Style Blog

When it comes to picnics people tend to talk about them to put them off as it can seem more hassle than its worth. All the preparations, deciding where to go, driving there can all seen daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be an exciting and fun activity for the whole family, and one which every member can participate in, the perfect summer get together.

With miles of beautiful countryside to choose from around the UK, we have dwindled them down to the top 3 places to visit for your family picnic. For those whose picnic preparation isn’t quite up to scratch, there are also plenty of ways to make it extra-special with the delicious seasonal food on offer at the many cafés and shops which surrounds some of these beautiful areas.

Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall.

Set in a steep gorge, this place demonstrates the power of water and its impact on industry. Our film 'Reflections on Tin' traces its 400-year history, from 1584, including a visit by the famous artist JMW Turner. An early water-powered tin works was the last industry here. Today the waters of the River Dulais are used to make Aberdulais Falls self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. It has the largest electricity-generating waterwheel in Europe. Lifts enable you to access the cinema and the upper levels for excellent views of the falls.

High Force Waterfall.

Discover the force of nature at High Force, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, located at Forest-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham. Raby Castle is situated 20 miles further east at Staindrop. High Force will be operating Summer opening hours daily from 25th March onwards. The walk to the waterfall, the car park, and all visitor facilities such as the shop and toilets will be open. Car parking charges and admissions to the waterfall walk will apply, see below for details.

Mottisfont Abbey.

Ancient trees, bubbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely old house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises, with art that intrigues and delights. Come back throughout the year to see different exhibitions in the gallery and the latest installations by our artists in residence. Carpets of spring bulbs, a stunning walled rose garden, rich autumn leaves and a colourful winter garden make Mottisfont a feast for the senses all year round.

When looking for the best in equestrian supplies then many people in the know look no further than Toggi. Toggi is an outdoor and equestrian clothing brand which has grown dramatically in popularity since it began creating their range of equestrian wear. The brand always strives to produce hard wearing and comfortable clothing that can be worn in all weathers and outdoor condition, therefore it is no wonder it has become a favourite amongst equestrian sport lovers.

It is the craftsmanship of the brands clothing and apparel that has made Toggi what it is today and allowed their equestrian clothing range to become a firm favourite with horse riding enthusiasts. Their Toggi riding boots such as the ones available from Cross Country Style are ideal for equestrian sports.

Toggi offers horse and country lovers a wide range of brand new designs in their current collection of equestrian clothing and outdoor wear.  The Toggi clothing collection is continuously growing to give its customers something stylish, new and different. With such a wide range of Toggi outdoor clothing and Toggi equestrian clothing to choose from.

1. The North Face

The North face brand was established in 1968 in San Francisco. The name was chosen because the north face of a mountain in the northern hemisphere is generally the most difficult face to climb. By the 1980s, skiwear was added to the line of products, and eventually camping equipment was added as well. The North Face is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the VF Corporation.

1. Patagonia

Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder, got his start as a climber in 1953 as a 14-year-old. Yvon’s love for climbing grew and he met otgers who shared his love for the adventure. Patagonia began to see clothing as a way to help support the marginally profitable hardware business, and by 1972 they were selling polyurethane rain cagoules and bivouac sacks from Scotland, boiled-wool gloves and mittens from Austria, and hand-knit reversible "schizo" hats from Boulder. You can find this, along wuith many other top outdoor clothing brands at theepicentre.co.uk

1. Mountain Equipment

Mountain Equipment was established in 1961 and since have been equipping expeditions for the hardest conditions on Earth. They have participated in every British first ascent of an 8000m peak, been part of more than 175 Everest summits by International Mountain Guides and Sherpas and equipped unsupported trips to the North and South Poles.