10 places to picnic in the north west

As the summer holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to plan the best place to head off for a family picnic. From sea views, rivers and ponds, to beautiful parks and gardens, we share our favourite spots in the North West for a summer picnic. Now all you need to do is get your blanket, fold-out chairs and plan your perfect picnic menu.

1. Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool

Otterspool Promenade in South Liverpool offers a stunning walk along the River Mersey, with the added benefit of a play area and park. You’re bound to see plenty of people fishing! There is also a large woodland area, if you fancy a change of scenery.

With plenty of grassy areas, there is tons of space for you to bring a blanket to set up a picnic. In the event you choose to have your picnic on a windy day, why not bring a kite along?

2. Port Sunlight

Home to a museum, beautiful architecture and an exquisite art gallery, Port Sunlight has some fascinating history to enjoy. There are lots of wide, open green spaces dotted around this village, which are perfect for families and groups to gather at for a picnic.

If you want to use public transport, Port Sunlight train station is right in the village.

3. Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens, Didsbury

Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens have plenty of gorgeous plants which you can admire as you lay your picnic down on a patch of green grass. Complete with glorious birdsong and ponds, this is the perfect spot to kick back and relax with your family.

You can take your dogs to the picnic area, but be aware that they must be kept on leads.

4. Stanley Park, Blackpool

Peaceful surroundings, plenty of wildlife and an abundance of delightful plant displays are to be found in Stanley Park in Blackpool. This park features plenty of gardens, beautiful art deco, woodlands, a play area, sports facilities and a huge lake to have a walk around.

This gem is away from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool’s busy seafront, making it the perfect place to take some lunch!

5. Calderstones Park, Liverpool

Trees are vital to us – they give us oxygen, stabilise soil and are home to lots of species that protect us from diseases. Calderstones Park is home to the ‘Allerton Oak’, a 1000 year old oak tree, and is thought to be the oldest oak in the North West.

There are plenty more trees where that came from in the park! With plenty of grass and a designated picnic area with tables and benches, you are welcomed to have a picnic in this park. If the day is particularly hot, the park also has an ice cream parlour.

6. Daresbury Firs/ Keckwick Hill Daresbury, Cheshire

If you’re a lover of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, why not head to Daresbury, Cheshire, where Carroll was born? All Saints Church in Daresbury has some characters from the world-famous book and Caroll himself depicted in a nativity scene in its stained-glass windows. The churchyard also contains a 16th century font in which Lewis Carroll was baptised.

Daresbury Firs is only a short walk from the church, so why not pack a lunch and have your very own Mad Hatter’s tea party! Make sure to bring a blanket or fold-out chairs, as there aren’t any picnic tables.

7. Williamson Park, Lancaster

Magical woodland walks, hidden paths, and stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District, Williamson Park in Lancaster is an enchanted location fit for a picnic.

For a small fee, you can enter The Butterfly House at Williamson Park, a rainforest home to stunning butterflies (blue morpho being one example!), koi carp, tortoises and much more, making it the perfect little day out. There are also play areas and even a little zoo, giving everyone the chance to have some fun!

8. Chorlton Water Park, Manchester

What better place to have a picnic than by the water? Chorlton Water Park’s big lake is surrounded by fields of grass, perfect to have a picnic at on a sunny day for a wonderful view. If you’re not one for a picnic on the grass, picnic benches are also available, where you can watch people fishing!

Equipped with a small playground, it’s more than a great place to take young children to get their energy out.

9. Wavertree Botanic Gardens, Liverpool

If you’re looking to enjoy your alfresco lunch in peace, Wavertree Botanic Gardens is the perfect place. Though the playground can get busy, just a small walk away is where the magic happens.

Filled with bright, colourful trees and plenty of wildflowers, this is a great spot to take the family to go for a stroll and picnic. Take a blanket, and you’re all set!

10. Woolston Park, Warrington

Woolston Park in Warrington is the perfect place to take some sports gear if you’d like to do some daily physical activity before tucking into your picnic. The large open green spaces are perfect to kick a football around or play some ball games.

The Jubilee Garden is a lovely place to have a leisurely stroll and have a look at some flowers, or why not admire the swans in the lake?