HISTORIC Stourhead in Wiltshire – just a few miles over the north Dorset border – has been named as one of the top 10 places in the country for picnics with great views.

It is part of a list drawn up by the National Trust as part of a push to encourage families not to wait until summer to explore some of the most glorious beauty spots in the UK.

Here are Magazine’s own 10 favourites closer to home:

Corfe Castle

The Norman castle was ruined after a 1646 civil war siege. Reputed to be the inspiration for Kirren in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, so be sure to pack lashings of ginger beer. The best views of castle and village are from the tops of the steep hills at either side of the gap in the Purbeck hills.

Brownsea Island

Only a short boat ride from Poole Quay or Sandbanks, the island has woods, heath, fields, cliffs, beaches and views across the harbour to Purbeck. It’s also home to rare red squirrels, Sika deer, and is a haven for wading birds. No dogs allowed.

The Ranges

High on the Purbeck Hills on the road between Creech Grange and East Lulworth are two public car parks with stunning views of Poole Harbour on one side and the Purbeck coast on the other.

Mill Lawn, Burley

There are countless great picnic spots in the New Forest, but picturesque Burley’s position about halfway between the A35 and A31 make it a honeypot for visitors. Mill Lawn’s stream and free-range ponies and cattle are New Forest in a nutshell.

Hengistbury Head/Mudeford Spit

The historic scenic headland divides Poole Bay from Christchurch Bay. Walk to the top of the headland for sweeping views of the coastline, watch the watersports in Christchurch Harbour or sit at the beach and watch the world go by. You can even taken the Noddy train if the picnic gear is heavy.

Hardy’s Monument

This 72ft tall memorial perched on a high chalk hill at Portesham, near Abbotsbury, is to Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, who was with Nelson on the HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The site has 360 degree views over Dorset and the sea. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Needles 50 miles away.

Fontmell Down

This nature reserve with extensive views across Blackmore Vale is just off the C13 top road between Blandford and Shaftesbury. It is a haven for butterflies and wildflowers, but at weekends expect noise from light aircraft taking at nearby Compton Abbas airfield. Very limited roadside parking.

Badbury Rings

Dorset has several ancient hill forts with great views, but Badbury Rings has the bonus of the famous beech avenue approach road. There are plenty of flat grassy areas for picnics and kite flying, but dogs are not allowed into the rings.

Studland

The walk along the cliffs to Old Harry Rocks is hugely popular, but the chalk stacks are better seen from the beach. The best views are from the top of Ballard Down, but probably best to eat the picnic at the bottom of the hill.

Swyre Head

At 208 metres, the highest point in the Purbeck Hills near Kingston is worth the hike from the parking area. On a clear day, you can see past Clavell Tower and Portland to Dartmoor; to the north Nine Barrow Down and Poole Harbour; to the east the Isle of Wight.

• To find out more about the National Trust’s top 10 “food with a view” sites, seasonal picnic recipes and what to look out for when you’re eating outdoors this spring, visit foodgloriousfood.org.uk.