Picnic season is here – and so is the need for a new picnic blanket (Image: Getty)
Picnic season is almost upon us, folks, which means it’s time for picky bits in the park, strawberries and cream, Prosecco and Pimms in disposable cups and hours in sunshine. As everyone knows, a good picnic – especially one in the UK – requires a decent picnic blanket that can be laid on a damp floor without it getting ruined.
Even better if it can easily be washed without ruining its overall appearance and quality. For those planning on frequenting their local park or beach this summer for a regular picnic lunch, tea or even breakfast – if you’re feeling particularly spritely – we’ve taken a look at a range of picnic blankets available to help those in the market for such a buy.
When looking for these blankets, we’ve taken into account a number of factors – waterproof, weather proof, value, style, size and more. Now, gone are the days of a soggy-bottomed old, tatty blanket that leaves us a little damp, as most picnic styles now have a built in water-resistant base.
Best for style – Dock & Bay Sugar Sorbet Travel Picnic Beach Blanket, Next, from £65
Dock and Bay’s picnic blanket comes in a range of colours and patterns (Image: Next)
I’d like to preface this by saying this is by no means a ‘style over substance’ picnic blanket. But it had to fill our spot for best for style as its colourful, striped design is ideal for summer, playful, bright and aesthetically pleasing.Coming in two sizes – large (Height 170cm / Width 170cm) and extra large (Height 240cm / Width 170cm) – the blanket is touted as being lightweight and compact and comes neatly packaged in a bag that matches its design, making it easy to transport.
Machine washable and dryer safe, the blanket is quick drying (made from 100% polyester) and is water resistant with its underside preventing discomfort from damp grass or sandy beaches.
One nifty detail that is a godsend for beach days is that it has a secret hole at its centre that is the perfect placement for parasols.
While we love the stripe design, it comes in a variety of other patterns including a geometric print and pastel stripes.
Shoppers who have already snapped up the picnic blanket have loved the style, with one person remarking: “Very happy with my new picnic blanket. Beautiful colours and great quality lining.”
The only drawback we can comment on is that cushions may be needed as it doesn’t seem to be padded, which may not be as comfortable after a few hours (although, that’s if we’re being picky).
Best value buy – Coastal Picnic Blanket, M&S, £14
The M&S Coastal Picnic Blanket is a great budget-friendly option (Image: Marks and Spencer)
Costing an affordable £14, this picnic blanket from Marks and Spencer ticks many boxes for those who want a simple, lightweight and portable blanket that won’t take up much space and is comfortable. It can be rolled up and has a built-in handle for easy carrying, while its water-resistant backing helps keep moisture from damp grass or sand from soaking through.
It’s also described as having a ‘soft, comfortable top layer’, which one shopper said was ‘high quality’ and added: “Beautiful colours.” Although they did add why they deducted a star: “Four stars because it is difficult to roll up and fit into the carrier handle”.
Best for beach (sand-proof option) – Nomadix Festival Blanket, £69.95
Nomadix’s Festival Blanket comes in a range of colours and is reportedly ‘sand-resistant’ (Image: Nomadix)
One of the most annoying parts of going to the beach with a picnic packed and a blanket on which to enjoy said nibbles is when a gust of wind comes along and not only kicks up the corners of said blanket, sending picky bits flying, but throws sand everywhere.
But Nomadix’s Festival Blanket combats this issue by having built-in anchor stakes at each corner to ensure a smooth base.
Like the other picnic blankets, this particular model also has a (recycled) water-resistant base which defies damp ground, but one unique feature – that is perfect for beach days – is that it also comes with a plush soft MicroSuede top that is reportedly ‘sand-resistant’.
It’s available in five different colours and patterns from floral to waves.
Best all in one – VonShef Picnic Backpack, £34.99, Amazon
The VonShef backpack has everything picnic fans need for al fresco dining (Image: Amazon)
While a picnic basket is quaint and whimsical, it often isn’t practical – it usually can’t hold food, cutlery, glasses, drinks and a picnic blanket. But this backpack on Amazon from VonShef is the answer to this.
Not only does it contain all the picnic accessories needed, including two plates with stainless steel utensils, two wine glasses, two cotton napkins, but it also comes with a blanket that can be attached to the bag for easy transportation.
Not to mention, it comes with a built in 25L cooler compartment which reportedly keeps food and drink cold for up to six hours.
The blanket measures at W135 x D115cm when laid out, and features a fleece top and waterproof backing.
Shoppers have hailed it as ‘practical and stylish’, with one person remarking: “Brilliant. Bought this for a camping trip. Really, really handy. The picnic blanket also doubled up as a bed blanket when it got nippy at night. Very practical and stylish.”
Someone else noted: “This has everything you need for a picnic, perfect for a day out.”
Although one shopper shared how the blanket was a ‘bit bulky but probably needs to be as it has a waterproof back’. So keep this in mind.
Best small option for couples – TBCO’s Small Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket, £59
The TBCo picnic blanket measures at 86cm x 150cm and is the perfect size for two (Image: TBCo)
This gorgeous Small Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket Pink Micro Gingham can brighten up any picnic date thanks to its gorgeous clash of pink, fuchsia, blue, purple, and yellow gingham that instantly boosts the mood.
Measuring at a compact 86cm x 150cm, it’s the perfect size for two and can even be personalised for a special occasion or gift.
A nice added detail is that it’s eco-friendly. Made from recycled wool, every single blanket saves about six garments from landfill. It’s perfectly sized for snuggling with your love or bestie, and it rolls up into a neat little bundle with a handle thanks to its popper buttons.
Plus, with a water-resistant backing, damp grass won’t ruin the mood. Just toss it in a bag and go.
Best large/XL option for families and big groups – VonShef Picnic Blanket, £19.99, Amazon
The VonShef picnic blanket from Amazon is loved by our own Rachel Sloper who hails it as ‘enormous’ (Image: Amazon)
If you’re planning a big get-together, our Affiliate Lead, Rachel Sloper, highly recommends the VonShef Picnic Blanket because of its absolutely ‘enormous’ size. Measuring a hefty 200x220cm, it can fit up to eight people, making it the ultimate choice for a proper park party with friends and family.
It’ll be sure to impress them with its chic herringbone design, too, that comes in a few different colors like beige, blue, and green.
The top is made of super-soft polyester fleece for maximum comfort, while the clever PEVA backing means no damp grass soggy bottoms.
Rachel said of the blanket: “The VonShef blanket comes in an elegant herringbone pattern with a faux leather carry strap. It looks great and the large size is generous enough to seat a big family. It’s lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect to throw in the car for anything from impromptu picnics to days at the beach.”
When it’s time to head home, just roll it up and secure it with the sleek leather straps and silver buckles for easy carrying. It’s important to note that the strap isn’t attached – one detail some shoppers weren’t to pleased with, as one said: “Nice blanket but annoying the strap isn’t attached so you have to manoeuvre rolling it & getting it in the strap- fiddly.”