Picnics to Enjoy with a Touch of History

As the warmer weather makes its way to Hampshire, there is no better time to enjoy a delicious picnic in the countryside, and if you are looking to wander beyond our beautiful grounds to discover more of the nearby area, there are countless spots where to lay your picnic blanket and take in the fresh country air. What’s special about the region is that at the same time, you can admire some truly splendid historic features including monuments, cathedrals and castles to enrich your experience and insight into this wonderful part of England. At Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, our in-room dining team has a variety of picnic options to take away with you in a traditional wicker hamper, and our Concierge can recommend our favourite places within an hour of the Hotel to enjoy the perfect outdoor lunch. Read on to find out our favourites:

Winchester Cathedral – 30 minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

One of the largest and most historic Cathedrals in Europe, Winchester Cathedral sits in the heart of Winchester, the county capital. Dating back to the seventh century in Anglo-Saxon England, you can enjoy its magnificence with a picnic in the fields and gardens surrounding this grand church. Afterwards, make sure to take a guided tour of the Cathedral, where there is so much to see and learn about its history and treasures.

Virginia Water – 35 minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Created in the 18th century, the Estate and its magnificent lake and waterfalls is ideal to experience in spring and summer time, when the birds and squirrels come out to play.

Find your ideal spot on the grassy shore and admire the beauty of Virginia Water lake and its cascades while enjoying a delicious picnic. Spot the abundant wildlife in the woodlands, visit the stunning gardens, and discover the historic features on the parkland, including the grand Leptis Magna Roman Ruins, the five-arch bridge, and the 100 metre (328 foot) totem pole, which was a gift from the people of Canada to Her Majesty the Queen in 1958. Ideal for an entire day out with the family.

Windsor Great Park – 50 minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

Visit the impressive tree-lined Long Walk towards Windsor Castle and lay your picnic blanket on the grassland while spotting some red deer at Windsor Great Park. Windsor Great Park is a stunning Royal Park that has hosted countless events throughout history, dating back to pre-Saxon times. Take a walk through the park after your picnic and admire the historic monuments, such as The Copper Horse, a statue of King George II.

The New Forest – 50 minute drive from Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire

The New Forest is a national park that extends for miles throughout Hampshire and Dorset – with plenty of spots to choose from to enjoy a picnic lunch with friends and family. We’d recommend to lay your picnic blanket by the historic Knightwood Oak, one of the oldest oak trees in England, enjoying the views among some of the oldest trees in the New Forest.  

Dogmerfield Park - right outside the door

Of course, if you don’t fancy going too far, you can enjoy a delicious picnic on our very own Dogmersfield Park Estate – also rich with history. Did you know that this very place was the location where King Henry VIII met his first wife Catherine of Aragon?

For more information about nearby picnic hot spots, contact our Concierge on 01252 853123 or concierge.hampshire@fourseasons.com. To order a picnic, contact our In-Room dining team on roomservice.ham@fourseasons.com .