It doesn't take much to encourage a British person to think about a picnic. A glimpse of sunshine, a sniff of scotch egg or finding a blanket in the back of a car. Here are some great picnic spots near you.
Walk among the 1950s rose garden, designed by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe at Cliveden or explore the rose garden at Basildon Park, created by the Iliffes and now lovingly restored.
Come out and play with us this summer in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. With family friendly activities from high-energy active outdoor play to wellbeing walks and relaxed kids sessions to support mental and emotional wellbeing, we've every mood covered. Call by for an hour or two or spend a day with us, we have plenty of things to do with the kids this summer.
Hughenden, Greys Court and Basildon Park are bursting with scented roses, vibrant borders and glorious bedding schemes. It's a wonderful time to visit summer gardens in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire.
We have wildflower meadows for wandering, shady woodland glades and cool riverside walks when for it's hot. Explore the Chiltern hills, Stowe, Basildon park and Hughenden on a summer walk.
Discover butterflies during the summerHugh Mothersole
Butterflies are perhaps our best-loved insects; bright, colourful emblems of warmth and sunshine. Why not see for yourself and enjoy a stroll in the sunshine at one of our brilliant butterfly spots across the Thames and Chilterns?
Even bold adventurers don't need to go too far from home to tick off challenges from the '50 things' activity list. Here are our top ideas for activities that you can do in your own back garden or outdoor green space
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own bird feeder? We've got plenty of how to guides for you to discover, from how to make your own compost, to how to green clean your home.
Visitors in the landscape gardens at Stowe, BuckinghamshireNational Trust Images / John Millar
There are loads of friendly National Trust supporter groups in the Thames Valley. They help support our places like Stowe, Hughenden and Greys Court by volunteering and fundraising. They also get together for fun days out, holidays and lectures.
