Plan the perfect picnic in Liverpool with these 9 dreamy locations
When the sun decides to show up in Liverpool, you’ve got to make the most of it. And you know what? Nothing beats a proper picnic, with things to do on the side if you fancy.
Growing up here, I’ve learned exactly where to go when the weather’s decent and you fancy eating your butties outdoors.
From big parks with plenty of space to quieter spots by the water, the city’s full of cracking places to lie down a blanket. Some are well-known, but others are a bit hidden unless you’re local.
So, where should you go? Load up your cool bag and let’s take a walk through the best picnic spots Liverpool’s got to offer. And the best thing? They’re all free.
1. Speke Hall Garden & Estate
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Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall/
Location: The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD
Contact: +441514277231
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Speke Hall Garden & Estate is one of those spots where you can easily spend a whole afternoon, and not just eat your lunch.
It’s just outside the city, near the Speke Retail Park. It’s set around a big old Tudor Manor, so it’s got loads of space and a bit of history too. Then there are wide lawns, peaceful gardens, and woodland paths for a stroll after lunch.
Now, if you’ve got kids with you, families usually head for the maze and play area. Meanwhile, quieter spots like the orchard lawn are ideal if you’re after something more chilled.
Additionally, the Home Farm Restaurant is on site. It offers a convenient option for a top-up or if you’ve forgotten your snacks. Plus, I really appreciate that the toilets and picnic benches are scattered throughout.
Pro Tip:
I recommend heading to the South Lawn. There’s less foot traffic, loads of space, and a stunning view of the hall as your picnic backdrop. I always sit there after the walk.
2. Croxteth Hall and Country Park
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CroxtethHall/
Location: Muirhead Ave E, L11 1EH
Contact: +441512333020
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Croxteth Hall and Country Park stretches across 500 acres. This spot features formal gardens, wild woodland, and wide-open fields, making it ideal for large groups or those seeking their own quiet patch.
Adding to the charm is the 16th-century hall, once home to the Earls of Sefton. You can even wander around the old courtyard and gardens, with the main building showing what life was like for Liverpool’s landed gentry back in the day.
What makes it a picnic favourite, though, is the abundance of activities available. There’s a Victorian walled garden, an adventure playground, and even a working farm with animals—great if you’ve got kids in tow. It’s also super pet-friendly.
Facilities-wise, you’re well-equipped, as toilets, bins, and benches are available throughout. And if you didn’t pack enough snacks, there’s a handy cafe by the stables called Cafe 1575 for hot food and drinks.
Pro Tip:
If you have vehicles with you, you can use the main car park accessible via Flint Drive off Croxteth Hall Lane. Disabled bays are also available; simply display your Blue Badge.
3. Otterspool Promenade
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Location: Otterspool Dr, L17 5AL
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM
Stretching along the River Mersey, Otterspool Promenade offers plenty of space for picnicking while soaking in the skyline and the Wirral across the water.
But aside from the space with waterside views, this location is also a popular spot for jogging and cycling, featuring a flat, accessible path suitable for all ages.
Beyond the scenic walk, you’ll find Otterspool Adventure Centre. It’s a family favourite with mini golf and go-karts.
Additionally, it also has a skate park for those who enjoy an action sports hub. It’s complete with ramps and slides for skateboarding, BMX, and scooter riding.
This place is also ideal for birdwatching, with species such as turnstones and oystercatchers frequently spotted, especially at high tide.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on grabbing a bite at The Church pub nearby! I personally love their homemade pies and their mouthwatering Sunday roasts. Plus, their prices won’t break the bank and are perfect for refuelling after a day outdoors.
4. Festival Gardens
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Location: Riverside Dr, L17 7EG
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Festival Gardens stands out with its riverside tranquillity and artistic touches you won’t find in many other Liverpool picnic spots. For one, it’s filled with quirky sculptures and colourful floral displays. These provide the place with loads of creativity, perfect for an artsy afternoon outdoors.
You’ll also come across two beautifully restored pagodas, adding an oriental charm to the landscape. These stand beside traditional Japanese and Chinese gardens, providing a serene space to unwind.
And unlike larger parks, it’s more intimate, with fewer crowds. Plus, being situated right on the Mersey, it offers some of the city’s best waterside views in a compact, easily walkable space.
Its close connection to Otterspool Promenade also means you get the quiet gardens with access to a bustling walkway nearby.
Pro Tip:
If you’re heading by train, St. Michael’s Station is just a 10-minute walk away. This is super handy if you don’t fancy driving or parking.
5. Formby National Trust
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Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/formby/
Location: Victoria Rd, Formby, L37 1LJ
Contact: +441704878591
Hours: Open all day
Formby National Trust is a brilliant spot if you’re after a beachside picnic with a bit more to explore. There’s the family picnic site on loose sand and grass, the Cornerstone picnic site with wheelchair-friendly tables, and a fenced BBQ area near the tea hut.
But beyond the picnic areas, you can also wander several walking trails like the Squirrel and Asparagus Trails through pine woods and dunes. Here, you can spot wildlife like red squirrels and sand lizards. So, bring your binoculars.
Don’t miss the beach itself too. This is where you’ll find historic remains, like the Ionic Star and Bradda shipwrecks, as well as preserved prehistoric human footprints visible at low tide.
Pro Tip:
If you want a quieter picnic area away from the main beach, head toward the dunes behind the BBQ area (near the tea hut). It’s less crowded and has nearby toilets, making it super convenient if you’re staying for a few hours.
6. Calderstones Park
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Website: https://www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks-and-greenspaces/local-parks-and-greenspaces/calderstones-park/
Location: Calderstones Mansion House, Calderstones Rd, L18 3JB
Contact: +441512333000
Hours: Open 24 hours
There are several historical places here in Liverpool, and one of those is the 126-acre picnic spot inside Calderstone Park.
One of the park’s standout features is the Allerton Oak. It’s a 1,000-year-old tree that, according to legend, once hosted medieval courts beneath its branches.
And if you’re into a bit of ancient history, the Calder Stones are right there too—six Neolithic boulders that used to form a burial site, now preserved inside the park.
Also, right at the heart of the park is the Calderstones Mansion House, built in 1828. Just outside, there’s a playground and even a mini train ride that loops around part of the park, especially popular on weekends.
Pro Tip:
Right after strolling, you can visit the Ice Cream Parlour near the mansion for a treat. I suggest trying their honeycomb and raspberry ripple, which are the locals’ favourite. They also offer vegan and dairy-free options.
7. Sefton Park
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Website: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/sefton-park/9032101/
Location: Aigburth, Merseyside L17 1AP
Contact: +441512332008
Hours: Open 24 hours
Sefton Park’s the kind of place where you can pick your picnic vibe—shady under the tree, sunny by the lake, or sprawled out on the huge open lawns.
With 235 acres to explore, it’s one of Liverpool’s biggest green spaces that’s always buzzing with life, especially on weekends.
What makes it a crowd favourite are the attractions one can find inside. Sefton Park has waterfalls, a boating lake, and the stunning Palm House. It’s a glass-domed Victorian greenhouse that often hosts live music and community events.
There are also walking trails, flower gardens, and plenty of ducks to keep kids entertained. For something a bit different, the Fairy Glen offers a more secluded spot with a stream and small bridges, perfect for a quiet snack break.
Pro Tip:
After your picnic, I recommend taking a short stroll to Lark Lane. It’s lined with indie cafes and restaurants, such as Maranto’s, that serve generous Italian plates. Love & Rockets is also popular in the area known for delicious pizza and beer.
8. Crosby Beach
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Website: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/crosby-beach/24456101/
Location: Mariners Road, Crosby, Merseyside L23 6SX
Crosby Beach is an option if you want a picnic with a side of sea breeze. Stretching about 2.5 miles along the Mersey, its headline feature is Another Place. It’s Anthony Gormley’s haunting installation of 100 cast-iron figures standing out to the sea.
As the tide shifts, each of these statues slowly emerges or disappears, creating a serene yet striking backdrop while you snack.
Beyond the art, this place is also a brilliant spot for a walk. There’s a long, flat promenade linking Waterloo Marina and the scenic Sefton Coastal Path. And for a bit of unexpected history, you’ll pass some old WWII coastal defence bunkers along the way.
When it comes to convenience, there are toilets and parking at Burbo Bank and Waterloo Leisure Centre. In summer, you’ll also spot an ice cream van or coffee stalls nearby.
Pro Tip:
For the best views of Another Place at low tide, time your visit using the Tide Times app or website. Or, if you’re feeling peckish, pop over to Waterloo’s The Little Deli. It’s a local favourite just a 10-minute walk away, known for its homemade sandwiches and cakes.
9. Princes Park
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Website: https://liverpool.gov.uk/parks-and-greenspaces/local-parks-and-greenspaces/princes-park/
Location: Devonshire Rd, L8 3TZ
Hours: Open 24 hours
Princes Park is the kind of quiet green escape that feels hidden in plain sight. It’s also smaller and more low-key than nearby Sefton or Calderstones, which makes it ideal for a laid-back afternoon.
Inside, you’ve got a lovely serpentine lake right in the middle, perfect for watching ducks and swans drift by or even a bit of fishing if you’ve got a permit. There’s a wide loop path around the park too, great for a gentle stroll or casual bike ride.
Plus, there’s a kids’ playground, public tennis courts, and even a few table tennis tables tucked around. And fun fact: you’ll spot a donkey gravestone here, named after Judy, a local favourite back in the 1920s.
There’s no cafe inside, though. But just a 10-minute stroll away, you’ll find Pippin’s Corner and Aldente Restaurant & Bar—two local food stops for a post-picnic treat.
Pro Tip:
Head towards the Japanese gardens for a quieter picnic, away from the main paths. It’s peaceful for a low-key afternoon.