16 Top Picnic Spots in Cheshire

Who doesn’t love a good picnic? We believe that Cheshire has some of the most beautiful picnic spots – even though we may be biased!

As the days draw longer and the weather continues to improve, now more than ever we are keen to discover beautiful picnic spots at some of Cheshire best attractions as well as hidden lunch locations to enjoy some cost-effective days out as a family. With the school summer holidays just around the corner, the family-friendly pursuit of packing a picnic and heading off for a day exploring Cheshire will be on the cards for many people this year. We have rounded up our top 15 suggestions for the perfect picnic spots, from magical woodlands, secret playgrounds and undiscovered parkland to some of the most picturesque attractions and best days out in Cheshire no matter if you want a quite relaxing lunch or a fun filled day of activities, Cheshire offers all the best spots to catering for everyone!

So grab your blanket, make some of your favourite food and head out to enjoy a great day in the sun!

1. Tatton Park

In the heart of Knutsford lies the scenic Tatton Park. Well known for their history, meres, and beautiful ornamental gardens – it is one of the most photogenic locations in Cheshire perfect for a picnic with a view.

2. Edgar’s Field Park, Chester

Tucked away behind The Ship Inn in Handbridge, just over the Old Dee Bridge from the historic city of Chester, is Edgar’s Field Park. This park is a smaller and quieter alternative to destinations such as Grosvenor Park and has a welcome oasis of calm after time spent exploring the city. Edgar’s Field provides a delightful tree-lined avenue with which to enjoy a waterside walk together with an ample dose of Roman history. There is a large pirate ship, slide and swings suitable for children of all ages and the green space that surrounds it is perfect for a family picnic.

3. Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest is the largest woodland in Cheshire. Making it a haven for wildlife and amazing scenery. With 972 hectares of land, there are plenty of picnic spots for you to choose from!

4. Kelsall Playground & Primrose Wood

Visitors to Kelsall can explore the quieter walks in Primrose Wood, a detached section of Delamere Forest, by parking just off Waste Lane. Intersected by the Sandstone Trail walkers can incorporate a stop at Urchin’s Kitchen, an Ice Age glacial gorge, and Primrose Hill awash with seasonal blooms. After a magical woodland walk, visitors can make their way to Kelsall village green, adjacent to The Morris Dancer pub for a relaxing picnic. The enclosed wooden playground features equipment suitable for children of all ages together with seating, a zipline and basketball courts. The paved paths circumnavigating the lawned park are fully accessible for prams, wheelchairs and scooters making it the ideal place to spend a few hours playing.

5. Beeston

Being one of the most historic landmarks in Cheshire, Beeston Castle is an attraction that is a must see. With breath-taking views, picturesque woodlands and of course the medieval fortress –it is the most magical place to enjoy a picnic in Cheshire.

6. Quarry Bank Mill & Styal Wood

Although the National Trust site of Quarry Bank Mill is by no means a hidden gem, there are quieter sections of the site and surrounding woodland that make an ideal picnic spot. Taking advantage of the free on-site parking, the upper formal gardens overlooking the mill are a delightful area to spend time close to good toilet and café facilities. The ancient woodland that surrounds the mill is free to access and the countless miles of enchanting nature trails make it easy to avoid the crowds.

7. Port Sunlight

Known as one of the most historic industrial villages in Cheshire – Port Sunlight is brimming with glorious history. Learn all about how the village has changed over the years, then relax and unwind amongst the stunning parkland with your picnic.

8. Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden, Warrington

The walled ornamental and kitchen gardens along with a small section of woodland are free for visitors to enjoy. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the exquisite gardens featuring a network of ponds allowing for a peaceful picnic spot away from the hustle and bustle.

Within the Kitchen Garden there is always something to catch your interest year-round from blossoming seasonal wildflowers, orchard trees bearing fruit, busy hives, and a remarkable array of home-grown produce, much of which is used in the onsite café housed in the restored glasshouses.

9. Arley Hall & Gardens

One of the most attractive stately homes in the North West, Arley Hall’s Victorian country house is surrounded by 8 acres of gorgeous formal gardens. After your picnic, we suggest you spend the afternoon taking in the stunning scenery.

10. Ness Botanic Gardens

With amazing views of the stunning Chester River Dee, Ness Botanic Gardens has a gorgeous, tranquil ambience. With many activities and workshops, their well-established bee nursery, and lovely gardens – there will be the perfect place for you to enjoy your picnic.

11. Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Malpas

The castle opens its grounds and gardens for visitors to explore on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays throughout the summer season. This vast estate is a real hidden gem and makes for a full family day out in south Cheshire. Guests can enjoy lakeside walks, a children’s playground, the stunning Temple and Folly ornamental Gardens, and the magical Tower Hill complete with a natural play area for little ones.

12. Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is a fascinating combination of historical, archaeological and natural beauty. With so many gorgeous places on the site, your toughest decision of the day will be where you have you picnic!

13. The Moor, Knutsford

A few paces from the bustling King Street, The Moor offers visitors an excellent playground and designated picnic area to enjoy after time spent exploring the historic streets and shops of up-market Knutsford. The Moor overlooks the southern tip of Tatton Mere and provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with the waterbirds that call it home.

The large playground with designated toddler area is right underneath the flight path for Manchester Airport, so plane enthusiasts will be greeted by a steady stream of low flying aircraft that only adds to the excitement factor.

14 .Jodrell Bank 

Recently being awarded as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre is a must-see attraction in Cheshire! Obviously, their iconic telescope is a necessity however, you might not know that Jodrell Bank is surrounded by gorgeous gardens perfect for a picnic.

15. Anderton Boat Lift

Recognised as the ‘Cathedral of Canals’ Anderton Boat Lift in Northwich is the idyllic place to enjoy a picnic. Marvel at the impressive boat lift which is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Then, find one of the many peaceful areas to indulge in your picnic.

16. Anderton Nature Park, Northwich

This vast maze of waterside trails, woodland walks and nature meadows is a wildlife haven created from the disused lime beds and pools associated with Northwich’s salt production.

The associated visitor centre is open weekends with a café, toilets, and a children’s play area sitting in the shadows of the famous boat lift. There are an array of picnic and seating areas dotted along the miles of trails that link the Nature Park to Neumann’s Flash and accompanying Lion Salt Works, also worth a visit.