13-07-2025
Five most scenic picnic spots in and around Bolton for National Picnic Month
Bolton is set for sunny skies and soaring temperatures this weekend, which makes it the perfect time to pack a picnic and explore the borough's best outdoor spots.
As this month marks National Picnic Month – here are five of the best spots to picnic around Bolton, just make sure to take your rubbish home with you!
Jumbles Country Park
What better way to enjoy a picnic than whilst observing the serene stillness of the reservoir?
With plenty of woodland surrounding Jumbles Reservoir, this route gives picnickers chance to take in the peaceful tranquillity of the water, as well as the lovely woodland surrounding it.
Jumbles Country Park (Image: Martini Archive) A perfect spot for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers, the park also has a café to take a rest at and plenty of picnic benches for you to sit back and take in the natural scenery.
For those who love history, head to the nearby Turton Tower, which was originally built in the late Middle Ages and is a scheduled ancient monument.
Moss Bank Park
This huge park and play area are perfect for children and the surrounding greenery is popular among residents and dog walkers.
Moss Bank Park (Image: Bolton Council) With playgrounds for children, plenty of green space and a delightful café, Moss Bank Park makes the perfect family day out for picknickers.
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The redeveloped play area includes a sand pit, and the miniature railway and children's rides operate during the summer months.
For those who fancy some light activity after their picnic, the park also boasts numerous tennis courts open for both amateurs and professional players.
Doffcocker Lodge
Just a couple of miles from Bolton town centre there is a picturesque mill lodge turned nature reserve called Doffcocker Lodge.
Tucked away between Chorley Old Road, Moss Bank Way and Markland Hill Lane, the site offers great opportunities for bird watching and fishing.
It is a relatively small area with part of the site a designated Nature Reserve.
Doffcocker Lodge (Image: Bolton Council) This perfect hidden gem is ideal for picnickers looking for a picture-perfect suntrap.
The lodge, which has special floating rafts to allow birds to nest without fear of predators, is also a popular spot for keen birdwatchers.
For those who fancy a beer to accompany their picnic, there's the local pub, Bob's Smithy Inn, which is situated on Chorley Old Road.
As well as outdoor seating, the family-run gastro pub serves locally sourced, home-cooked food.
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir Circular
For those who wish to accompany their picnic with a walk in the sunshine, this spectacular circular route is the perfect family-friendly outing.
A slightly longer walk at 4km, this route is an easy one and thought to take an average of 49 minutes to complete. It is also suitable for all fitness levels.
Entwistle Reservoir, (Image: Gillian McGowan) Keep an eye out for local wildlife or look forward to a picnic on one of the areas many benches.
And a walk around the area certainly makes for a lovely afternoon that can be enjoyed any time of year.
When constructed in 1832 the Entwistle Dam was the highest in Britain, standing at 108 feet from the base.
Bolton Abbey waterfall
If you like walking, you'll know there are plenty of routes to take in and around Bolton, but have you ever picnicked by a waterfall?
Bolton Abbey is in Skipton and takes around one hour and 20 minutes to drive there from Bolton.
Bolton Abbey waterfall (Image: Tripadvisor)
Walkers of the route are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall, the walk continues up on to the moors to Simon's Seat, where on a clear day, the views are breath-taking.
Whilst this may seem a long journey for a picnic, the views make it worth this trip worth it – especially with the promise of a delicious picnic feast for those able to successfully compete the feat!
