cheeses and relish for salty options. For sweet items, biscuits, mini cakes, sweet chutneys, jams and jellies are lovely. To drink, the fall is a welcome occasion for hot beverages like teas or coffees. Keep your hot drinks warm with Thermos like this selection at John Lewis or heat everything up in the car right when you arrive with a travel kettle. A tipple of whiskey or brandy can be a nice treat as well or you could stick with the more seasonal lighter versions of red wine. As a very festive finisher, you could include desert items with pumpkin, nutmeg, gingerbread or other seasonal flavours to leave a lasting impression on your fall picnic experience.

The Best Luxury Cheese Hampers

We all have a cheese expert in our lives. A simple store-bought cheddar won’t do, and no evening is complete without a lesson on the history of Stilton. In fact, the only thing to keep them quiet is…well…cheese! Our cheese hampers are the perfect answer for a picky Maître Fromager. Spare yourself the lecture and present them with a gift basket full of their favourite, award-winning food with The Best Luxury Cheese Hampers.

Wow Them With The Stilton Surprise

Choose The Best Luxury Cheese Hampers — Blue Stilton & Berri Estates Merlot, a match made in heaven!

One of our bestselling cheese hampers, the Stilton Surprise contains six hand-selected treats that will impress any cheese lover. The award-winning blue Stilton pairs beautifully with the fruity tones of the Berri Estates Merlot. The taste extravaganza only gets better with the medal-winning oatmeal biscuits, tomato chutney and mouth-watering chocolate and truffles. All gift wrapped in a delightful wicker basket tied off with a purple ribbon, the Stilton Surprise won’t fail to impress.

Cheese Hampers For Sharing: The Wine & Cheese Feast

Fantastic for sharing around, the Wine & Cheese Feast is one of our most popular cheese hampers. This beautiful wicker basket is packed with a pair of medal-winning cheddar: Black Bomber Extra Mature Cheddar Waxed Truckle and Chillies & Crushed Pepper Waxed Truckle. The marvellous selection of treats to go with these sumptuous cheeses is carefully selected to complement the palate. Treats like mango and ginger chutney, luxury pralines and of course the full-flavoured Kleine Zalze Merlot is sure to impress the lucky recipient.

Wine, Cheese & Pate

Your lucky friend won’t be able to resist this one! The Wine, Cheese & Pate Hamper contains a selection of items that all perfectly complement each other. A fiery and vibrant Red Leicester infused with chillies will bring their taste buds to life. The full-flavoured, award-winning Merlot pairs beautifully with the cheese. The sumptuous cherry liqueur chocolate pieces bring sweetness to the savoury. The farmhouse pate goes wonderfully with the Parmesan and pepper oatcakes. And to top it all off, this hamper comes with a delightful little teddy bear, perfect if you’re giving a romantic gift.

These are just a small selection of our luxury cheese hampers. We have a fantastic selection of cheese hampers to buy here. All of our cheese hampers are hand-packed and lovingly gift wrapped, and can be delivered straight to you, or the recipient.