Five of the best picnic spots in Lancashire to visit when it's sunny

Amy Fenton

29 June 2024 at 2:32 am·3-min read

Crook O’Lune picnic site — -Credit: (Image: Visit Lancashire)

With summer having finally arrived, one way to make the most of the stunning landscapes Lancashire has to offer is by packing up a picnic basket and heading out for the day.

There are plenty of popular picnic spots to choose from either beside a river or in the heart of a city centre. Many places have picnic tables or you can take along a checked blanket and spread it out among the grass.

These days picnic bags are far more lightweight than the traditional solid baskets and have plenty of space for everything you'll need from forks to folding tables. Here we take a look at five of the best picnic spots in Lancashire.

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Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe

Edisford Bridge, on the outskirts of Clitheroe, spans the River Ribble towards Great Mitton. The fast-flowing but relatively shallow water is a popular spot for paddling and in the warmer months is packed with picnicking families.

Edisford Bridge is popular with families in the warmer months -Credit:Rivers Trust

Location: Edisford Road, Clitheroe BB7 3LA

And if you fancy making a day of it why not visit the nearby Pendle Hill (below)?

Calf Hey Reservoir, Haslingden Grane

Halfway along Grane Road, which in itself offers stunning views across East Lancashire, is Calf Hey Reservoir. The ruins of old farms - bought up and left in situ by the water board - offer a great place for kids to explore and there are plenty of paths and walking routes around the reservoir.

The car park is small so get there early to find a spot. Several of the houses next to the car park make 'a thing' of feeding the birds so even just sitting in your car you're treated to a wildlife display!

If you don't fancy taking your own food there's the nearby Clough Head Café. The café doubles up as a visitor centre, where walkers can grab a leaflet and knowledgeable staff are on hand with advice and information on the landscapes and heritage of the area.

Location: Calf Hey Road, Rossendale, BB4 4AU

Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh

A perfect place for picnic-lovers, the 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland provides plenty of pitches for everyone. Follow the woodland sculpture trail or search for wildlife, from rabbits to deer and even a spectacular array of dragonflies in the summer months!

Location: Carwags Lane, Preston PR3 2ES

Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh -Credit:Visit Lancashire

Williamson Park, Lancaster

Williamson Park comprises 54 acres of beautiful parkland with enchanting walks and play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast and the Lake District. You can enjoy Ashton Memorial whilst you're there and watch the stunning sunset views across Morecambe Bay.

Quernmore Rd, Lancaster LA1 1UX

Williamson Park, Lancaster -Credit:Visit Lancashire

Crook O'Lune, Halton

Just a short drive away from Lancaster is the popular Crook O’Lune picnic site (main image). The Crook O'Lune is a large meander in the river between the villages of Halton and Caton spanned by two viaducts which once carried railway lines but are now pedestrian footways.

Location: Halton, Lancaster LA2 6PD

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Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe

Calf Hey Reservoir, Haslingden Grane

Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh

Williamson Park, Lancaster

Crook O'Lune, Halton

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