With the summer holidays in full swing and the warm weather here for a little while longer - together with an unusally limited amount of rainfall - it seems enjoying a fresh meal in the great outdoors has become the sought-after experience.
And while picnics have always been a popular summer activity - see our round up of some of the lushest spots to tuck into a pre-packed sarnie in Cardiff here - dining outdoors on comfy cushions, untattered blankets, tables and in a place of extreme natural beauty is something rather spectacular. And Rosedew Farm in Llantwit Major is welcoming people to its fruitful flowery fields once again this summer for an alfresco dining experience.
Read more: Summer 2022 in Wales: 40 things to do with the family during the holiday
The family-run wedding venue's wildflower field is open daily for general admissions as well as for its special dining experience in the stunning flora, which can be booked at noon, 3pm or 6pm most days - these must be pre-booked. After dancing through the fields, diners can tuck into a glorious grazing box paired with a bottle of Prosecco or wine or non-alcoholic option. Read about our Rosedew adventure here.
For this two-hour private picnic slot for two guests - with a food box and prosecco - it will cost you £70. The price then increases for each additional person - there is space for up to eight guests.
The grazing box will include a selection of antipasti meats, cheese, olives, grapes, crudites and hummus, cracks and breadsticks, chutney, cherry tomatoes, gherkins, a giant pretzel and for something sweet, chocolate dipped strawberries and a brownie. Plus, they can cater for dietary requirements - just state when you are booking.
Although only opening its wildflower gates last year, Rosedew Farm, which is just a five-minute walk from Cwm Colhuw beach, unique dining has quickly become a popular summertime activity. Plus, it is perfect for those Instagram lovers with it luscious greenery and colourful wild and sunflowers.
Despite being nestled in the remote gorgeous Welsh countryside, it's relatively easy to get to. Diners can either walk from the train station (which would take around 15 to 20 minutes) or make use of Rosedew's ample on-site parking - there is parking specifically for the field.
If you visited last year, it's handy to note that the wildflowers' entrance is now located further up the field (due to the number of weddings the venue has this summer) and is accessed via the Acorn Campsite.
If the alfresco dining isn't quite for you but are enticed by the wildflowers surrounding the estate, Rosedew is open for general admisision - no pre-booking required - where you can wander around the flowers and have a Welsh cake, ice lolly, a variety of cold and hot drinks or a fresh gin and tonic from their new cafe area.
Admission is from 11am til 5.30pm daily and will cost £4, £2 for children (5-12 years of age). Under 5s go free. This increases when the sunflowers begin to bloom (keep an eye on their social media for this).
Taking to their Instagram ahead of their summer reopening, Rosedew wrote of another exciting activity added into the mix: "We can’t wait to show you what we have on offer this year, including the Zen Tent! I will introduce Sam to you all who will be hosting a variety of classes there throughout the summer too."
With the introduction of their 'Zen Tent', they can cater for celebrations such as baby showers, team building and even children's parties. Dogs are welcome, but it is asked that they be kept on a lead.
Rosedew Farm is located in, Llantwit Major CF61 1PZ. For more information on how to book your dining experience, see here. For more on Rosedew Farm, visit the website.
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