Discover some of the best places in and around Cheshire to lay down a picnic blanket and open a hamper Emma Mayoh reports
Before you go…
Please note, admission and parking charges apply at some locations. Please check details and opening times, where applicable, before setting off. As the lockdown restrictions begin to ease, more of what we used to be able to do will become open to us. Please check the current guidelines and that in place at the time of your picnic.
Tatton Park, Knutsford
Tatton has been a popular destination for local people looking to enjoy their daily exercise during the lockdown. As restrictions ease, more activities such as picnics' will be an option for us. There is more than enough room for people to social distance in the acres of parkland.
Delamere Forest
Be surrounded by wildlife in Delamere Forest, Cheshire’s largest wooded area. There are several picnic sites to choose from around the 950 hectare forest as well as plenty of open spaces to lay down your blanket. And your picnic is an opportunity to find out more about this beautiful area.
Leasowe Common, near Moreton, Wirral
Leasowe Common is located at the heart of the North Wirral Coastal Park. Moreton Beach, awarded the highest European standard for water quality and recognised in the Good Beach Guide, is located nearby and is manned by lifeguards in peak season.
Lyme Park, Disley
It’s easy to see why this magnificent estate played a starring role as Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. Choose your spot in the 1,400 acre park before exploring the gardens as well as the woodland and the spectacular views on offer from the lantern folly.
Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
The picture-postcard, remote 18th century fishing village is on the edge of a beautiful beach at Morfa Nefyn. It’s ideal for picnics. It’s right on the tip of a headland, with a golf course on the peninsula above. It’s great for a paddle or just enjoying the sight of the crystal blue waters. The only thing you could possibly worry about is getting sand in your sandwiches!
Port Sunlight Village, Wirral
Absorb the history of this model village created by soap magnate William Hesketh Lever for his factory workers in 1888. Spend the day exploring all it has to offer before enjoying a well break. The nearby River Park is a beautiful sanctuary for wildlife overlooking the River Mersey.
Teggs Nose Country Park, Macclesfield
This wild, rugged environment is popular with mountain bikers and climbers but it’s also a great spot for more relaxed pursuits. Take in the incredible views across the Cheshire Plan and there’s ample opportunity for bird watching and walks around the woodland. If the weather changes for the worse while you’re there, there’s an indoor picnic area available.
Beeston
Where better to stop and take time out? Pick up a picnic basket, visit a nearby farm shop to buy some goodies, and start the climb up the hill at Beeston Castle. Reward your efforts by tucking into your food at the top where you will be able to savour the panoramas overlooking eight counties from the Pennines to the Welsh Mountains. If this seems a little strenuous there are plenty of pretty spots along the Shropshire Union Canal in Beeston.
Wirral Country Park, Thurstaston
Countryside and coast combine here in the form of large areas of grassland to an adjacent beach. Enjoy stunning views over the Dee Estuary and walks of varying lengths along the Wirral Way. There are plenty of picnic benches across the area and if you book in advance, there is a barbecue area. Thurstaston Visitor Centre also provides information on the park.
River Dee, Chester city centre
Watch the world go by on a sunny day on the banks of the River Dee. Often there are entertainers performing to the crowds as well as a few stalls to browse before you settle down to a tasty snack. Treat yourself to an ice-cream from one of the sellers here to cool down on a summer’s day.
