Why not celebrate International Picnic Day on 18th June by taking a trip to one of Manchester’s excellent picnic spots and upgrading your al fresco set up?
Manchester is hardly well known for its glorious weather, so when it isn’t grey and miserable, it’s important to make the most of it! On your day out in Hale Village, head off to one of the surrounding areas for a picnic in one of the green spaces and unique venues the region has to offer.
John Leigh Park
John Leigh Park is an attractive and well-maintained park within walking distance of Altrincham town centre with a good number of trees including beech, ash, evergreens, and horse chestnut. The sloping aspect gives some good long-distance views, and the grassland provides a sense of space. An imaginative adventure play area designed around the concept of a river together with a pets’ corner and an abundance of squirrels makes it particularly children friendly so they can let loose while you tuck into your picnic.
Spud Wood
Spud Wood is a thriving mix of woodland and meadow in Lymm with abundant birdlife and wonderful views over the surrounding area, stretching to the Pennines in the east. The wood is bordered by the historic Bridgewater Canal which is a great place to wander along the bank, watch the boats, and perhaps catch sight of a kingfisher. This relatively new woodland was planted in the late 1990s on a former potato field – hence the name! Now the oak, ash, and silver birch have matured to form a shady canopy that’s alive with squirrels and birds.
It’s the perfect site for summer picnics and peaceful strolls at any time of year. Be sure to look out for the brook and pond nestled in the wood.
Gauntlet Birds of Prey
Just outside of Knutsford town centre lies Gauntlet Birds of Prey where you can get up close to the largest collection of birds of prey in the North West. Each day, there’s a talk held about vultures, a meet and greet session, and two flying displays. Between these events, take a walk around the park and see the owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and some of the more unusual residents like the marabou stork, red-legged seriema, and caracara!
Perhaps not the first place you’d think of when looking for a good picnic spot but there’s a picnic area and benches dotted throughout the park as well as a children’s play area shaped like a wooden fort – there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
Picnic Product recommendations
Knitted picnic blanket | £53 | Sophieallport.com
A picnic essential, this lemon-coloured picnic blanket adorned with a bee motif has a water- resistant backing and is perfect for family days out or taking a snooze in the sun. The faux leather straps make it easy to carry around – a must-have summer essential and a perfect nod to the iconic Manchester bee!
Wicker picnic hamper | £40 | Marksandspencer.com
Carry all your drinks and snacks in traditional style with this elegant wicker hamper. The design features two side sections with flap closures and a cotton lining. In the centre, there’s a handy wine holder to store your favourite tipple, while the two foldable handles offer a timeless look.
Platterbox | £129.99 | Eu.platterbox.com
Platterbox is an innovative solution specifically designed for transporting your culinary creations with utmost convenience, freshness, and style. Its special locking mechanism and insulated body are engineered to maintain temperature for hours so whether hot or cold, your charcuterie boards, fresh fruit, snack platters, and much more will remain fresh and flavourful as when you prepared them. Its interior can also be customised with add-on compartments and adapts easily to accommodate various serving sizes and food types.