With summer here, what better way to enjoy the sun than sharing a delicious picnic with friends and family. With plenty of lush parks, beautiful nature reserves and glorious green Lancashire countryside surrounding the city to explore, Preston makes a brilliant place to take some time out, relax and tuck into some tasty alfresco food with loved ones.
Haslam Park
Haslam Park sits alongside the Lancaster Canal with the north of the park featuring Haslam Park Nature Reserve, providing a wonderful natural environment to spot some local wildlife and get closer to nature.
Combine the park's diverse scenery with it's peaceful walks, such as down a lime tree avenue or around a rose and sensory garden, and you've got yourself a brilliant place for a picnic and leisurely wander.
Before you leave, don't forget to pay a visit to the ornate cast iron drinking fountain and Grade II listed entrance gates - a throwback to the park's Edwardian beginnings of which some of it's stunning original features are still retained.
Avenham and Miller Parks
Located in the heart of the city, yet far removed from their urban surroundings, Avenham and Miller Parks offer an array of scenic peaceful places to unwind with a picnic. From super shady spots under magnificent trees overlooking the banks of the River Ribble to large lawned areas providing fantastic vistas of the Victorian public parkland - you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to sit.
Afterwards, why not pop into the Pavilion Cafe and treat yourself to an ice cream, then round off your relaxing afternoon outing with a walk around the park's Japanese Rock Garden - a beautiful and exotic green oasis created in the 1930s.
Winckley Square Gardens
Just a stone's throw away from Preston's main high-street, Winckley Square Gardens is a beautiful green Georgian square surrounded by period architecture.
Either pack a picnic or grab something tasty from one of the many cafes in the city centre, then choose a peaceful lunch spot and watch the world go by.
Before heading back, there's the option to delve further into Preston's park scene, with Avenham and Miller Parks just a short stroll away. And, for those with little ones, why not spice up your family walk with the Spy Mission Treasure Trail - starting at Winckley Square.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
If you're looking to combine a picnic with an adventurous day out, Brockholes makes an ideal place to visit with plenty of picnic tables dotted around the reserve.
After you've finished, set plenty of time aside to explore the site. Once a sand and gravel quarry, the area has been transformed into a natural haven inviting all people of ages to come and get closer to native creatures.
Once you're done exploring the reserve, if you fancy continuing your adventures then head over to Boilton Wood for a wander around. Accessed through Brockholes Nature Reserve, it is part of the biggest and longest stretch of ancient woodland in Lancashire and designated as a site of special scientific interest.
Brock Bottom
Brock Bottom river beauty spot is a local hidden gem tucked away in the trees on the very western edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB.
Much of the river is very shallow and a popular place for families to visit, particularly in the warmer months, making it great for picnics and paddling.
The area also includes some relaxing waterside and woodland trails to explore, including the ruins of an old cotton spinning mill, built around 1790.
Beacon Fell Country Park
Beacon Fell makes a great picnic destination with 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland, providing plenty of space to relax and enjoy your lunch in a super scenic setting.
Whether pre or post ramble, make sure to set some time aside to follow the woodland sculpture trail and if you fancy a hill walk then factor in a hike up to the 266m summit with stunning views over the Lancashire countryside and out to the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day, it's even possible to see the Isle of Man.
