In National Picnic Month – 10 top Liverpool places for an al fresco feast

The sun’s out and it’s National Picnic Month in July – so what better reason for grabbing yourself a blanket and loading up the cool box with a few sarnies and a Scotch egg and heading outdoors?

You can’t beat an al fresco feast for catching up with your mates or having a bit of family fun in fantastic places like these:

Crosby Beach

So you might have to share your sandwich with a few Iron Men – but at least they’ll not be pinching it! The award-winning Crosby beach is perfect for a picnic, with miles of gorgeous sand that’s ideal for flying a kite or making sandcastles and loads of space when it comes to sitting down to dine.

Sefton Park

With so much gorgeous green parkland there’ll be no fighting for room in this favourite Liverpool oasis. You can take your pick with a spot by the lake or in the shadows of the stunning Palm House, and if you haven’t got a blanket or a deckchair you can put up, there’s even picnic benches for you to get your spread out on. There’s the café if you’ve not packed your own food – or if you fancy an ice-cream for your picnic pud.

Formby Beach and Squirrel Reserve

You can feed yourselves and the red squirrels at this coastal National Trust venue. Another fabulous beach, this time with dramatic sand dunes and pinewoods. There are picnic areas to choose from, or you can select a space in the woodlands or on the beach – but please, no BBQs or beach fires!

Otterspool Prom

It doesn’t have to be a park or a beach where you park your picnic gear, because this is another of our favourite places. You can have a stroll along the banks of the Mersey and then spread out your rug and your sandwiches on the greenery just off the prom area – best of all you can admire the stunning views of the river while you tuck in.

Birkenhead Park

The inspiration for Central Park in New York, it’s got beautiful open meadows, a stunning lakeside and shaded woodland areas, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stop to scran.  Once you’ve finished you can enjoy guided walks, have a go on the health and fitness circuit, head to the children’s playground, have a game of tennis, or spot its famous sites like the Swiss Bridge.

New Brighton Beach

You can dust off your deck chairs or find a bench on the prom to enjoy a picnic at New Brighton beach, and eat your sarnies and sausage rolls while taking in the Liverpool skyline over the water. If there are kids who want to play, it’s one of the best beaches around – and they’ll love being pirates on the Black Pearl, a community-built driftwood boat, as well as exploring the Grade II listed Perch Rock Fort and Perch Rock lighthouse.

Chavasse Park

Who said you can’t picnic in the centre of the city?! This prime five-acre green spot is at the heart of Liverpool ONE, so it means you can take your own picnic basket stashed with goodies or nip to the stores or restaurants for a selection of tasty treats. There’s often activities throughout the summer or to keep the kids, or yourself, entertained there’s an all-year-around free nature trail to help you discover its abundance of wildlife.

Speke Hall, Garden and Estate

There are picnic spots galore in the grounds of this glorious Tudor estate, including the orchard, the North Lawn, and the South Lawn, and they’re fairly extensive so there’s no problem spreading out to enjoy your food (you can also find picnic tables near the Home Farm play area). There’s also loads to do at Speke Hall with its giant hedge maze, interactive Giant Childe of Hale trail, its woodland play area and 30-foot zip wire and, throughout July and August, its Summer of Play programme.

Everton Park

Another city centre gem with amazing views of the city, docks, river and sea, Everton Park has 40-hectares of great green space. You can unwind and feast on its playground and games area, its heritage trail and its nature garden along with your nibbles – and if you’re after a romantic sunset picnic – this has got to be one of the best spots. (Climb the steps from Shaw Street/Heyworth Street).

Carr Mill Dam, St Helens

Once a mill pond built to power Carr’s Mill, it was expanded in the 1750s to provide water to the Sankey Navigation, (Sankey Canal). It’s now a firm favourite with anglers and birdwatchers and, as well as great walks and trails, there are some quiet spots that are perfect for peace – and a picnic.

Find more great things to do across Liverpool here.

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