Going for a picnic has to be one of the best things about summer. Maybe it's the novelty of eating outside after months of staying indoors, but for some reason even the simplest of sandwiches tastes better when it’s consumed in the sunshine.
Whether you like to enjoy fancy picnics with a feast of savoury and sweet treats, or you prefer to just relax on a blanket with a sarnie and a bag of crisps, going for a picnic is an excellent way to spend a summer’s day. They're also an excellent option if you want to keep costs down on a day or afternoon out.
If you’re looking for a picnic spot in Greater Manchester then there are lots to choose from with gorgeous views and walks to do nearby. Keep things closer to home if you prefer, or head to somewhere new.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
We’ve rounded up some of the best picnic spots in Greater Manchester, so pack up your picnic basket and head outside for an al fresco lunch. Let us know if there’s any places you’d recommend for a picnic in the comments below.
Burrs Country Park, Bury
Covering an area of 36 hectares of gorgeous countryside, Burrs Country Park features woodland, grassy areas and waterways. There are lots of scenic spots to enjoy a picnic and plenty of picnic tables too.
Little ones will love the park’s playground while you may also spot the East Lancashire Railway passing through. If you fancy a cold treat after your picnic head to the Lamppost Cafe, which is dog-friendly.
Haughton Dale, Tameside
Located just outside of the M60, Haughton Dale is a nature reserve made up of new and ancient woodland and feels like you could be in the middle of the countryside. You can follow paths along the river or through the woods.
Its size can be surprising and there are dozens of spots where you can lay down a blanket and tuck into your food.
Clifton Country Park, Salford
With 48 hectares of countryside on offer, there are dozens of picnic spots to choose from in Clifton Country Park. You can explore areas of open woodland, meadows and lakeside walks.
The park is also home to a sculpture trail, so keep your eyes peeled for them as you walk around. Kids will love the play area, too.
Heaton Park, Manchester
Of course, we had to mention Heaton Park on this list. Covering an area of 242 hectares, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a picnic here.
It has shady spots surrounded by trees, as well as vast open grassy areas. For excellent views of the city’s skyline, climb up the hill to the Temple. Or head to the lake where you can rent a boat.
Stalybridge Country Park, Tameside
At Stalybridge Country Park you’ll find peaceful riverside walks, beautiful wooded valleys and open moorland. The park is made up of two different areas, the Brushes Valley in Millbrook and smaller sites at Carrbrook, which are linked by footpaths and tracks.
Climb higher up you’ll come across four reservoirs, while if you walk to the top of Wild Bank you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. Throughout the park are plenty of picnic areas to choose from.
Quarry Bank, Styal
Just outside of Greater Manchester in the village of Styal in Cheshire, Quarry Bank is a beautiful spot to head to with a picnic. The wider estate features hundreds of acres of woodland and countryside, while there are picturesque gardens on the banks of the river valley.
At the heart of Quarry Bank is an eighteenth-century cotton mill. Run by the National Trust, you need to pay to visit the Mill and surrounding buildings, but otherwise you can access the wider estate for free.
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
READ NEXT:
