Brock Bottoms

The River Ribble cuts through Lancashire countryside here, and Brock Bottoms is where you actually get to sit down by the water without trespassing on someone's back garden. It's a proper picnic spot - the kind where you chuck a blanket on the grass, unpack some sandwiches, and watch the river do its thing.

What you get is riverside access near Preston with enough space to spread out. There's no facility fanfare - no cafe, no play equipment, no gift shop. Just grass, trees, and water. Families with younger kids will manage an hour or two easily enough; older children might find it a bit tame unless they're into stone-skipping or getting muddy. If you're the type who just wants a quiet sit-down with decent scenery, it works well.

The spot sits within reasonable reach of several caravan parks and glamping sites - Orchard Glamping and Wigwam Holidays at Kidsnape Farm are barely three miles away. If you're based at Beacon Fell View or Brickhouse for a few days, this makes an easy escape without going far. Pack your own food, bring a decent blanket, and time it for an afternoon when the light's good.

There's no admission charge as far as can tell - it's a free riverside stop. Parking details aren't clear, so ring ahead if you're planning a trip. Summer weekends might draw crowds, so mornings work better. Real value for families wanting a low-key picnic without driving halfway across England.