Whether you’re taking a break from a long walk, spending time with friends and family, or playing on the beach, nothing quite beats a proper picnic – especially when the sun comes out to play.
As a nod to National Picnic Week, taking place from 14 to 23 June 2024, here are five of the best picnic spots in and around the north-west.
1. Formby Beach
Owned by the National Trust, Formby’s sand dunes are said to be among the best in Europe. An incredible nature reserve where rare species thrive, you may be fortunate enough to spot a red squirrel or even a natterjack toad.
As well as rare wildlife, if you visit at low tide, you can view two shipwrecks off the coast. If this appeals, check out the National Trust website to find out more information about upcoming guided walks, and make sure you pack your wellies.
To make the day more enjoyable for all, if you or one of your picnic party have difficulty walking, you can borrow a sand wheelchair.
You’ll need a volunteer to do the pushing, but super-wide tyres – designed to stop the chair from sinking into the sand – should make the experience fun for both pusher and passenger.
As well as being ideal for slightly damp sand on the beach, they can also be used on the sandy woodland paths. Visit the website to book your morning or afternoon slot.
2. Delamere Forest
Delamere Forest is an easy drive from Manchester or Liverpool and is so vast, it’s the idyll picnic spot for those of you who want to escape the world and enjoy some peace and tranquillity in the great outdoors.
If you prefer to leave your car at home, take the train to the forest’s dedicated station. From here, you’ll have a choice of easy walking trails or, for those with lots of energy, hike uphill and enjoy the far-reaching views across to Liverpool’s city skyline.
3. Tatton Park
Regular readers will know we’ve recommended Tatton Park on a number of occasions, but it would be highly remiss of us to leave it out of this list of top local picnic spots.
The stunning estate spans more than 1,000 acres and offers parkland, beautifully maintained gardens, and a working farm. With more than 100 events and activities taking place throughout the year, you could coincide your picnic with a memorable concert, an informative talk, or fascinating exhibition.
Alternatively, simply turn up with your blanket and hamper on a warm summer’s day and enjoy the scenery and feed your soul as you feast in the fresh air and sunshine, surrounded by the park’s historical beauty.
4. Queens Park, Crewe
Crewe may not be the first place that pops into your head for a picturesque picnic spot, but Queens Park boasts 45 beautiful acres for you to enjoy.
Dedicated to the people of Crewe in 1887 to mark the joint occasion of Queen’s Jubilee and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Grand Junction Railway, today the park has benefited from a complete restoration.
The sympathetic restoration balanced conservation and innovation, giving the park a new lease of life. So, if you’ve never visited, this summer may be the ideal opportunity to pack your hamper and explore somewhere new.
By way of a sneak peak, and a little pre-picnic planning, among other delights, you will find:
- A large ornamental lake, on which you can boat in the summer months
- Historically significant statues and monuments
- A children’s playground
- A bowling green and mini golf course.
If you love a good Parkrun, show up early for a 9 am start and then enjoy a more leisurely walk and a picnic afterwards.
You could even decide to skip the picnic-packing chore and treat yourself to lunch at the Lakeside Pavilion.
5. Cheshire Polo Club, Little Budworth
If you want to elevate your picnic game, the Cheshire Polo Club could be the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and pack your favourite Prosecco and fanciest picnic treats.
Polo season is in full swing, so check out the latest list of fixtures, to see what’s happening. It’s free to enter and sit on the grass to enjoy your picnic while you watch the game, but you can also buy a table for your party at the venue.
