Get Out the Blankets!

It’s that time of year again, so dig out your hampers and blankets as we get set for National Picnic Week on the 16^th-25^th June.

Picnicking is one of the UK’s most enjoyable summertime traditions so grab your family and friends and get outdoors and explore; it’s a great way of taking advantage of open spaces. We’ve put together just a few of the best picnic spots in Blackpool. 

Stanley Park

The perfect setting for a picnic date, surrounded by beautifully landscaped parkland and historical splendour. You’ll find plenty to occupy all ages, with a children’s playground, trampolines and a boating lake. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing then take a stroll around the stunning Rose or Italian Gardens, or simply sit back and enjoy live musical performances from the bandstand.

The Beach

With six miles of golden sands, Blackpool is proud to boast national awards for all four of its beaches. Nothing beats a family picnic on the beach; you can’t go wrong with a heady mix of al fresco dining and sea air. With hours of fun for the family, why not try an impromptu game of cricket, or football, create your very own majestic sandcastle, go for a splash through the shallows or sit back and soak up the sun. 

Blackpool Zoo

A great day out for all the family, with over 1,000 animals in 32 acres of traditional, spacious parkland, the Blackpool Zoo offers an educational, fun day whether you are nine years old or 99! From aardvarks to zebras, cockroaches to giraffes, Blackpool Zoo’s residents come in all shapes and sizes and the spacious setting provides the perfect opportunity to picnic.

Salisbury Woodland

With an array of wildlife, it’s a great spot for those who love nature. If you look carefully, you will see birds such as kingfishers darting along the stream as well as tree creepers, greater spotted woodpeckers and blackcaps. The woodland also supports colonies of pipistrelle bats that feed on insects at night; butterflies such as orange tip, speckled wood and peacock as well as an array of dragonflies. 
The design of the gardens takes full advantage of the natural features of the landscape with paths winding through the dappled shade and over the stream, with a dedicated picnic area.

The Promenade

With miles of stunning promenade, you’ll find there is so much to see and do, making this a great spot for your picnic. Take in the sun on the Spanish Steps leading to our award–winning beaches, laugh out loud on the Comedy Carpet or experience the Great Promenade Show an outdoor exhibition of features by some of the UK's leading artists and designers.

Marton Mere Nature Reserve

A stone’s throw away from the bright lights of Blackpool seafront, a tranquil spot home to a diverse range of wildlife. Marton Mere is by far one of Blackpool’s hidden gems, there’s always plenty to see from the hundreds of wintering ducks to a beautiful summer display of dragonflies and flowers. 

North Pier

Steeped in heritage, Blackpool’s North Pier provides a stunning view of the Blackpool skyline which provides a beautiful setting for a relaxing picnic. The Grade II listed pier is the oldest surviving pier created by Eugenius Birch. Relax in the truly wonderful Victorian solarium, take a ride on the two tier Venetian Carousel or sit back and watch the world go by whilst soaking up the sea air. 

Devonshire Rock Gardens

Devonshire Road Rock Gardens offers a tranquil picnic setting. It was created in the 1930s to provide a public park for new housing in the area and to take advantage of rolling views across to the Trough of Bowland.  The real gem in the park though is The Vista, a small Italian style rustic pavilion with a terrace overlooking the hills to the east and below pools and waterfalls. 

Solaris Centre

The old Solarium has risen like a phoenix out of the ashes of dereliction to become the new Solaris Centre, providing the perfect green space to sit and enjoy a picnic at just a stone’s throw away from the South Promenade. Set in four acres of beautiful gardens, the Solaris Centre is a place for key environmental action, assisting in delivering environmental sustainability, boasting a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained and if you’re looking for a treat, you can pick an array of hot drinks and cakes from the Café Chicco located inside the centre.
 
With lots of picnic locations on offer, why not plan your next trip and enjoy some fabulous al fresco dinning during National Picnic Week!