DAYSOUT
PICNIC Perfection
CELEBRATE THE JOY OF PICNICKING IN KENT THIS SUMMER BY EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS, FROM RIVERSIDE BANKS AND CLIFFTOP PERCHES TO HERITAGE GARDENS AND SHADY WOODLANDS. PAIRING EACH PICNIC SPOT WITH LOCAL ATTRACTIONS OR WALKING ROUTES TO MAKE A LEISURELY DAY OUT FEEL WHOLE, HERE ARE insideKENT’ S TOP PICNIC SPOTS.
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells nationaltrust. org. uk
A ruined medieval castle and Victorian mansion house set within grounds of rolling parkland, ancient woodland and a picturesque garden, Scotney Castle is a truly beautiful place for a picnic adventure this summer. This 780-acre estate is open daily from 10am, welcoming visitors who want to explore the fairytale-like vision of the landscape. The view from the semicircular bastion to the moated castle ruin is breathtaking all times of year, but especially in summer when the surrounding water is dappled by afternoon sun.
Providing the picture-perfect backdrop to a day in the sunshine, old English roses clamber up the walls of Scotney Castle and a network of trees around the main garden take centre stage, from majestic towering redwoods to tulip trees with their yellow, bowl-shaped flowers. In the herbaceous border, summer blooms include dahlias, achillea and bee-covered nepeta, a view which visitors will certainly savour during an amble through the grounds. On hotter days, the meandering paths of the Quarry Garden offer shady escape, with plenty of benches to rest and enjoy a packed lunch along the peaceful moat walk.
SCOTNEY CASTLE www. insidekent. co. uk • 55