As the sun starts to poke its head out from under a blanket of grey clouds and drizzle in the UK, visitors to Buckingham Palace can look forward to having a picnic in its magnificent gardens.

This summer, for the first time ever, picnickers can pull up a rug, open their baskets and explore some of the historic 39-acre wildlife-rich gardens attached to the historic palace.

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From July until September, self-guided tours will be on offer, in addition to guided tours for guests to see the rose garden, wildflower meadow and summer house. The decision to open the grounds of the Queen’s official London residence comes after the traditional summer opening of the palace’s state rooms was cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

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The gardens date back to the 1820s when Buckingham House was turned into Buckingham Palace by George IV, and are home to rare native plants and a large array of fauna. 

Picnickers wondering what to pack in their baskets can look to Her Majesty for inspiration. Cucumber sandwiches, rich tea biscuits and cinnamon stars all sound like solid choices to us. 

Oh, and a glass of Pimm’s, of course.

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