National Picnic Week
June is the perfect month to venture outdoors, and in Britain we can’t help but love a picnic! National Picnic Week was first initiated about a decade ago and aims to encourage people to enjoy our lovely countryside. We are lucky enough to have loads of green areas and the second the sun makes an appearance it’s a great excuse to pack some of your favourite snacks and homemade goodies for an al fresco lunch.
A little bit of history
The word ‘picnic’ first began appearing in English in the 18th century and its meaning has evolved slightly since this usage, though social dining has always played a key role in the definition.
It’s thought that picnicking as we know it first started becoming really popular in France following the French Revolution. In 1789 royal parks began to open their gates to the public for the first time, and picnicking was a great way to enjoy them. People would gather as family groups and sit for the afternoon in the elegant open gardens. The tradition then migrated across to Britain and other European countries. Traditionally each member of the party was expected to bring something to share.
Whether it is the local park, the grounds of Sibton Park, or you’ve ventured further afield to visit somewhere new, it’s always great fun to get outdoors. Picnicking allows youngsters to run around and stretch their legs, soak up some vitamin D and fill up on healthy, homemade goodness. Where will picnic week take you this year?
