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Climb into a 1930s American motor from Antique Limousine Service — a Buick, Packard or Oldsmobile — and sit back as a uniformed chauffeur takes you on a scenic drive around the tastiest countryside Devon has to offer. When you pull up for your gourmet champagne picnic, your man will set up the gramophone and play some classic 78s — Teddy Bears’ Picnic included.
The details: trips set out from Topsham; a four-hour outing for up to four people costs £225. Call 01395 232432.
Sail away
Cast off across Lake Windermere on a skippered 32ft yacht, then enjoy a ship’s picnic at anchor in Pull Wyke, with its spectacular views of the Lang- dale fells. Local hoteliers prepare the food, with menus ranging from simple to sumptuous.
The details: from £115 for a two-hour sail for four. Call OB Sailing, 07836 525992 or visit www.obsailing.co.uk.
Midnight feast
Take a 30-minute evening hike to the summit of Worcestershire’s Malvern Hills, stamping ground of Edward Elgar and AE Housman, while your guide lugs the hamper — leaving you to enjoy a heaven full of stars. Your basket will include local fruit and cheese, home-baked bread and Herefordshire wine, beer or cider.
The details: £45pp. You’ll start from the Olde Rectory in Whitbourne (01886 822000, www.olde-rectory.co.uk), which also offers quality self-catering; from £178pp for a three-night break, based on six sharing.
The Crusoe experience
To really get away from it all, travel by private motor launch from the St Martin’s on the Isle hotel, in the Scilly Isles, to a tiny deserted island, with only seals and puffins for company. You’ll enjoy a champagne picnic (lobster, crab and summer berry salad with clotted cream), then idle away the hours until your pick-up arrives.
The details: £118 for two. St Martin’s on the Isle (01720 422090, www.stmartinshotel.co.uk) has doubles from £210, half-board.
Thames treat
Cast off from the Runnymede Hotel and cruise down to Windsor on a sleek 38ft cruiser, buck’s fizz in hand. Your picnic will be served on the riverbank near Eton, washed down with champagne or Pimm’s.
The details: £995 for a full day for up to 10. Contact Windsor VIP Cruises (01784 481702, www.windsorvipcruises.com).
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Shore thing
Jersey has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world — the island doubles in size twice a day. Every full moon, the marine biologist Andrew Syvret leads groups across a remarkable low-tide wilderness of shell banks, wave-cut reefs and boulder fields. You’ll stop to feast on lobster, cabbage loaf, Jersey apple brandy and lavender-honey fudge.
The details: £80pp. Call Pinnacle Marine on 01534 485201.
Urban greenery
A liveried footman from the Mandarin Oriental will carry a hamper to your chosen spot in Hyde Park, spread the rug and leave you to enjoy a picnic chosen from a selection of menus (anyone for poached lobster, summer pudding and champers?) You can also hire a butler to serve the drinks.
The details: from £60pp. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel, but rooms start at £345. Call 020 7235 2000 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
Motoring classics
Rent a retro marque from Classic Car Hire and set off to tour the Yorkshire Dales, your hamper filled with York ham, Wensleydale cheese, local yoghurt and home-made cake. Your choice of cars includes a 1960 Morris Minor convertible (£120 per day), a 1970 E-type (£275), a 1978 Morgan (£195) and other golden oldies.
The details: £13.75pp, plus the motor, picked up in Otley. Call 0800 052 5066 or visit www.classiccarhire.com.
Edwardian caper
Pick up your picnic from Byfords, in the market town of Holt, Norfolk’s “deli of the year”, and travel by pony and trap to the old station. Here you’ll board the steam train to Sheringham, following a five-mile stretch of the old Midland and Great Northern line, axed in 1959 and now run by volunteers. After picnicking on the beach, return by train and pony to Holt.
The details: £65-£85 for a family of four. Call 01263 713520.
The full monty
Every silver-service gourmet picnic provided by Country Concierge comes with its own waiter, and they are available at events across southeast England this summer, including the Glyndebourne festival (which runs until August 31) and the Battle Abbey Picnic Proms (August 23).
The details: from £47pp, based on four sharing. Call 01580 830099 or visit www.countryconcierge.co.uk.