The best picnic blankets
Waterproof underneath, soft on top and easy to carry: the picnic blankets for summer in the park.
A waterproof backing is what makes a modern picnic blanket: British grass is rarely completely dry. Then it's size (200cm square seats a family) and how nicely it folds.
The word came into English from French 'pique-nique' in the 1740s, and at first meant a meal where everyone brought something, indoors or out. Some things don't change.
What matters
- A waterproof backing.
- Size: 150cm for two, 200cm for a family.
- A soft or padded top.
- Machine washable, for grass stains and spills.
#1 of 5
Best overall
VonShef Picnic Blanket, Green Herringbone (200 × 220cm)
£24.99 RRP
The smartest here: a soft fleece herringbone top that seats eight, a waterproof backing for damp grass, and faux-leather straps and buckles that make it look like a proper picnic rug when rolled up.
What owners say: Owners find it big enough for a large group, soft and good value, and say the waterproof side keeps them completely dry.
A closer look: Shake it out and let the backing dry before rolling it up, or damp gets trapped inside. It doubles as a throw for chilly evenings in the garden.
- 220 × 200cm, seats up to 8
- Soft polyester fleece top
- Waterproof PEVA backing
- Folds to 51 × 16cm with carry handle
- 1.3kg
Best for: A smart family picnic
- Size
- 220 × 200cm
- Top
- Polyester fleece
- Backing
- PEVA, waterproof
- Weight
- 1.3kg
- Machine washable
- –
#2 of 5
Most padded
HAUSPROFI 3-Layer Waterproof Picnic Blanket (200 × 200cm)
£10–£20 Price range
Three layers, with a padded cotton middle, make it the softest to sit on for long, and the aluminium backing keeps out damp. A shoulder strap as well as a handle for the walk from the car.
What owners say: Owners find it good quality, soft and spacious enough for a family, and good value.
A closer look: The padding makes it good as a play mat for a baby at the park, or a spare bed in a tent. Wash on a gentle cycle and dry flat.
- 200 × 200cm, seats 4–6
- Soft top, padded cotton middle layer
- Waterproof aluminium backing
- Machine washable
- Handle and shoulder strap
Best for: Comfort on hard ground
- Size
- 200 × 200cm
- Top
- Padded, 3 layers
- Backing
- Aluminium, waterproof
- Weight
- 1.44kg
- Machine washable
- Yes
#3 of 5
Best for the beach
Habaylin Extra-Large Waterproof Picnic Blanket (200 × 200cm)
£10–£20 Price range
A tough 600D Oxford top that sand shakes straight off, and a PVC underside that keeps wet grass and beach damp out. Folds to a flat 30cm pack with a Velcro strap.
What owners say: Owners find it spacious for family days out and easy to carry and clean, and like that it's waterproof.
A closer look: Lay it backing side down and weigh the corners with bags or shoes on a breezy beach. Rinse off salt water before storing.
- 200 × 200cm, seats 4–6
- 600D Oxford top
- Waterproof, sandproof PVC backing
- Folds to 30 × 21cm
- Machine washable on gentle, about 1.1kg
Best for: Beaches and sandy days
- Size
- 200 × 200cm
- Top
- 600D Oxford
- Backing
- PVC, waterproof
- Weight
- About 1.1kg
- Machine washable
- Yes
#4 of 5
Prettiest
SAMSIER Gingham Waterproof Picnic Blanket (150 × 200cm)
Under £10 Price range
Classic red-and-white gingham on a waterproof base: the one for summer-fete photos and strawberries in the park. It folds into its own handbag-style carry case.
What owners say: Owners love the look and the size for family days out, and find it waterproof and easy to clean, with sand coming off easily.
A closer look: Pair it with a wicker basket and a flask for a ready-made birthday picnic present. It's small enough to live in the car boot all summer.
- 150 × 200cm, 1–6 people
- Gingham 600D Oxford top
- Waterproof backing
- Machine washable
- 830g, folds with carry handle
Best for: Summer picnics for two
- Size
- 150 × 200cm
- Top
- 600D Oxford
- Backing
- Waterproof
- Weight
- 830g
- Machine washable
- Yes
#5 of 5
Best budget
Amazon Basics Picnic Blanket with Waterproof Backing (150 × 195cm)
Under £10 Price range
Light (329g), padded and cheap, with a blue check top, a damp-proof underside and a flap that holds it folded. Ideal to keep in the car.
What owners say: Owners find it good quality with room for five, easy to fold, soft and washable.
A closer look: Light enough to take on every walk just in case. Keep it in the boot with a couple of folding chairs and a sunny afternoon's sorted.
- 150 × 195cm
- Polyester top with sponge padding
- Waterproof, sandproof underside
- Folds to 45 × 25cm
- Machine washable, 329g
Best for: The car boot
- Size
- 150 × 195cm
- Top
- Polyester, padded
- Backing
- Aluminium film, waterproof
- Weight
- 329g
- Machine washable
- Yes
How they compare
| Feature | #1VonShef herringbone | #2HAUSPROFI 3-layer | #3Habaylin 200cm | #4SAMSIER gingham | #5Amazon Basics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Most padded | Best for the beach | Prettiest | Best budget | |
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Price | £24.99 RRP | £10–£20 Price range | £10–£20 Price range | Under £10 Price range | Under £10 Price range |
| Size | 220 × 200cm | 200 × 200cm | 200 × 200cm | 150 × 200cm | 150 × 195cm |
| Top | Polyester fleece | Padded, 3 layers | 600D Oxford | 600D Oxford | Polyester, padded |
| Backing | PEVA, waterproof | Aluminium, waterproof | PVC, waterproof | Waterproof | Aluminium film, waterproof |
| Weight | 1.3kg | 1.44kg | About 1.1kg | 830g | 329g |
| Machine washable | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | A smart family picnic | Comfort on hard ground | Beaches and sandy days | Summer picnics for two | The car boot |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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