TINTERN ABBEY, MONMOUTHSHIRE

WHERE: Tintern

WHY: Founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, the atmospheric Tintern Abbey captivated JMW Turner in 1792, his pencil sketches forming the basis for the evocative watercolours exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1794-95. You’ll still see visitors with easels in tow, but for those more inclined to while away a sunny day making daisy chains amid chocolate-box Wye Valley views, paint brushes won’t be necessary. The surrounding fields lend themselves to games of Frisbee or rounders, forest paths invite romantic strolls and the banks of the River Wye will delight picnickers who fancy a spot of paddling before lunch.

PERFECT PICNIC: Pull out all the artistic stops with the likes of gin-baked salmon, feta, courgette and pea frittata and vibrant, edible flower-strewn pasta salads. Afterwards, enjoy a postprandial digestif in the lovely garden of the Anchor Inn, right next door.