COOL SPOTS FOR A
PICNIC The cool bags are packed and the deckchairs ready – check out perfect places to picnic in and around the North West.
RED ROCKS, WIRRAL
FORMBY BEACH
Entrance via Stanley Road, Hoylake which is less than a mile from the train station and there is also parking nearby. Looking out towards Hilbre Island, there’s a small sandy beach and there are sand dunes, reedbeds and marsh for the bird lovers.
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A train to Freshfield Station and a 20 minute walk takes you to woodland, sandy beach and picnic benches galore at this National Trust coastal spot. Spot a red squirrel if you are lucky.
FESTIVAL GARDENS
SEFTON PARK
PARK LIFE
This is a taste of the orient on the Liverpool waterfront with pagodas, lakes, waterways and waterfalls. After your picnic enjoy a stroll along the Otterspool promenade and take in the views across the Mersey to the Wirral and North Wales before jumping back on the train at Aigburth station.
With Green Flag and Green Heritage gongs and a Grade 1 listing, the park boasts caves, waterfalls, boating lake and playground. The magnificent Palm House is home to events from tea dances to concerts.
If you don’t like sand in your sandwiches, head to a beautiful greenspace like Calderstones Park.
Nearest station is St Michael’s, about a mile away, and there are plenty of buses.
Plenty of buses pass by and there’s good parking. Visit the Japanese garden and the 1,000 year old oak tree.
