Nobody likes a soggy bottom, which is why, with Britain’s changeable weather, a picnic blanket is a spring/summer must-have.
There are dozens of varieties available, from posh rugs suitable for the finest afternoon tea to bright, bargain designs you won’t worry about spilling beer on at a festival.
Here are eight of our favourites.
Herringbone Weave Picnic Rug, M&S, £35
For a blanket that oozes class, you want this number from M&S. Don’t forget to pack the champagne flutes, darling. Dimensions: 140cm x 135xm.
Cactus Picnic Mat, Mountain Warehouse, £12.99 (was £25.99)
Mountain Warehouse has lots of picnic blankets currently on sale, but we love this fun cactus design. The blanket is a little smaller than some of the others, but perfect for two people if you don’t want to lug a heavy rug around. Dimensions: 120cm x 140cm.
Summer Party Woven Picnic Rug, John Lewis, £16
The bright, geometric print of this blanket screams summer. It rolls neatly into the straps and carry handle – perfect for picnics on the move. Dimensions: 150cm x 135cm.
Printed Picnic Blanket, Matalan, £8 (Was £10)
Matalan’s printed blue, white and orange patterned blanket is a bargain. For less than a tenner, it includes a carry handle and a water resistant polyurethane underside. Dimensions: 180cm x 150cm.
Multicolour Fishbone Picnic Rug, National Trust, £35
Nothing says English countryside like the National Trust. This wool outdoor rug is designed to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Dimensions: 130cm x 170cm.
Patterned Palm Tree Picnic Blanket, H&M, £17.99
This blanket from H&M folds down into an almost flat rectangle, perfect if you want to throw it in a tote bag or backpack. Again, it has plastic, water resistant lining. Dimensions: 140cm x 160cm.
VonShef Picnic Blanket Rug, Amazon, £20
The leather handle with subtle brown pattern gives this blanket that additional countryside feel. It’s also available in brighter shades for those who like to stand out from the crowd. Dimensions: 180cm x 140cm
Twister Picnic Blanket, Robert Dyas, £17.99
And last but not least, this Twister blanket is a game and a rug in one – perfect for those days when you want to act like a big kid with your mates in the sunshine. Dimensions: 170cm x 140cm.
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