Did you know that July is officially National Picnic Month?
There’s no better time to dust off your picnic blanket, pack up your favourite butties and treats, and enjoy some fresh air in one of Wigan’s many beautiful outdoor spaces, and we have plenty! I know one of my favourite places as a kid was the ressies in Orrell (now rather grandly called Orrell Water Park), and of course, Haigh Hall.
Why July?
National Picnic Month was created to encourage people to make the most of the great outdoors during the warmest and sunniest time of the year. With the school holidays just around the corner and the countryside in full bloom, July is the perfect opportunity to slow down, spend quality time with loved ones, and reconnect with nature – sandwich in hand, of course!
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a picnic. Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment sausage roll or pie on a park bench or a full-on spread with friends and fizz, picnics bring people together. They’re budget-friendly, simple, and good for the soul, and in Wigan we are spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic-worthy locations. Here’s a round up of some of our favourites:
1 – Haigh Hall, Aspull
Haigh Hall and the surrounding Haigh Woodland Park is the perfect setting for a picnic. With over 250 acres of well-maintained parkland and woodland, there are plenty of shaded grassy glades, picnic benches, and ponds to choose from.
It’s accessible with tarmac paths, woodland trails, the canal, and tranquil gardens, making it easy to find a good spot, either near a pond or under trees.
Brilliant for families too: there’s a free adventure playground and children’s play areas. Plus cafés and a deli in the courtyard, although we think it’s more fun to bring your own picnic.
2 – Orrell Water Park, Orrell
Orrell Water Park is one of my old haunts, as I grew up in Orrell, but back then it was simply called ‘the ressies’.
Perfect spot for a picnic, it’s set around two former reservoirs, but has been transformed with trees, plenty of benches as you walk round, children’s play area, and free parking.
A popular spot for fishing too, there will always be plenty of anglers stationed around each lake. With well-maintained paths and peaceful views, Orrell Water Park is a peaceful gem in Wigan for a no-fuss, scenic picnic.
3 – Walmesley Park, Ince
Walmesley Park in Ince is a little gem—around 19 acres of green space with gentle woodland and wetland areas, perfect for families or solo picnickers looking or a peaceful outdoor moment.
It has a children’s play area and nearby concrete ramp skatepark so while the adults unpack sandwiches, kids and teens can ride or scooter nearby—a great combo of calm and activity in one spot.
Bring your picnic blanket, pack a frisbee or ball, and set up under the trees or by the open lawns.
4- Alexandra Park, Newtown
Alexandra Park in Newtown is a well-rounded spot for a laid-back picnic. Its open lawns and tree-lined pathways offer plenty of grassy space and scattered benches where you can relax with your lunch.
The children’s play area, tennis courts, bowling greens, and an extreme sports/skate facility nearby mean that there’s always something to keep active youngsters or teens entertained while you enjoy the peace of your food. There is almost always an ice-cream van stationed there too.
Alexandra Park holds a Green Flag award, recognising its quality maintenance and community value.
5- Mesnes Park, Wigan
Mesnes Park is an absolute standout picnic destination, a beautiful park combining Victorian elegance and green open spaces, and thoughtful facilities right on the edge of Wigan town centre. Dating back to 1878, this Grade II listed gem has been beautifully restored with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and local council support.
With formal lawns, neatly tended flowerbeds, a tranquil duck pond with a rock waterfall, and the impressive bandstand and Pavilion at its centre, there’s plenty of peaceful spots to spread a picnic blanket, and if you fancy an ice-cream, in The Pavilion you’ll find the famous Frederick’s Ice Cream parlour.
Families and groups will particularly appreciate the range of amenities—two playgrounds, smooth paved paths ideal for scooters or wheelchairs, wide green open spaces, seating and picnic benches, and even space to let kids roller skate or skateboard.
In short, Mesnes Park blends history, greenery, handy facilities, and lively atmosphere—making it one of Wigan’s best choices for a summer picnic.
6- Scholes Henge, Scholes
It could work couldn’t it?
If you fancy a picnic spot with a bit of edge, why not roll out your blanket at Scholes Henge? Okay, so it’s not your typical lush green picnic haven—but this row of giant carved stones in the heart of Scholes brings its own kind of charm.
Created by local youth projects in 2012, the sandstone slabs spell out SCHOLES in bold graffiti-style lettering and have become something of a landmark.
There’s not much in the way of grass, shade, or actual seating—but if you’re after a picnic with a side of urban art and local character, this one’s for the brave. Plus, you’ll definitely have the place to yourself.
If you’ve got a picnic spot you think we’ve missed, or just fancy getting involved—get in touch!
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