Best picnic blankets 2022: stylish and waterproof picnic rugs

After what feels like an incredibly long winter with very questionable weather (yes we’re talking about the random days of snow in March and April), most of us are eager for summer to arrive and we’re delighted at the thought of gathering with friends fuelled by sarnies, drinks and - fingers crossed - plenty of spring sunshine.

If you too are planning a picnic, it’s time to take stock of your seating options. The easiest and most cost effective place to start? Why, a picnic blanket, of course.

A rug allows you to set up camp in your local park at a moment’s notice. You can get ones big enough to maintain social distancing while allowing you both to soak up every last ray of sun for some sorely-needed Vitamin D, while surrounded by blooming flowers.

Picnic blankets often sport waterproof undersides to prevent wet grass or dew from soaking through, making it comfortable to sit on and keeping the worst of the stains away.

Tartan is the most traditional but there are also a whole host of charming prints as well as options large enough to seat the whole group. Look for handy extras like integrated handles that make carrying them around much less of a hassle.

See the best picnic blankets below.

Waterproof picnic blankets

Heating & Plumbing London Picnic Duo - Duck Egg

Heating & Plumbing’s picnic blanket comes with a little friend in the form of a champagne bucket bag, perfect for carrying a bottle of bubbles to your long-awaited reunions. The two piece comes in a range of fun colours, and is textbook luxury: think British pure new wool, leather details and a waterproof lining to have your snacks in style.

Buy now £224.00, Wolf & Badger

Buzzy Bee Blue Picnic Blanket

This blue blanket is covered in a sweet bee print and is an XL size (145cm x 250cm) with enough space to seat your lucky six when the happy day comes. It’s made from 100 per cent cotton and is incredibly lightweight. You’ll hardly notice it slung over your shoulder which is a good job as we’re sure your hands will be full carrying far more precious cargo. Comes with carry handles and adjustable straps.

Buy now £69.00, Joules

Summerhouse Madagascar Picnic Blanket Zebra Stripe, Black & White

Bring style points to your al fresco events with this fierce zebra print picnic rug. It has a waterproof backing and rolls up tight to stash away when the weather turns. This is a beach or park essential.

Buy now £22.49, Amazon

VonShef Herringbone Waterproof Picnic Blanket

This elegant blanket comes with a detachable faux leather carrier so you can take it to your next park meet with ease. It’s quite large, measuring 147 x 180cm, and has a waterproof PEVA backing so you can carry on even with damp ground.

Buy now £26.99, Vonhaus

Harlequin Waterproof Family Picnic Mat

This bold, geometric print picnic mat comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. It is also super soft and cosy while also being waterproof and quick-drying. Made with microfibre polyester, it sheds water so that you stay dry whatever the weather.

Buy now £19.99, NOTHS

Tartan and Wool picnic blankets

Tweedmill Eventer Pure New Wool Picnic Blanket - Muted Blue Dress Stewart/Olive

Picnic in Hebridean style, thanks to Tweedmill’s pure new wool blanket that is covered in a beautiful heritage tartan check. Measuring 137 x 170cm, it features a practical waterproof backing underneath and a stitched carry handle so you can take it everywhere from your local park to grander settings like Primrose Hill or the Heath.

Buy now £72.00, Amara

Tweedmill Keith Check Recycled Picnic Rug

Be the most stylish picnickers around is this pretty pastel tartan blanket. Tweedmill has reinvented tartan with a contemporary twist, combined with waterproof backing and soft fibres that make it perfect for city living.

Buy now £47.00, Amara

Tweedmill Polo Picnic Blanket, Dark Check

Enjoy your St James’ Park in majestic style while sitting atop a stunning blanket from royal grocer Fortnum & Mason. In fact the Piccadilly store is a short stroll from three of London’s famous parks, making it the perfect pit-stop for a right royal spread. The blue tartan blanket measures 145 x 200cm and is made of a wool and polyester mix. Wipe clean only.

Buy now £110.00, Forntum & Mason

Thermosoft Multicoloured Check Throw

Help your mates find you in a flash with a colourful blanket that will stand out on the grass. Available in small and large sizes, the German-made throw is hard wearing but not completely waterproof - so save for sunny days.

Buy now £30.00, Dunelm

Rectangle picnic blankets

Mallur Picnic Blanket

This Scandi-embellished picnic blanket design from Urbanara has a subtly stylish grey-hued herringbone pattern on one side, while the underneath is PU coated and thus waterproof. It has a rectangle design and a plush padding for added comfort.

Buy now £60.00, Urbanara

Novelty Picnic Blanket

Ice Lolly Novelty Picnic Blanket

This list would not be complete with at least one novelty option and this ice lolly shaped variation has won our hearts. The Instagram-worthy rug can be used for picnics in the park, camping, garden parties and festivals so you can dine in style.

Buy now £18.99, Wayfair

Hand Embroidered Picnic Blanket

This round picnic blanket adds style points to your picnicking this summer. It is embroidered with the phrase ‘Walking on Sunshine’ and has a fringe embellishment around the exterior. The blanket itself has a cosy cotton construction.

Buy now £56.00, NOTHS

Extra Large picnic blankets

Kyhon Outdoor Beach Mat Picnic Blanket

Get the whole family together this summer with this XXL picnic mat that fits four to six people. It is made up of durable, lightweight and breathable nylon. The bonus? The top is water-resistant while a waterproof coating underneath stops moisture seeping in. It folds up into a phone-sized toggle bag.

Buy now £11.99, Amazon

Verdict

Heating & Plumbing’s chic colour palette, super soft fibres and a champagne bucket makes it our star picnic blanket buy. Admittedly it is on the pricier side, so for something high quality that will stand the test of time, Tweedmill’s blankets are a wise investment.