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COOL PICNICS
COOL SPOTS FOR A PICNIC
RED ROCKS, WIRRAL
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.
FESTIVAL GARDENS
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.
The cool bags are packed and the deckchairs ready – check out perfect places to picnic in and around the North West.
SEFTON PARK
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.
FORMBY BEACH
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.
PARK LIFE
If you don’t like sand in your sandwiches, head to a beautiful greenspace like Calderstones Park.
Plenty of buses pass by and there’s good parking. Visit the Japanese garden and the 1,000 year old oak tree.
COOL PICNICS
Picnics are back – but not as we know it. A cool picnic will be a mix of food, accessories and edible eye candy. If you want to make your picnic trendy (and a bit posh) here are a few ideas.
STAY COOL
Stick a couple of ice blocks in the freezer so they’re ready to make your picnic cool in every sense.
COLOUR COORDINATED
Include something red, yellow, orange, green and blue. Fruit is the obvious choice but also include chopped peppers, raw vegetables like carrot and cauliflower and nuts and seeds.
PORTION CONTROL
Cut large items into manageable portions before you leave so you’re not grappling with a blunt knife on an uneven surface.
SIMPLE STORAGE
Take a small bottle or vase to hold utensils, napkins, and straws.
NO PLASTIC PLEASE
Use compostable plates, cups, and napkins for an eco friendly experience.
KEEP HANDY
Pack sanitiser to keep fresh during and after your picnic. Let the kids build up an appetite in the fresh air but make sure they sanitise before eating.
DRINK STATION
Who wants warm drinks in a cool picnic? A basic cool bag is cheap to buy. Don’t forget the ice packs! Take plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. If you’ve room pack a vacuum flask for hot drinks later.
STAY WARM
Summer days can turn cool when the sun goes down. Pack a fleece or a blanket to keep you warm and relaxed. At this point you’ll be glad you brought the vacuum flask!
READ THE RULES
Some outdoor events allow picnics but are quite strict on what can and can’t be included. Some allow drinks but only in cans or plastic bottles and some don’t let you take metal cutlery. Check on websites before you go to avoid disappointment or confiscation of your picnic set.
