With the warmer weather and several bank holidays approaching we have found 15 National Trust sites, near Berkshire, offering nature walks and picnic destinations for all the family.

National Trust protect more than 500 sites across the country from stately homes and formal gardens to woodland and river walks.

National Trust sites are free to visit for members or have a varied entrance fee for non-members.

 

1. Basildon Park, Reading - Basildon Park is an 18th-century house sitting in 400 acres of parkland and gardens. The woodland area offers seasonal colour with flowers in spring and summer, and autumn leaves. It is a great place to go for a walk in nature and have a picnic this summer.

2. Maidenhead and Cookham Commons, Maidenhead - With more than 843 acres of landscapes, this area is great for a summer walk. From the Thames riverbank to woodlands and meadows, there's a lot to discover whether you're on foot or bike. This National Trust site also includes links to the Chiltern Loop and Thames Path. There is plenty of space for flying kites, walking the dog and building dens in the woodland.

3. Cliveden, Taplow - Cliveden offers stunning gardens and woodland walks overlooking the River Thames. There is a spring trail at Cliveden that takes you through the formal gardens while taking in the scenery and spring flowers.

4. Runnymede and Ankerwycke, Staines - This historical site is often seen as the birthplace of modern democracy, as the scenery was witness to King John's historic sealing of Magna Carta, more than 800 years ago. Within easy reach of the M25, this peaceful National Trust site takes you away from the city into nature with hills, meadows and a variety of wildlife. Take a picnic, take in the views, ride your bike along the riverbank or walk your dog on one of the countryside trails.

5. Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames - This National Trust site has a picturesque 16th-century mansion with peaceful gardens. There are walled gardens and medieval ruins to explore on a family day out this summer.

6. Dorneywood Garden, Slough - Dorneywood is traditionally the country residence of a senior member of the Government, usually a Secretary of State or Minister of the Crown. It was given to the National Trust by Lord Courtauld-Thomson. The house and garden are open on select days during the summer. Entry to the house must be booked in advance.

 

If you want to travel a bit further afield:

7. The Vyne, Hampshire - Once a Tudor palace, the mansion has connections with Henry VIII and Jane Austen. There are acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands with wildlife. The gardens offer lakeside picnicking for a family day out this summer.

8. West Green House and Garden, Hampshire - This stunning location offers walled gardens surrounding an 18th-century house. The garden has many original features including a grand water staircase and fountain. There is a new Persian water garden, a newly restored lake, and nature walks. 

9. Stowe, Buckinghamshire - Stowe has attracted visitors for more than 300 years. The Georgian landscape has picturesque views, lakeside walks and parklands to explore.

10. Hughenden, Buckinghamshire - Explore the parklands and country home of the Victorian statesman, Benjamin Disraeli.

11. Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire - Explore the French Renaissance-style château built in 1874 or wander through the Victorian-style gardens. Spend the day with the family in the woodland playground which winds through the trees. Go for a nature walk on the various woodland trails or have a picnic. 

12. Claydon, Buckinghamshire - Another stately home protected by National Trust is Claydon in Buckinghamshire. The interior is as lavish as it was in the 18th-century. The South Lawn is a great place to take the family for a picnic this summer.

13. Nuffield Place, Oxfordshire - Nuffield Place was once home to one of the richest men of the 20th century. The house is open for guided tours in the mornings. In the afternoons, it is opend to visit at your own pace, and it is recommended to book in advance. The gardens are a great place for a walk in nature this spring.

14. Chastelon, Oxfordshire - Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by prosperous wool merchant, Walter Jones. The home still has its original features and interiors as it has had virtually no intrusion from the 21st century. You can find the Kitchen Gardens, Wilderness Walk and Croquet Lawns in its grounds. Dogs are welcome on leads in the car park, parkland, forecourt and stableyard (assistance dogs only in the garden).

15. Ashdown, Oxfordshire - Desribed by the National Trust as having the appearance of a doll's house, Ashdown was built in 1662. Access to the house is on by pre-booked guided tour only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Ashdown Woods are a great place for a nature walk and spotting wildlife.

 

Visit the National Trust website for more details.