A Victorian picnic was a substantial, planned affair rather than a casual snack. Families packed cold roast meats, pies, thick sandwiches, puddings and bottled drinks into a sturdy basket and carried them to a favourite spot. This guide covers what was typically eaten and how to put together a Victorian-style picnic today.
What a Victorian picnic looked like
Picnics became fashionable in Britain during the 19th century, helped by the growth of railways and a rise in leisure time for the middle classes. Household guides of the period, especially Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, offered lists of what to bring. English Heritage notes that her suggested menu for a party of 40 included joints of cold beef and lamb, roast fowls and ducks, ham and tongue, so a picnic could be generous indeed.
Cold meats and pies
Cold roast meat was the centrepiece. Beef, lamb, chicken, duck and ham were all common, usually cooked the day before. Pies were also popular because they travel well: veal and ham or pigeon pies, and savoury pastries in the spirit of today’s sausage rolls and pork pies.
For a modern version, roast a chicken or a piece of beef the day before, slice it, and pack it chilled. A glazed joint of ham also slices well cold; see our Irish gammon recipes.
Sandwiches
Picnic sandwiches of the time were not always the dainty triangles we now associate with afternoon tea. English Heritage describes them as thick-cut, wholesome affairs, often with salted meat and salad leaves such as cress, lettuce or celery. Cheese was another favourite filling, sometimes grated and mixed with cream or chopped nuts. Cucumber and ham fillings also appear in Victorian and Edwardian sources.
Sweet things
Mrs Beeton’s picnic baskets included fruit turnovers, cheesecakes, steamed or “cabinet” puddings, blancmange and jam puffs. Fresh fruit, particularly strawberries in season, was common. Rich cakes and small tarts were easy to pack.
If you enjoy spiced, fruited bakes, a slice of bara brith or a few Welsh cakes would sit comfortably in a modern Victorian-style hamper, even though they are a Welsh tradition rather than a particular Victorian picnic staple.
Drinks
According to Mrs Beeton, regular picnic drinks included ale, ginger beer, soda water and lemonade. Sherry and brandy were suggested for the adults, along with plenty of tea. She also noted that coffee was not suited to a picnic because it was difficult to make outdoors.
The basket and blanket
Families who could afford it owned a strong wicker basket for the purpose and a cloth or blanket to sit on. A flask, plates, cutlery, napkins and a corkscrew or bottle opener completed the kit.
A modern Victorian-style picnic menu
- Cold sliced roast beef or chicken
- A pork or veal and ham pie
- Thick sandwiches: ham and cress, cheese and chutney, cucumber
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Fruit turnovers or jam puffs
- A fruit cake or tea loaf
- Fresh strawberries
- Homemade lemonade or ginger beer, and a flask of tea
Keeping food safe
Cold meats, eggs, pies and cream-based desserts need to be kept cold. Pack them in a cool bag with ice packs, keep them out of direct sun, and avoid leaving perishable food out for long on a hot day. If in doubt, throw it away, and check current food-safety guidance from official sources for specifics.
Frequently asked questions
What are some ideas for old fashioned picnic food?
Cold roast meats, pies, hard-boiled eggs, thick sandwiches, fruit cake, turnovers and fresh fruit, with lemonade or ginger beer to drink.
What did Victorians eat for snacks?
Snacks included biscuits, buttered bread, fruit, cakes and buns, often with tea.
What are some traditional foods for a British picnic?
Sandwiches, sausage rolls, pork pies, Scotch eggs, scones and cake are all classic British picnic fare, with strawberries a seasonal favourite. For a spring gathering, see our guide to Easter food in the UK.
What food was popular in the Victorian era?
Roast meats, pies, puddings, stews, bread and butter, and tea were everyday staples, with more elaborate dishes for the wealthy.