10 Best Picnic Blankets UK 2024 | Sophie Allport, Argos Home and More

You can't get much more classic than a picnic blanket with a red and white check pattern. It brings feelings of warmth and summer and continues to be as stylish as ever. This particular rug is very large at 200 by 200 cm, so you don't have to worry about there not being space, and the helpful handle has been built in so there's no fear of losing it. 

Unlike lots of other picnic blankets, this one can be machine washed, so you can get it looking as good as new even if lunch time with the kids has gotten a bit messy! Both sides are waterproof, too, meaning you don't have to worry about rain showers that come out of nowhere.

Not only does this rug have the layers you'd expect like hard-wearing polyester on the bottom and soft flannel on the top, but it also offers extra comfort with a layer of sponge padding in between. And even the backing, a layer you would expect to find on most picnic blankets, is made tougher in this product by adding aluminium. 

On a style level, this rug manages to combine many favourite picnic-blanket-pattern favourites. The check pattern is a timeless classic loved by all, and it is given a different spin here with a rainbow of colours being used to enhance it and make it sing.

Inviting a lot of people along to your picnic? If so, you need to be prepared with a large blanket like this to ensure that everyone has a place to sit. This blanket claims that it can fit up to 6 adults sitting and 4 lying, and with kids, you'd be able to fit even more. 

The colour scheme and pattern on this blanket are very pleasant to look at and will appeal to any age or taste. Thanks to the Velcro fastening and built-in handle, it is also easy to fold away despite its large size.

When you're on a hike and you need to take a break, you don't want to sit somewhere that will get your clothes wet and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Luckily, with this picnic blanket, you won't have to. It looks quite different from the other products on this list as it's far less bulky – it can even fit into a small bag.

In order to reduce bulk, some comfort has had to be sacrificed, but the freedom this gives you and the increased space you'll have is a worthwhile trade. They also come in fun colours and the bag has a carabiner clip so you can fasten it anywhere to have on you at all times. 

Lying down on this rug on a warm summer's day will feel lovely on your skin thanks to the incorporation of a layer of soft wool. It's also large enough for you – and even a few others – to lie down, so you can lounge and eat as you please. 

This rug has a gorgeous traditional quality with its check pattern, tassels and leather straps, but it has been brought up to date with the polyester back which stops the woollen top layer from soaking up any moisture from the ground. 

A lobster pattern might sound like quite a bold choice, but rest-assured that this picnic blanket is surprisingly tasteful. The design might be out there, but the colours aren't, and this balance makes it a blanket that anyone could add to their picnic gear. 

The soft and cosy topping and tassels give an extra something to this rug, but it's something you have to pay for. This rug is undeniably pricey, which might put some people off, particularly when you can get the same quality for less. 

Put a smile on your face with this brightly coloured rug. Just looking at the multicoloured stripes is enough to make you happy, but it has a lot more to give than just looks. It is medium-sized so it won't be too bulky when carrying it around, and it's made from tough polyester on both sides.

It's worth pointing out that this rug can't be machine washed and should only be wiped clean, so if you're picnicking with messy kids it might be worth going for another option, especially considering that any stains are going to show up on its beautifully bright colours. 

This blanket will be perfectly suited to picnic in the rolling hills of the British countryside – it even has a tweed jacket to demonstrate how quintessentially British it is! This rug is elegant but practical with its waterproof backing and easy-to-fold design. 

It won't suit everyone though as it is quite small and therefore not ideal for bigger gatherings. It is also quite expensive as a result of its high quality and more than many would be willing to spend on a small picnic rug. 

Perfectly suited to people whose style is simple, this picnic blanket has a sophisticated monochrome check design which has been made a little more interesting with a subtle burst of yellow around the outside. The back is waterproof too, so you don't have to worry if the ground is slightly damp. 

This rug is on the smaller side, so unless there aren't that many of you picnicking, it could get a bit tight for space. It also doesn't have the option of machine washing, which could get frustrating even if it can be wiped clean. 

If you're looking for something cheap but that will do the job, then this rug could be for you. It is made from a comfy and warm polyester material so it will feel nice to sit on. It is also suitable for machine washing, which will save you time. 

The block colour might appeal to some, but other people might prefer to have a bit more of an exciting pattern adorning their picnic blanket. This rug doesn't give its specific dimensions either, so it is hard to know what size of group it will work for.